The Sunday Times bestseller and Waterstones Book of the Year, now in paperback 'Paul McCartney says this is as close as he will get to an autobiography and no wonder - his life is in every line of these songs ... pure joy' Sunday Times, Book of the Year With seven songs added for this edition: 'Bluebird,' 'Day Tripper,' 'English Tea,' 'Every Night,' 'Hello, Goodbye,' 'Magical Mystery Tour' and 'Step Inside Love' Spanning seven decades - from his early Liverpool days, through the historic decade of The Beatles, to Wings and his long solo career - Paul McCartney's The Lyrics has transformed the way artists write about music, pairing the definitive texts of 161 songs with intimate, autobiographical commentaries on McCartney's life and music. Arranged alphabetically, these commentaries reveal the diverse circumstances in which the songs were written, how they ultimately came to be, and the remarkable - often ordinary - people and places that inspired them. Dozens of vignettes re-create the working-class Liverpool of McCartney's youth, where delivery boys ran parcels on docks, as in 'On My Way to Work,' and elderly ladies in the neighbourhood inspired 'Eleanor Rigby.' McCartney also introduces us to his early literary influences, among them Shakespeare, Lewis Carroll and Allen Ginsberg, as well as Alan Durband, his beloved English teacher, and his mother, Mary, who passed away when he was just fourteen - and whose memory has infused his work ever since. Yet the two most powerful presences in The Lyrics after the author himself are his songwriting partner, John Lennon, and his 'Golden Earth Girl,' Linda Eastman McCartney. Here McCartney describes how he met John at a church fete in 1957; their adventures with George Harrison and Ringo Starr in the early 1960s; and how, at the end of the decade, they, and The Beatles, broke up. Thus began a second act of now more than fifty years, with Linda and family life as driving forces - inspiring songs from 'Maybe I'm Amazed,' written just after the breakup of The Beatles, to the 2012 ballad 'My Valentine,' addressed to McCartney's wife and partner, Nancy Shevell McCartney. Edited and introduced by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon, and enhanced by more than a hundred images from McCartney's personal archives - including handwritten texts, mementos, and photographs - and seven new song commentaries, The Lyrics is a book for the ages, and the definitive literary and visual record of one of the greatest songwriters of all time.
The Sunday Times bestseller and Waterstones Book of the Year, now in paperback 'Paul McCartney says this is as close as he will get to an autobiography and no wonder - his life is in every line of these songs ... pure joy' Sunday Times, Book of the Year With seven songs added for this edition: 'Bluebird,' 'Day Tripper,' 'English Tea,' 'Every Night,' 'Hello, Goodbye,' 'Magical Mystery Tour' and 'Step Inside Love' Spanning seven decades - from his early Liverpool days, through the historic decade of The Beatles, to Wings and his long solo career - Paul McCartney's The Lyrics has transformed the way artists write about music, pairing the definitive texts of 161 songs with intimate, autobiographical commentaries on McCartney's life and music. Arranged alphabetically, these commentaries reveal the diverse circumstances in which the songs were written, how they ultimately came to be, and the remarkable - often ordinary - people and places that inspired them. Dozens of vignettes re-create the working-class Liverpool of McCartney's youth, where delivery boys ran parcels on docks, as in 'On My Way to Work,' and elderly ladies in the neighbourhood inspired 'Eleanor Rigby.' McCartney also introduces us to his early literary influences, among them Shakespeare, Lewis Carroll and Allen Ginsberg, as well as Alan Durband, his beloved English teacher, and his mother, Mary, who passed away when he was just fourteen - and whose memory has infused his work ever since. Yet the two most powerful presences in The Lyrics after the author himself are his songwriting partner, John Lennon, and his 'Golden Earth Girl,' Linda Eastman McCartney. Here McCartney describes how he met John at a church fete in 1957; their adventures with George Harrison and Ringo Starr in the early 1960s; and how, at the end of the decade, they, and The Beatles, broke up. Thus began a second act of now more than fifty years, with Linda and family life as driving forces - inspiring songs from 'Maybe I'm Amazed,' written just after the breakup of The Beatles, to the 2012 ballad 'My Valentine,' addressed to McCartney's wife and partner, Nancy Shevell McCartney. Edited and introduced by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon, and enhanced by more than a hundred images from McCartney's personal archives - including handwritten texts, mementos, and photographs - and seven new song commentaries, The Lyrics is a book for the ages, and the definitive literary and visual record of one of the greatest songwriters of all time.
A self-portrait in 154 songs, by our greatest living songwriter 'More often than I can count, I've been asked if I would write an autobiography, but the time has never been right. The one thing I've...
BookLoop is your trusted local Australian destination for books, games, toys, puzzles, tarot cards, stationery, and thoughtful gifts, offering a huge range of carefully curated products for curious minds of all ages. As a proudly Australian-owned bookstore, we are passionate about connecting our community with inspiring reads, creative play, and unique finds that bring joy, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. Whether you're shopping for bestselling fiction, children’s picture books, educational resources, or non-fiction titles that encourage mental health, mindfulness, and personal growth, our ever-expanding book collection has something for everyone—including titles from local Australian authors that celebrate homegrown talent and storytelling. But we’re more than just a bookstore—our diverse range includes engaging puzzles for solo or family fun, educational and screen-free toys designed to develop skills and creativity, and family-friendly board games that bring people together. If you're looking for something with a little extra meaning, our beautifully illustrated tarot cards and oracle decks are perfect for beginners and seasoned readers alike, with options chosen for their artistry, symbolism, and accessibility. We also carry a range of gifts and stationery, from handcrafted journals and high-quality pens to bookmarks, greeting cards, candles, and calming tools, making it easy to find the perfect present for birthdays, celebrations, or simply because. Every product on our shelves is selected with care, quality, and purpose, making BookLoop a one-stop shop for thoughtful, meaningful shopping that supports creativity and wellbeing. We believe in the value of small business and community connection, which is why we’re committed to sourcing products that reflect our values and offering the kind of friendly, personalised service that big retailers can’t match. When you shop with us, you’re not only choosing beautifully curated items—you’re supporting a local Australian business that genuinely cares. We ship Australia-wide with a flat rate to keep things simple and affordable, and every order is carefully packed and quickly dispatched by our small, dedicated team. Our online shopping experience is safe, easy, and user-friendly, making it convenient to explore our wide range of books, gifts, and games from the comfort of home. We’ve seen a growing demand for titles and toys that support mental health, especially in children and teens, and we’re proud to stock a growing number of books on ADHD, emotional regulation, positive thinking, and self-esteem, as well as calming puzzles and sensory-friendly gifts that are both fun and supportive. Whether you're looking to inspire a young reader, encourage imaginative play, find your next favourite novel, or gift someone something truly special, BookLoop has you covered. Thank you for choosing to shop local and support a business that believes in the power of stories, creativity, and connection—explore our full collection today and experience the difference of thoughtful, heart-led retail with BookLoop.
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