Greetings,
As you may know, perhaps because I've mentioned it here, April is National Poetry Month. Naturally, I had to read a couple of poetry books just for the occasion. And on the first day of the month, I read one that I've owned for quite a while and have merely glanced through but never dug deep into. It was about time that I did a proper reading of Blackbird Singing by Paul McCartney.
This book was released in 2001 and, as you can tell by the full title, it contains lyrics and poems that he has written from 1965 to 1999. Why nothing before that? Well, in my opinion, when it comes to lyrics written pre-65, I think even Paul wouldn't know where the McCartney ends and where the Lennon begins. Yes, their collaborations, partnership and friendship were that strong. At that time. If you are an admirer of The Beatles, you'll know that it was around the mid-sixties that the Paul songs and the John songs became pretty distinct, even though they were all labeled Lennon/McCartney. But enough about that.
In Blackbird Singing, you'll find many familiar songs that Paul wrote during his time with The Beatles, with Wings and from his solo career. Good luck trying not to hear the melodies in your head as you read them. If you can, you're a stronger person than I am. Truth be told, I am known for loving a good and complete set of liner notes when I buy an album. Seriously, if there aren't lyrics in there, I can get a bit miffed, because I actually enjoy reading lyrics. So, naturally, these familiar words were the ones I gravitated to more so as I was working my way through this book.
Now, what about the poetry? Well, it's certainly not bad. A few, I think, were actually very good and very moving, even. That description particularly applies to the poems that are clearly personal to him, subject-wise, such as being about his late wife, or his family, or lost friends. And like most writers, he shines when he can tap into the deepest parts of himself. But here's the thing about Paul McCartney, according to me and, perhaps, a few others. I've always felt that he was far better at the music part of songwriting than the lyrical part. He's kinda like the opposite of me. Although, don't get me wrong. On his worst day of verse writing he's probably better than most so-called songwriters on their best. Still, when I think of Paul, I think more of his melodies than words. I'm saying that I believe that his words shine the most when they are attached to his music. This is probably why, whilst I did enjoy this book and I enjoyed reading those words with merely an accompaniment of silence, I didn't get as much of a feeling from them as I would had I been reading lyrics or poems from someone like Leonard Cohen or Tori Amos.
But, again, the word 'bad' would not be found anywhere near this collection.
So, would I recommend this? I'd say yes if you are a fan of poetry and if you're a fan of Sir Paul, it would be a nice add to your collection. I'm not saying you have to rush to get to this one, but it's a nice easy read and all those classic song lyrics might hit you right in the nostalgia. I'm glad I own it. I'm glad I read it. And if you like yourself some good, old McCartney, I think you'll feel the same way.
Wow, this review was short as heck. But so are poems, usually, so there you go.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
