Paul McCartney writes songs like the rest of us breathe. Some became part of The Beatles’ legacy. Some fueled Wings and his solo career. And some? He handed them off, shared them with friends, or helped shape them behind the scenes. These are the songs that flew from Paul’s pen into other voices and became their own kind of classic.
Here are 10 great tracks McCartney wrote or co-wrote that were performed by other artists—and every single one tells its own story.
“Come and Get It” – Badfinger (1969)
Paul wrote and recorded the demo in under an hour. When he offered it to Badfinger, he told them to copy the demo exactly. They did, and it became one of the first major hits for Apple Records. The blueprint was pure McCartney.
“World Without Love” – Peter and Gordon (1964)
Too romantic for John Lennon’s taste, this early McCartney gem found a perfect home with Peter and Gordon. It hit #1 in both the UK and the US. Peter Asher just happened to be the brother of Paul’s then-girlfriend Jane.
“Step Inside Love” – Cilla Black (1968)
McCartney wrote this warm, inviting song as a theme for Cilla’s BBC TV show. It turned into a single and became one of her best-loved tunes. Paul’s knack for writing with someone else’s voice in mind is clear here.
“Goodbye” – Mary Hopkin (1969)
After producing her breakout hit “Those Were the Days,” Paul offered Mary Hopkin this wistful original. It was a graceful follow-up and another Apple success. His acoustic demo is just as lovely and full of heart.
“Veronica” – Elvis Costello (1989)
McCartney teamed up with Elvis Costello for a songwriting partnership that gave us this emotional, sharp-edged hit. It became Elvis’s biggest US chart success, blending Costello’s storytelling with Paul’s melodic instincts.
“FourFiveSeconds” – Rihanna, Kanye West & Paul McCartney (2015)
McCartney’s acoustic guitar riff set the foundation for this surprise collaboration. The song became a global hit, bringing Paul into the orbit of a new generation and showing how timeless his musical touch remains.
“Mine for Me” – Rod Stewart (1974)
Paul and Linda McCartney co-wrote this reflective ballad for Rod Stewart’s Smiler album. With its gentle vibe and introspective lyrics, it fits right into the softer side of Paul’s songwriting universe.
“Penina” – Carlos Mendes (1969)
Written during a holiday in Portugal, McCartney gifted this tune to local artist Carlos Mendes. It became a popular single in Portugal. A rare Beatles rehearsal version of “Penina” still floats around for collectors.
“That Means a Lot” – P.J. Proby (1965)
The Beatles recorded it but left it unreleased. P.J. Proby took the song and gave it a theatrical edge that fit his style. It’s a perfect example of how deep the Lennon-McCartney songbook really runs.
“Woman” – Peter and Gordon (1966)
Paul released this under the alias Bernard Webb to see if a song could succeed without the Lennon-McCartney brand. It worked. The track soared up the charts, and the secret didn’t stay secret for long.
Paul McCartney writes with ease, generosity, and a sense of play. Whether the song ends up on a Beatles record or in someone else’s hands, the melody still carries his unmistakable spirit. The magic is always there—wherever it lands.