Paul McCartney Reflects on Rebuilding His Friendship with John Lennon

In a recent installment of the Audible series *Words + Music*, titled “The Man on the Run,” Paul McCartney discusses the revival of his friendship with John Lennon following the Beatles' breakup in 1970. The three-hour audio experience, released on March 19, features interviews between McCartney and filmmaker Morgan Neville, alongside new musical performances by McCartney.

Rolling Stone

McCartney recalls how, after years of estrangement marked by public disputes and solo careers, he and Lennon found common ground in their shared experiences of fatherhood. McCartney reflects, “The things that we had in common were just ordinary, little domestic things... it was nice that we had that in common. And we weren’t fighting anymore.” This shift in their relationship allowed for more peaceful interactions, with McCartney noting that they would often discuss everyday topics, such as baking bread.

Rolling Stone

The rekindled friendship provided McCartney with solace after Lennon was tragically murdered in 1980. He expressed gratitude for having repaired their relationship before Lennon’s death, stating, “Thank God we got it back together. I don’t know what I would have thought if we hadn’t and we were still warring.” This sentiment underscores the emotional weight of their reconciliation, especially as McCartney learned during the interview that they were speaking on the anniversary of Lennon’s death.

Rolling Stone

In the interview, McCartney emphasizes the importance of their renewed bond, highlighting how it was a source of comfort in the wake of Lennon's passing. He remarked on the senselessness of the tragedy, stating, “The guy who did it is still in New York and he’s in jail... you can’t make sense of it.” This reflection illustrates the profound impact of Lennon's death on McCartney and the music community at large.

Rolling Stone

While McCartney's reflections are largely positive, some critics argue that the public narrative surrounding the Beatles' breakup and subsequent reconciliation often oversimplifies the complexities of their relationship. Detractors suggest that the portrayal of their friendship as purely reconciliatory overlooks the deeper tensions and artistic differences that characterized their partnership.

How Paul McCartney Repaired His Friendship With John Lennon: “Thank God We Got It Back Together”

• “I don’t know what I would have thought if we hadn’t and we were still warring.” — Paul McCartney

Rolling Stone

• “The things that we had in common were just ordinary, little domestic things,” — Paul McCartney

Rolling Stone

• “The guy who did it is still in New York and he’s in jail and he’s still knocking around — you can’t make sense of it. The world is a very sort of bizarre place, as we all know.” — Paul McCartney

Rolling Stone

The conversation between McCartney and Neville not only sheds light on the personal dynamics between two of music's most iconic figures but also serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and relationships.

How Paul McCartney Repaired His Friendship With John Lennon: “Thank God We Got It Back Together”