5 Songs That Paul McCartney Wishes He Wrote

Paul McCartney picks his favorite songs to wishes he wrote ever. One of the most-known guitarists and bassists and legends, Paul McCartney, loves adding simple but catchy guitar techniques and styles to his music, riff, and solo parts for music bands like The Beatles. In this article, we will detail the songs of Paul McCartney named as his wishes he wrote of all time.
Paul McCartney, one of the most famous characters in the pop-rock genre, has impressed the rock and pop genre. McCartney’s songwriting, voice, and bass playing were critical to The Beatles becoming a founding member of the global fanbase.
His adventure started in Liverpool, England, where he and the other The Beatles members – John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr – revolutionized the music business and culture. He contributed considerably to the band’s sound as its bassist and one of its primary songwriters. Hits such as “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” and “Yesterday” became classics, establishing The Beatles as one of the greatest bands of all time.
Following The Beatles’ split in 1970, Paul McCartney launched a successful solo career, creating the band Wings with his late wife, Linda McCartney. The band’s chart-topping singles were “Band on the Run” and “Live and Let Die.” McCartney’s solo work highlighted his flexibility, encompassing styles ranging from rock and pop to experimental and classical music.
McCartney’s live performances are famous, showing his exceptional flair and the timeless appeal of his songs. His concerts continue to draw audiences of all ages and frequently become community celebrations of his ongoing musical legacy.
Paul McCartney’s musical achievements go beyond his work with The Beatles and Wings. He has worked with various musicians, including Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Kanye West, demonstrating his capacity to adapt and create in a constantly shifting musical world.
Paul McCartney’s music continues to be a tribute to the ability of art to transcend time and touch the hearts of millions. McCartney’s legacy will be indelibly inscribed in the material of popular music, reminding us that his talent and enthusiasm for producing music has no boundaries, from his early days as The Beatles to his solo success.
Paul McCartney also has around $1.2 billion net worth until now.
Paul McCartney’s Top Songs to Wishes He Wrote
The Beatles guitarist and back vocal Paul McCartney also shared his respect for some famous musicians. McCartney picks his wishes to write songs. However, many genres from blues, classical rock, jazz, and pop-rock inspired him.
What is Paul McCartney’s favorite song that he wishes to write?
- ‘Stardust’ – Hoagy Carmichael
- ‘Just the Way You Are’ – Billy Joel
- ‘Fields of Gold’ – Sting
- ‘God Only Knows’ – The Beach Boys
- ‘Love Me Do’ – The Beatles
Let’s check which favorite songs Paul McCartney wishes he wrote below!
1. Stardust – Hoagy Carmichael

“Stardust,” a jazz standard written in 1927 by the famous Hoagy Carmichael, has become a timeless masterpiece transcending time and genre. The song has been performed by various musicians, cementing its reputation as one of the most cherished and famous pieces in the American repertoire, thanks to its haunting melody and evocative lyrics.
Hoagy Carmichael wrote the music for “Star Dust” on a beautiful summer night in Bloomington, Indiana. Later, he worked with poet Mitchell Parish, who provided evocative lines that perfectly suited the music’s dreamy and melancholy tone. The sight of a honeymooners’ bandstand where the freshly married pair danced under the starlight inspired Carmichael to write the song, which prompted the development of the beautiful tune.
When “Stardust” was initially released, it was met with middling success, but it came into its own in the early 1930s when famed bandleader Isham Jones recorded it. The delicate and romantic arrangement of the music struck a chord with fans, resulting in broad recognition. “Stardust” has become a vital component of the American Songbook and a defining tune in the jazz genre.
“Stardust” has been recorded and performed by many musicians, from jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald to modern singers like Willie Nelson and Nat King Cole. As time passes, “Stardust” shines brightly as a monument to the magnificence of Hoagy Carmichael’s musical heritage, shimmering like the stars that inspired its composition.
Paul McCartney shares the reason for wishes he wrote “Stardust” by Hoagy Carmichael:
“I don’t really want to have written anyone else’s songs, but, as a fantasy question, I love ‘Stardust’, by Hoagy Carmichael and Mitchell Parish. It’s a beautiful song. And I remember thinking that Billy Joel’s first hit, ‘Just The Way You Are’, was a nice song, I’d like to have written that one too. ‘Stardust’ first, though.”
2. Just the Way You Are – Billy Joel

Billy Joel‘s song “Just the Way You Are” is from his fifth studio album The Stranger (1977). It was released as the album’s lead single in September 1977. The song was Joel’s first US Top 10 and UK Top 20 hit (numbers 3 and 19, respectively) and his first gold single in the US. The song also spent the whole month of January 1978 atop the Billboard Easy Listening Chart.
In 1979, “Just the Way You Are” won two Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
“Just the Way You Are,” a timeless song of love and acceptance written and performed by the incomparable Billy Joel, has become an iconic ballad. The song, released in 1977 as part of Joel’s album “The Stranger,” struck a chord with fans.
“Just the Way You Are” was inspired by Billy Joel’s first wife, Elizabeth Weber, whom he was married to. The song was written as a present for her. But its universal theme of appreciating someone for their true nature struck a chord with fans.
“Just the Way You Are” received critical acclaim and commercial success upon its debut, garnering Billy Joel two Grammy Awards in 1979, including Song of the Year. The global theme of unconditional love resonated with listeners, making the song a popular option for weddings, anniversaries, and romantic gatherings.
Paul McCartney talks the reason for wishes he wrote “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel:
And I remember thinking that Billy Joel’s first hit, ‘Just The Way You Are’, was a nice song, I’d like to have written that one too. ‘Stardust’ first, though.”
3. Fields of Gold – Sting

“Fields of Gold,” a song by Sting, has become a classic hymn to love and cherished memories. The song, released in 1993 as part of his album “Ten Summoner’s Tales,” struck a deep chord with fans, cementing it as one of Sting’s most loved and timeless songs. “Fields of Gold” is a moving reminder of the beauty found in the simplicity of love and the power of shared moments.
Sting created a beautiful story with “Fields of Gold,” drawing inspiration from the countryside environment and love’s eternal bond.
“Fields of Gold” and the rest of the album’s tracks were recorded at Lake House in Wiltshire, mixed at The Townhouse Studio in London, and mastered at Masterdisk in New York City. Brendan Power plays the harmonica solo, while Kathryn Tickell plays the Northumbrian small pipes. Kevin Godley directed the song video. The cover of the single and the cover of the album Ten Summoner’s Tales were shot at Wardour Old Castle in Wiltshire.
Sting also talked about the “Fields of Gold”s lyrics:
“In England, our house is surrounded by barley fields, and in the summer it’s fascinating to watch the wind moving over the shimmering surface, like waves on an ocean of gold. There’s something inherently sexy about the sight, something primal.
As if the wind were making love to the barley. Lovers have made promises here, I’m sure, their bonds strengthened by the comforting cycle of the seasons.”
Paul McCartney reveals the reason for wishes he wrote “Fields of Gold” by Sting:
“There is always a couple that I hear that I think I’d have liked. I liked Sting’s ‘Fields Of Gold’, and I thought, ‘Y’know what, I should have written that.’ How dare he? ‘I told him: ‘You stole my song.’ I thought that was a nice one, y’know?”
4. God Only Knows – The Beach Boys

“God Only Knows,” is a The Beach Boys‘ masterpiece, is one of music history’s deep and love songs. The song’s superb harmonies and emotionally charged lyrics have resonated with generations of listeners since its release in 1966 as part of their seminal album “Pet Sounds,” establishing its status as a timeless classic. “God Only Knows” remains a striking testament to the everlasting essence of love and its enormous influence on our lives.
“God Only Knows” is a symphony of soaring melodies and sophisticated vocal arrangements composed by Brian Wilson, the creative genius behind The Beach Boys.
The Beach Boys’ song “God Only Knows” is taken from their 1966 album Pet Sounds. It is a Baroque-style love ballad written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher. It is notable for its harmonic originality and complexity, unconventional instrumentation, and lyrical and melodic defiance of standard popular song tropes. It is regarded as one of the greatest songs ever and the Beach Boys’ best album.
“God Only Knows” was written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher for the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds album. Wilson “spent more time tweaking the instrumental part than we did writing the words!” Asher believed it was the pair’s most natural collaboration.
Wilson confessed that he had “not written that kind of song” and stated, “I think Tony had a musical influence on me in some way.” After around ten years, I began to think about it more deeply
And I recall him mentioning ‘Stella by Starlight,’ he had a thing for vintage music.” Asher agreed that he believed he had influenced Wilson to create the song.
Paul McCartney shares the reason for wishes he wrote “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys:
“‘God Only Knows’ is one of the few songs that reduces me to tears every time I hear it. It’s really just a love song, but it’s brilliantly done. It shows the genius of Brian.”
5. Love Me Do – The Beatles

The Beatles‘ debut single, “Love Me Do,” released in 1962, marked the start of a historic musical journey that would forever reshape the landscape of popular music. The song, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, illustrates the band’s early excitement and knowledge to construct beautiful tunes. “Love Me Do” remains a tribute to The Beatles’ exceptional brilliance and the charm that would define their famous career as a doorway to their incredible worldwide triumph.
On October 5, 1962, “Love Me Do” was released, introducing fans to the characteristic sound that would soon become synonymous with The Beatles.
“Love Me Do” collected in the years after its debut, finally becoming a Top 20 success in the UK and the US upon its re-release in 1964. The song’s popularity created the groundwork for the incredible streak of singles that would follow, catapulting The Beatles to unprecedented prominence and cementing their status as one of the most influential bands in music history.
“Love Me Do” is a significant element of The Beatles’ early repertoire, and it remains a fan favorite and a sentimental recollection of the band’s early years. Its legendary reputation reflects the continuing power of The Beatles’ music and the band’s influence on popular culture.
Sting shares the reason for wishes he wrote “Love Me Do” by The Beatles:
“Especially those of us who have to write and sing in counterpoint to our bass lines!
‘Love Me Do’ was the first Beatles song we heard in England. It was 1962, I was about 0, and I was at the swimming baths with my mates. Suddenly this came over the sound system, and we all just stopped, mesmerised. It was a simple tune, two chords, harmonica. But there was this incredible feeling and energy. Nothing was ever the same.”
What are your thoughts on Paul McCartney‘s songs to wishes he wrote? Let us know in the comment section!
The 5th one is wrong. The quotes at the end were by Sting, about the first time he heard “Love Me Do”. How can Paul wish he wrote something he already wrote?!
he wishes to wrote all of the song alone.
Glad you said it😜
we fixed it thanks for help 🙂
Five Songs Paul McCartney Wishes He Had Written.
I was hoping he would also say Waterloo Sunset by the Kinks, for me the greatest rock song of all time.
I absolutely agree on that one !
And “Waterloo Sunset” also sounds like a Paul McCartney melody could have been writing for The Beatles around “The Summer of Love” scene back in 1967. I would have loved to hear how The Beatles would have made their cover version of this one at that time.
Mccartney tries so hard to cut john Lennon cut of the picture but dude John Lennon was the Beatles and still is…george harrison and john lennon had all the talent…
Free as a bird video
I absolutely agree on that one !
Actually, it’s only “God Only Knows” that I understand that Paul would have liked to have written, of the ones he has chosen here,
“Stardust” is nothing special compared all the other wonderful melodies he can choose from.
Yes…. And check out the official Real Love video on YouTube. The thumbnail is not the fab 4 or the remaining 3 at the time…. It’s John & Yoko. Oh, and I’m sure you heard Paul & Ringo are recording another new Beatles tune this year (2023) with John’s vocals, 42 years after his death. If Paul wanted to cut John out, why is he ok with the songwriting credit being LENNON-Mcartney after all these years, even though John contributed little to some of their most iconic hits (Yesterday, Penny Lane, Let it Be, Hey Jude, etc)? And Paul is trying to cut John out how?
When you look at the Catalog of hit songs and volume of music created by Paul McCartney after the breakup, John Lennon pales in comparison,
Keep in mind that Johns solo career was marked by his five year absence from recording, as well as his tragic death.