Songs > Paperback Writer
Paperback Writer
(Lennon/McCartney)
Song background
The first single released by the Beatles which did not revolve around a love theme, "Paperback Writer"
was written by Paul as a letter from an aspiring writer to a publishing company begging them to publish
his new book. Paul later remarked that he like the way the phrase "paperback writer" sounded and wanted to
build a song around it, as he had been challenged by an aunt to write a song not about love. The track
itself featured a more prominent bass track through a technique conceived by engineer Ken Townsend, the
first Beatles song with such a feature and in direct response to popular American R&B songs released
around the same time.
Recording dates
- April 13, 1966 (2 takes, basic track)
- April 14, 1966 (overdubs)
Release dates
- June 10, 1966 (UK) ("Paperback Writer/Rain" single)
- May 30, 1966 (US) ("Paperback Writer/Rain" single)
- December 10, 1966 (UK) (on A Collection of Beatles Oldies)
- February 23, 1970 (US) (on Hey Jude)
- April 2, 1973 (UK) (on 1962-66)
- April 19, 1973 (US) (on 1962-66)
- March 8, 1988 (UK & US) (on Past Masters Vol. 2)
Recording notes ...
Chart performance
- #1, June 23 & June 30 (2 weeks), Record Retailer (UK)
- #1, June 25 & July 9 (2 weeks), Billboard (US)
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