The Beatles: The Turbulent Songwriting Credits and Collaborations

The Fab Four, The Beatles, are legendary not only for their musical brilliance and innovation but also for the complex dynamics within the band. Among the most fascinating aspects of this legendary group are the songwriting disagreements and collaborations. The Beatles were talented musicians and prolific writers, but their creative process and the credits for their compositions were often as tumultuous as their public image.

Songwriting Disputes and Public Disputes

Even after the group's official split, the Beatles continued to experience disputes over songwriting. One of the more notable instances occurred around 1970, after the band's dissolution, when George Harrison published his autobiographical book, I Me Mine. In this book, George disclosed that he had written some of the lyrics for "Taxman," leading to a rivalry with John Lennon. John expressed his frustration, pointing out that he had contributed more than just 'one line' to the song. George attempted to assuage the situation by admitting to writing just two lines for "Come Together" or some parts of "Eleanor Rigby," demonstrating that the details of their contributions were often disputed even after the fact.

The Lennon-McCartney Handshake Agreement

Despite these occasional disagreements, the Beatles maintained a clear and deliberate songwriting process. From the very beginning, John Lennon and Paul McCartney had a handshake agreement that whenever either of them wrote a song, it would be credited to both. This agreement ensured that both members could share the credit and financial benefits equally, fostering a sense of teamwork and mutual respect within the band.

Exceptions and Breaches

While the Lennon-McCartney agreement was generally adhered to, there were instances where it was breached or modified to accommodate specific situations:

1967's The Family Way Film Score: Yellow Submarine producer Walter Shenson requested that George Harrison write incidental music for the 1967 film The Family Way. Harrison took sole credit for these compositions, marking an exception to the consistent collaborative songwriting process. No-Regret Movie Songs: Despite some initial reluctance, John Lennon honored the handshake agreement with his first solo single, "Give Peace a Chance." However, he later regretted not taking sole credit, leading to an eventual agreement that the copyright would revert to him. Ringo Starr and Harrison Collaboration: When Ringo Starr contributed lyrics to George Harrison's song "What Goes On," it resulted in a credit of Lennon-McCartney-Starkey, recognizing the collaborative efforts despite the individual contributions.

Conclusion

The Beatles, while legendary for their musical genius, were also marked by their internal dynamics and creative collaborations. The disputes over songwriting credits, outlined in this article, highlight the complexity of their professional and personal lives. These internal struggles, while sometimes polarizing, ultimately contributed to the rich and diverse legacy of the band. The Lennon-McCartney agreement, though occasionally breached, served as a foundational principle that maintained fairness and respect among the band members.