Paul McCartney Reveals the Five Beatles Songs Closest to His Heart
After more than sixty years of shaping music history, Paul McCartney has finally shared the five Beatles songs that mean the most to him. For fans who have spent decades wondering which among the nearly 300 legendary tracks hold a special place in his heart, this revelation feels deeply personal—almost sacred. Though every recording session was filled with magic, Paul admits that five songs continue to stand out, like guiding lights through the passage of time.
“They weren’t just songs. They were moments of life itself,” Paul reflected, his voice carrying the weight of both memory and joy.
Let It Be
The first song on his list is “Let It Be.” Inspired by a dream of his late mother, Mary, the song emerged during one of the most difficult periods of The Beatles’ journey. In the dream, Mary comforted him with the words, “Everything will be all right.” Out of that intimate vision grew a song of hope and healing, one that has touched millions around the world. For Paul, it remains both a personal anchor and a timeless reminder of music’s ability to bring comfort in the darkest of times.
Penny Lane
Next comes “Penny Lane.” This track is far more than nostalgic reflection—it is a vivid celebration of ordinary life in Liverpool, transformed into art. From buses to barbershops, from nurses to flower sellers, every small detail of the street where Paul grew up becomes immortalized in melody. To him, the song is like a photograph that sings, preserving his youth forever.
Yesterday
Third on the list is “Yesterday.” Its haunting simplicity has made it one of the most covered songs in history. Paul once admitted he worried the melody was borrowed from some forgotten tune, as it came to him fully formed in a dream. For weeks he even called it “Scrambled Eggs” until he was convinced it was his own. The song’s enduring legacy proves that certain melodies feel destined to exist, waiting only for the right voice to bring them to life.
A Day in the Life
The fourth song is “A Day in the Life,” the powerful closing track of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. A daring fusion of Lennon’s somber verses and McCartney’s light-hearted interlude, the track represents, in Paul’s words, “friendship and trust.” For him, it is living proof of the magic that happens when creativity is shared. It is not just a song—it is The Beatles at their most fearless and collaborative.
Here Comes the Sun
The final choice is “Here Comes the Sun,” George Harrison’s luminous contribution from Abbey Road. Written in Eric Clapton’s garden during a spring morning, its optimism and delicate guitar lines continue to make Paul smile. Including George’s masterpiece was not only an acknowledgment of its brilliance but also a tribute to the joy and camaraderie that defined The Beatles’ bond.
Together, these five songs reveal more than musical preferences. They are milestones of Paul’s life: his mother’s gentle reassurance, his Liverpool roots, a melody born from a dream, the courage of collaboration, and the warmth of a friend’s light. For fans, the revelation is not just about favorites—it is about seeing the heart of a man who gave so much of his own to the world. As Paul approaches his 83rd birthday, these songs remain timeless reminders that music is more than sound. It is memory, hope, and love, carried forward forever in song.