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The Lyrics

1956 to the Present
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( 3,017 ratings, 478 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Lyrics by Paul McCartney offers an intimate glimpse into the life and artistry of one of the most iconic musicians of our time. Through a collection of his most significant lyrics, McCartney shares stories and reflections on the inspirations and experiences behind his songs. This memoir paints a rich picture of his journey, illuminating both his creative process and personal history.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are a fan of The Beatles or enjoy exploring the creative process behind iconic music. Reflecting on his storied career, McCartney provides personal insights and anecdotes that give a vivid glimpse into his songwriting journey, making it a must-read for music enthusiasts and memoir lovers alike.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Sunday Times bestseller and Waterstones Book of the Year, now in paperback with seven new commentaries from Paul McCartney.

โ€œMore often than I can count, I've been asked if I would write an autobiography, but the time has never been right. The one thing I've always managed to do, whether at home or on the road, is to write new songs. I know that some people, when they get to a certain age, like to go to a diary to recall day-to-day events from the past, but I have no such notebooks. What I do have are my songs, hundreds of them, which I've learned serve much the same purpose. And these songs span my entire life.โ€

In this extraordinary book, with unparalleled candour, Paul McCartney recounts his life and art through the prism of 161 songs from all stages of his careerโ€”from his earliest boyhood compositions through the legendary decade of The Beatles, to Wings and his solo albums to the present. Arranged alphabetically to provide a kaleidoscopic rather than chronological account, it establishes definitive texts of the songs' lyrics for the first time and describes the circumstances in which they were written, the people and places that inspired them, and what he thinks of them now.

Presented with this is a treasure trove of material from McCartney's personal archiveโ€”drafts, letters, photographsโ€”never seen before, which make this also a unique visual record of one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

We learn intimately about the man, the creative process, the working out of melodies, the moments of inspiration. The voice and personality of Paul McCartney sings off every page. There has never been a book about a great musician like The Lyrics.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reviews of The Lyrics by Paul McCartney often commend its originality and touching insight into his life and creative process. The book is noted for its stunning presentation, featuring unpublished photos, handwritten lyrics, and McCartney's personal reflections. Critics appreciate the work's warmth, charm, and depth, describing it as an enriching journey through his musical legacy, offering new perspectives even to the most devoted fans.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781802064223

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 November 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin

Illustration: Illustrations, black and white

Contributors:

  • Edited by Paul Muldoon
  • Edited by Paul Muldoon

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 38.0mm

Width: 154.0mm

Height: 230.0mm

Weight: 1004g

Pages: 624

About the Author

Paul McCartney (Author) Born in Liverpool in 1942, Paul McCartney was raised in the city and educated at the Liverpool Institute. Since writing his first song at 14, McCartney has dreamed and dared to be different. He lives in England. Paul Muldoon (External Editor) Paul Muldoon is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of fourteen full-length collections of poetry, including Howdie-Skelp.

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