Which Beatle Wrote ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’?
The Beatles are often hailed as one of the greatest bands in music history, and the song ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’ is a testament to their collaborative creative process. But the question remains: which Beatle wrote this iconic track?
Origins and Collaborative Writing
Often cited by George Harrison, the lyric 'I get by with a little help from my friends' appears in a rendition of the song performed by Ringo Starr, the band’s drummer. However, the song 'With a Little Help from My Friends' was co-written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney for Ringo to sing. The origins of the song trace back to spring 1967.
Quick Write-Up and Recording
According to Hunter Davies, who was present during the writing and recording, the two iconic songwriters worked on some initial ideas and then finished the song in just one afternoon on March 19, 1967. The scheduled recording session for the song was set to begin at 7 p.m. that night. Packed into this afternoon were the lyrics, melody, and even the estimation for the key change for Ringo.
John's Inspiration and Initial Concepts
John Lennon once admitted that the song was 'fifty-fifty' or that 'it was Paul with a little help from me.' Crucially, it was Lennon who suggested starting each verse with a question, making the song more conversational and engaging. Additionally, the song's original working title was 'Bad Finger Boogie,' a nod to the piano melody Lennon played, which he had reportedly injured a finger while playing.
Paul's Perspective and Innocent Lyrics
Paul McCartney, known for his more whimsical and childlike songs, revealed that the group approached 'With a Little Help from My Friends' with a ' craft job' mindset, viewed as a challenge to write something out of the ordinary. Paul acknowledged, 'It was pretty much co-written. John and I were doing a work song for Ringo, a little craft job. It was a challenge, a bit tongue in cheek, something out of the ordinary for us because we had to write in a key for Ringo and be a little tongue in cheek.'
Personal Touches and Lyrics
During the songwriting process, the pair laughed at the lyrics, with Paul recalling, 'I remember giggling with John as we wrote the lines 'What do you see when you turn out the light I can’t tell you but I know it’s mine.' ' Amongst the playful and innocent verse, the song weaving a tale of intimacy and reflection, the duo managed to blend humor with deeper emotional resonance, making a significant contribution to the Beatles’ body of work.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the song 'With a Little Help from My Friends' is a result of the collaborative genius of both John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Their unique voices and creative inputs turned a potentially simple song into a timeless masterpiece. This song stands as a testament to the strength of their partnership and the enduring legacy of the Beatles.