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Blackbird Singing
Book by McCartney, Paul
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
April 5, 2021
This 2001 collection is probably only for the fans.
Some of the poems are touching and effective, especially those dealing with Linda’s death. Most of the lyrics set forth as poems don’t work as such for me: I know them too well as songs and can only read them with their melodies in my head. That doesn’t take away their power, as melody has always been Paul’s forte.
In the poem Meditate, a couplet jumped out at me as a homage to Prufrock:
Finding that was fun.
My impetus to read this now was the announcement of Paul’s “autobiography- in- lyrics” coming out near the end of the year. While writing this review, I’m listening to his 2007 album Memory Almost Full; it’s not one of my favorites, but several of the songs have great lyrics that I imagine will be included.
Some of the poems are touching and effective, especially those dealing with Linda’s death. Most of the lyrics set forth as poems don’t work as such for me: I know them too well as songs and can only read them with their melodies in my head. That doesn’t take away their power, as melody has always been Paul’s forte.
In the poem Meditate, a couplet jumped out at me as a homage to Prufrock:
Shall I fear to now repeat/
Words that whistled down our street?
Finding that was fun.
My impetus to read this now was the announcement of Paul’s “autobiography- in- lyrics” coming out near the end of the year. While writing this review, I’m listening to his 2007 album Memory Almost Full; it’s not one of my favorites, but several of the songs have great lyrics that I imagine will be included.
August 20, 2017
I admit to taking this book from the library shelf simply because of its beautiful cover and title. Only then became aware that it was written by Paul McCartney. I don't know much about him, other than that he was one of the Beatles and that his daughter makes cool clothes. My mom and dad first kissed at a party in the 70s while dancing to "Hey Jude." My dad looked a bit like him, too: big soulful eyes, soft narrow lips, and a thick moptop for hair.
I had to check it out.
The introduction is written by someone called Adrian Mitchell, of whom I had never heard, but of whom I should have heard, as it turns out. He is a well-known British poet, THE poet of the anti-bomb movement, according to wiki. In his introduction, he writes about Paul McCartney's poems a little defensively... as if the idea that a songwriter can be a poet might prove to be a tough sell. Here is why I mention him: I fell in love with one of his expressions. He calls the art of poetry "the art of dancing naked," and that must be one of the most beautiful things I've ever read.
And so it is that we see Paul McCartney dance naked here. Maybe it is an awkward, impenetrable dance at times, but nevertheless always an honest dance. Some poems felt to me like he was perhaps dancing drunk on the table, and the judgement as to whether that is beautiful might be best left to each beholder. Some of his poems really left me in awe, like seeing the starry sky on a cold winter's night. Some made me laugh out loud. I also really enjoyed the interspersing of his song lyrics throughout. They stood side by side with his poems, and it was nice to read the words for what they are, without the music.
At the end of the day, I really enjoyed this little volume. It took me less than 2 hours to read through it, and it put a smile on my face. I feel like I know him a little, know his era a little. He is from Liverpool, a lonely boy.
I know a little about dance. Dancing is not all about technique. At the heart of it, it's about expressing something. And really good dancers can make people feel that something. Well, I felt something.
Here is one poem:
Full Moon's Eve
On a full moon's eve
a tiger sprang
And gnawed on
Who I used to be
A pale haze lights
The fox's eye
And...
Checking once
He leaves by a hole in the hedge
Old loves return
to kiss the lips
In case the empty gallery
Should fill with whispering strangers
Like a flood
I had to check it out.
The introduction is written by someone called Adrian Mitchell, of whom I had never heard, but of whom I should have heard, as it turns out. He is a well-known British poet, THE poet of the anti-bomb movement, according to wiki. In his introduction, he writes about Paul McCartney's poems a little defensively... as if the idea that a songwriter can be a poet might prove to be a tough sell. Here is why I mention him: I fell in love with one of his expressions. He calls the art of poetry "the art of dancing naked," and that must be one of the most beautiful things I've ever read.
And so it is that we see Paul McCartney dance naked here. Maybe it is an awkward, impenetrable dance at times, but nevertheless always an honest dance. Some poems felt to me like he was perhaps dancing drunk on the table, and the judgement as to whether that is beautiful might be best left to each beholder. Some of his poems really left me in awe, like seeing the starry sky on a cold winter's night. Some made me laugh out loud. I also really enjoyed the interspersing of his song lyrics throughout. They stood side by side with his poems, and it was nice to read the words for what they are, without the music.
At the end of the day, I really enjoyed this little volume. It took me less than 2 hours to read through it, and it put a smile on my face. I feel like I know him a little, know his era a little. He is from Liverpool, a lonely boy.
I know a little about dance. Dancing is not all about technique. At the heart of it, it's about expressing something. And really good dancers can make people feel that something. Well, I felt something.
Here is one poem:
Full Moon's Eve
On a full moon's eve
a tiger sprang
And gnawed on
Who I used to be
A pale haze lights
The fox's eye
And...
Checking once
He leaves by a hole in the hedge
Old loves return
to kiss the lips
In case the empty gallery
Should fill with whispering strangers
Like a flood
February 24, 2010
Here's the thing; Paul McCartney is not a lyrics guy. "Eleanor Rigby," sure, but that's an exception, not the rule. My personal favourite is a bit of an exaggeration, but, as an example, I present, as included in the book, the lyrics to "Why Don't We Do It in the Road?":
Why don't we do it in the road?
Why don't we do it in the road?
No one will be watching us,
why don't we do it in the road?
Why don't we do it in the road?
Why don't we do it in the road?
No one will be watching us,
why don't we do it in the road?
Why don't we do it in the road?
Why don't we do it in the road?
No one will be watching us,
why don't we do it in the road?
Why don't we do it in the road?
Why don't we do it in the road?
No one will be watching us,
why don't we do it in the road?
Why don't we do it in the road?
Why don't we do it in the road?
No one will be watching us,
why don't we do it in the road?
Why don't we do it in the road?
Why don't we do it in the road?
No one will be watching us,
why don't we do it in the road?
August 5, 2016
This review might not be totally objective. Because I'm a big fan of Sir Paul McCartney and his music and especially his lyrics.
I've always thought that Paul McCartney has written some of the most beautiful songs... in the world. The lyrics are often a simple story with a poetic feel to it, so why not publish them on paper as a collection? It makes sense.
All I can say is: read it. And admire the art of writing songs. The thing about Sir Paul McCartney is, that it seems so easy - and thats the beauty of his lyrics.
I've always thought that Paul McCartney has written some of the most beautiful songs... in the world. The lyrics are often a simple story with a poetic feel to it, so why not publish them on paper as a collection? It makes sense.
All I can say is: read it. And admire the art of writing songs. The thing about Sir Paul McCartney is, that it seems so easy - and thats the beauty of his lyrics.
April 2, 2012
Now, I honestly don't know much about poetry. I've never been a huge fan of it but from time to time, I do like to sit down and try and explore it a little. I picked this book up years ago during the height of my Beatles phase and decided to re read it tonight.
It's an easy read and some of the poems are amusing but I think that Paul should stick to music. Some of his songs are written in this book and it was actually interesting to read the songs vs the poems. You can tell the man is a lyricist. His lyrics were better than his poetry. That being said, when he wrote on subjects that were closer to home for him (his wife, his children, John's death) he managed to create something beautiful. It was nice to see him dabble in this field but I much prefer his music and his melodies.
Overall, it's a nice little read to keep you occupied for an hour or two but you may find that putting on an old Beatles album is more enjoyable.
It's an easy read and some of the poems are amusing but I think that Paul should stick to music. Some of his songs are written in this book and it was actually interesting to read the songs vs the poems. You can tell the man is a lyricist. His lyrics were better than his poetry. That being said, when he wrote on subjects that were closer to home for him (his wife, his children, John's death) he managed to create something beautiful. It was nice to see him dabble in this field but I much prefer his music and his melodies.
Overall, it's a nice little read to keep you occupied for an hour or two but you may find that putting on an old Beatles album is more enjoyable.
April 21, 2020
A book that started as a surprise gift to Paul from Linda ended up being this collection of poems and song lyrics from Paul's Beatles, Wings, and solo output catalog.
I was very familiar with all of the song lyrics, but not so much with Paul's poetry. The standout for me was Standing Stone which reads more like an old Greek epic and was a long poem turned into a classical score and symphony by the London Symphony Orchestra with an album that came out in 1997.
Paul displays his wit, charm, and even Lennon-like coarseness at times and "Eleanor Rigby" always seemed like a great poem to me and I recall seeing the lines in an Anthology of Literature softcover I once had for a class.
I was very familiar with all of the song lyrics, but not so much with Paul's poetry. The standout for me was Standing Stone which reads more like an old Greek epic and was a long poem turned into a classical score and symphony by the London Symphony Orchestra with an album that came out in 1997.
Paul displays his wit, charm, and even Lennon-like coarseness at times and "Eleanor Rigby" always seemed like a great poem to me and I recall seeing the lines in an Anthology of Literature softcover I once had for a class.
July 11, 2019
A good selection of McCartney's lyrics (some with other writers) and poetry. There is a long poem, Standing Stone, which is particularly impressive. Seeing the lyrics written down shows just how imaginative a writer McCartney is, and how far his compositions are from the popular idea of what a pop song should be about. There are several touching poems about his family, and I was especially moved by those about his late wife Linda.
July 20, 2024
This is a book for fans of Sir Paul McCartney and the Beatles. From classic lyrics from songs like: Yellow Submarine, Penny Lane and Hey Jude, to other songs and poems written by Sir Paul McCartney.
So I can't really give my opinion about the poems because I don't read to many poems so it's unfamiliar territory for me. I like some, I absolutely loved some, and some where oke. I think poetry is personal for everyone. I think that is why I find it difficult to give a clear opinion about them.
But it's a lovely little collection of work by one of the most famous musicians in history. I adore Paul McCartney and the Beatles. I have done so since I was young. I got this book over a decade ago from my dad. I have read this multiple times already throughout the years
So I can't really give my opinion about the poems because I don't read to many poems so it's unfamiliar territory for me. I like some, I absolutely loved some, and some where oke. I think poetry is personal for everyone. I think that is why I find it difficult to give a clear opinion about them.
But it's a lovely little collection of work by one of the most famous musicians in history. I adore Paul McCartney and the Beatles. I have done so since I was young. I got this book over a decade ago from my dad. I have read this multiple times already throughout the years
October 24, 2014
Como diría un amigo viejo (que no es lo mismo que un viejo amigo) este libro está lleno de sorpresas. Paul estaba muy lejos de ser mi Beatle favorito, yo siempre fui Team Lennon. Sin embargo, este libro me ha llevado a comprender que el éxito de los Beatles se encuentra atrás de Paul.
La simplicidad de sus letras, las historias cotidianas, los recuerdos de viejos tiempos -de mejores tiempos- y el espíritu positivo hacia el futuro... Te golpean en la cara y te ponen a reflexionar sobre muchos aspectos de la vida.
Definitivamente Paul "took his broken wings and learned to fly".
La simplicidad de sus letras, las historias cotidianas, los recuerdos de viejos tiempos -de mejores tiempos- y el espíritu positivo hacia el futuro... Te golpean en la cara y te ponen a reflexionar sobre muchos aspectos de la vida.
Definitivamente Paul "took his broken wings and learned to fly".
March 10, 2022
I love the Beatles, even met Paul McCartney's step-mom in Damascus, Lebanon when I was 10 and got a personally autographed photo of the Beatles from her. I love the songs and lyrics. I'm not a fan of most poetry. This book has both lyrics and poems. When I read the lyrics, the songs were in my head. I liked maybe 1/2 of the poems, so that's why I gave it 3 stars.
April 11, 2020
The best ones were those that I found myself singing along as I read them.
September 17, 2020
The typical, whimsical song lyrics and words from McCartney. Interesting to read his poetry with a mix of his well known songs.
November 28, 2019
I thought I would like this more than I did, but I'm still glad I read it.
It's interesting seeing these words presented like this. Lyrics are a form of poetry in many cases so putting them with dedicated verse is fitting. Some lyrics were obviously lyrics, however, and some poems obviously poems. Then some fell into a twilight where they could be either.
It's interesting seeing these words presented like this. Lyrics are a form of poetry in many cases so putting them with dedicated verse is fitting. Some lyrics were obviously lyrics, however, and some poems obviously poems. Then some fell into a twilight where they could be either.
July 21, 2022
I first read this book in 2013. I found it again at the library and I was surprised I had only given it 3 stars. I love the Beatles.. so I reread it.
I'm giving it 3 stars again. I LOVE the lyric poems, but the others I did not care for.
2013:
A long and winding road that leads to your door,
Will never disappear, I've seen that road before,
It always leads me here, lead me to your door.
The wild and windy night that the rain washed away,
Has left a pool of tears crying for the day.
Why leave me standing here?
Let me know the way.
Many times I've been alone and many times I've cried,
Anyway you'll never know the many ways I've tried,
But still they lead me back to the long, winding road,
You left me standing here, a long, long time ago.
Don't leave me waiting here lead me to your door...
I'm giving it 3 stars again. I LOVE the lyric poems, but the others I did not care for.
2013:
A long and winding road that leads to your door,
Will never disappear, I've seen that road before,
It always leads me here, lead me to your door.
The wild and windy night that the rain washed away,
Has left a pool of tears crying for the day.
Why leave me standing here?
Let me know the way.
Many times I've been alone and many times I've cried,
Anyway you'll never know the many ways I've tried,
But still they lead me back to the long, winding road,
You left me standing here, a long, long time ago.
Don't leave me waiting here lead me to your door...
July 16, 2018
“When I was a teenager, for some reason I had an overwhelming desire to have a poem published in the school magazine. I wrote something deep and meaningful—which was promptly rejected—and I suppose I have been trying to get my own back ever since.” —Paul McCartney. Boy, did he ever!
Favorites include
“Blackbird”*
“When I’m Sixty-Four”
“Here Today”
“Penny Lane”
“The Long and Winding Road”*
“The Fool on the Hill”
“Hey Jude”
“Yesterday”*
“Paperback Writer”
“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”
“Eleanor Rigby”
“My Love”*
“Meditate” [Ode To Monkey Mind]
*Doubly divine!
Favorites include
“Blackbird”*
“When I’m Sixty-Four”
“Here Today”
“Penny Lane”
“The Long and Winding Road”*
“The Fool on the Hill”
“Hey Jude”
“Yesterday”*
“Paperback Writer”
“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”
“Eleanor Rigby”
“My Love”*
“Meditate” [Ode To Monkey Mind]
*Doubly divine!
June 18, 2019
There's a reason why these songs have lasted the test of time. They are so clever and moving. It is great to see them in print like this. It was also interesting to read some of his straight poetry. Overall, this was a excellent collection.
We discuss this and more in our McCartney spotlight on the All the Books Show: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/ep...
We discuss this and more in our McCartney spotlight on the All the Books Show: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/ep...
November 27, 2016
3.5
Enjoyed reading it.
First poem collection I've read.
Enjoyed reading it.
First poem collection I've read.
May 10, 2024
i made a playlist of all the songs in the collection: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1NF...
that being said… i don’t think including lyrics from his discography alongside original poetry was the smartest idea
it felt like an immediate cash grab and not a genuine attempt at poetry — paul has always been more of a melody guy too. almost like he was scared to let his original works stand out on their own; the songs being a constant reminder of his influence and how him and the rest of the beatles are often “immune to criticism” because of their innovations in songwriting and music production — “even if the poems suck, he wrote yesterday!!!”
poems are not songs, it‘s easy to already feel out the rhythm of the lyrics to songs like yellow submarine or hey jude - making them read rigid in a way most “poems” shouldn’t be? i also did play songs corresponding to to some of the poems, and these are not psalms or hymns. with the music off, you can tell they were not made to exist in this medium, maybe on genius lyrics but not in print.
some of the genuine attempts at poetry aren’t bad at all though; anything in the Nova chapter or about Linda McCartney (Wings bias) was emotionally resonant and he demonstrated the most control in those parts. sucks that this mostly comes in at the end. also swifties… he definitely was william bowery at on Sweet Nothing and i love that poem
the political poems were hypocritical; how are you going to comment on the horrors of apartheid and nuclear weaponry then be a Zionist. i guess this does happen a lot in media so it’s not surprising in the slightest especially for Sir Paul McCartney.
no temporary secretary, say say say, or the girl is mine…
that being said… i don’t think including lyrics from his discography alongside original poetry was the smartest idea
it felt like an immediate cash grab and not a genuine attempt at poetry — paul has always been more of a melody guy too. almost like he was scared to let his original works stand out on their own; the songs being a constant reminder of his influence and how him and the rest of the beatles are often “immune to criticism” because of their innovations in songwriting and music production — “even if the poems suck, he wrote yesterday!!!”
poems are not songs, it‘s easy to already feel out the rhythm of the lyrics to songs like yellow submarine or hey jude - making them read rigid in a way most “poems” shouldn’t be? i also did play songs corresponding to to some of the poems, and these are not psalms or hymns. with the music off, you can tell they were not made to exist in this medium, maybe on genius lyrics but not in print.
some of the genuine attempts at poetry aren’t bad at all though; anything in the Nova chapter or about Linda McCartney (Wings bias) was emotionally resonant and he demonstrated the most control in those parts. sucks that this mostly comes in at the end. also swifties… he definitely was william bowery at on Sweet Nothing and i love that poem
the political poems were hypocritical; how are you going to comment on the horrors of apartheid and nuclear weaponry then be a Zionist. i guess this does happen a lot in media so it’s not surprising in the slightest especially for Sir Paul McCartney.
no temporary secretary, say say say, or the girl is mine…
July 30, 2025
works great if you’re a fan, which i naturally am. not sure if someone who’s never heard of paul mccartney’s work or lacks appreciation for it would enjoy this however. then again, it’s paul mccartney.
truthfully, i didn’t really enjoy reading some of the best known songs in the world as poems, it just didn’t work for me and i found myself singing them in my head rather than fully absorbing, if that makes sense. of course the song lyrics have meaning, but i have dissected these a thousand times and did not get the fresh feeling with them as i got from the poems.
the poems he has written for linda and after linda are definitely the clear highlights of this collection in my opinion.
also, as a fan, i would’ve wanted to see more of his earlier efforts such as when he was still in school
truthfully, i didn’t really enjoy reading some of the best known songs in the world as poems, it just didn’t work for me and i found myself singing them in my head rather than fully absorbing, if that makes sense. of course the song lyrics have meaning, but i have dissected these a thousand times and did not get the fresh feeling with them as i got from the poems.
the poems he has written for linda and after linda are definitely the clear highlights of this collection in my opinion.
also, as a fan, i would’ve wanted to see more of his earlier efforts such as when he was still in school
September 21, 2025
In the world of Beatle fandom, Paul isn’t considered a wordsmith, but as the Beatles lyrics in this collection show, this is not an accurate assessment. There are some additional songs that should have been included; I’d take “I’m Looking Through You,” “For No One,” and/or “Fixing a Hole” over “Why Don’t We Do It In the Road” (oh Paul, oh why?). Many of the lyrics from his solo career included here are slight, but seeing the words on the page gave me a new appreciation for the cleverness of “Helen Wheels,” the images in “Mull of Kintyre,” and the craft of “Junk.”
When it comes to the poems, most aren’t very memorable. I quite enjoyed the ones looking back at his youth, like “Dinner Tickets” and “In Liverpool,” and some of the poems written in the wake of his wife Linda’s death are moving.
The inclusion of Beatles lyrics is what pushes this collection up to four stars for me.
When it comes to the poems, most aren’t very memorable. I quite enjoyed the ones looking back at his youth, like “Dinner Tickets” and “In Liverpool,” and some of the poems written in the wake of his wife Linda’s death are moving.
The inclusion of Beatles lyrics is what pushes this collection up to four stars for me.
March 24, 2021
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free
Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of a dark black night
Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of a dark black night
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
John Lennon/Paul McCartney
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free
Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of a dark black night
Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of a dark black night
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
John Lennon/Paul McCartney
April 1, 2021
I just could not finish this book. Paul McCartney may have been good at pop lyrics, but as a serious poet he's--lacking. There were no original ideas or imagery in this book, and a fair portion of the poems were song lyrics any Beatles fan would have heard before. Oddly, I found out that it wasn't the lyrics I loved so much as all the elements of the song put together, as on the page without an accompaniment they were not very interesting.
But I read more than half of it, so for all intents and purposes I'll let it count towards this year's page count. Might as well get something out of it.
But I read more than half of it, so for all intents and purposes I'll let it count towards this year's page count. Might as well get something out of it.
April 11, 2024
It feels like a crime against humanity to give any book with the lyrics to "Hey Jude", "Eleanor Rigby" and "She's Leaving Home" less than four stars, even less than five stars, but the worthiness of song lyrics when appearing in print form, absent of music, even the musicality of their author's voice, has long been doubted by pretentious twats like me. That said, this is Paul McCartney and these are some of the greatest lyrics of all time, the sucessor to Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, his lyrics encompassing the same childhood joy and innocence found in classic English children's literature. If Lennon was the bloody twentieth century, then Paul was the elegant and innocent nineteeth.
May 14, 2018
These pages are filled with some heartfelt well written poems, but most of the pages contained really below average poems. Paul McCartney’s strength in deftly conjoining words with music made me have high expectations for this collection, so for me, some of his poetry left something to be desired (music)— but that might not be the case for other McCartney fans, it’s hard to say. It was worth reading since it was a relatively short collection and had brief moments of excellence; however, I would recommend lowering your expectations first.
November 8, 2020
Word choice is a gift that Paul McCartney has developed. The songs and poems in this book are masterful. When he has taught classes on writing, he explains to his students that his secret to writing a song is working on it until he recognizes that a song (or poem) seems complete or right. This is a book of poetry so fine that I want to return to it repeatedly. It is not good enough to just have the Beatle and Wings in my collections of music.
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March 19, 2024I thought I was getting a book of Paul poetry but it also includes lyrics to some of his best known songs. Unfortunately, it feels like he is better at writing for (or to) music than simply writing a poem. They felt like half thought out fragments he didn’t turn into songs. Interesting to see a small glimpse into his process though. And, admittedly, his half hearted scramblings are still better than a lot of modern music.
July 18, 2018
I don't claim to be an expert on poetry. But this is still a cool book to read. It contains the lyrics to plenty of Paul McCartney's most recognized and beloved songs, but a big part of the book is poems that he wrote that never became songs. And it's interesting to read these poems, seeing the ways Paul expressed himself in writing that wasn't music.
December 13, 2021
Realized as I was reading that I’ve never actually read a lot of Beatles lyrics and they are very clever. Enjoyed that.
Paul McCartney the Poet, not as much. There were a handful of poems I liked. The rest were average with like some sneaky dirty lines, which threw me cause I just think of Paul McCarney as this old dude.
Paul McCartney the Poet, not as much. There were a handful of poems I liked. The rest were average with like some sneaky dirty lines, which threw me cause I just think of Paul McCarney as this old dude.
August 1, 2019
This was a birthday present for my 29th birthday. It was one of the best presents ever as it has brought me joy over the years. I love The Beatles and I love Paul McCartney. Getting to read his words anytime I want is a wonderful feeling of love , hope and at times sadness.
November 29, 2020
It was nice to revisit old and newer song lyrics that bring me joy and smiles, as well as reading poetry new to me. McCartney continues to stimulate minds and hearts with this book- loved every page. My personal favorite is “Calico Skies.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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