A good novel tells us the truth about its hero, but a bad novel tells us the truth about its author.
- G. K. Chesterton, Heretics
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Pet_Sounds' Top 50 Beatles Songs
#43: Paperback Writer
These lyrics are real. Having spent the past fourteen-plus years with a freelance journalist and small-time author, I can speak for the fact.
"Paperback Writer" is also notable for being the first UK Beatles single not about romance. Despite that, it reached number one in five different countries. Recorded in 1966, during the
Revolver sessions, it was held off the album due to The Beatles' policy of not including pre-released singles.
I love how the song begins with
a cappella vocal harmonies, then Paul's distorted guitar riff kicks in. Paul also plays an excellent bassline. The backing vocals on verses three and four are singing "Frere Jacques", believe it or not.