After The Beatles disbanded, Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s friendship deteriorated, and Lennon’s public attacks made things even worse for McCartney. In the song “How Do You Sleep?” Lennon made fun of him by saying, “The only thing you done was yesterday,” which profoundly wounded McCartney. “If it was just a critic saying, ‘Oh, McCartney’s stupid,’ you know… But when it was John saying, ‘All you ever did was ‘Yesterday,’ I mean… that’s hurtful,” McCartney said. It could hurt his reputation in addition to being a personal insult.
Heated Arguments and Tense Phone Calls
As McCartney pursued control over The Beatles’ catalog, tensions between him and Lennon escalated. Their phone conversations were often filled with frustration, and McCartney described one call where Lennon sounded entirely different. “He suddenly started to sound American. I said, ‘Oh, f*** off, Kojak,’ and slammed the phone down,” McCartney recalled. The once-close friends were now locked in bitter disputes, with McCartney even feeling insecure and nervous about calling Lennon.
Making Peace Before Lennon’s Death
Despite the tough years, McCartney and Lennon managed to find some reconciliation toward the end of Lennon’s life. McCartney said, “It was a public hurt. Actually, in private, I had made my peace with him before he died.” By the time Lennon passed away, their relationship had softened, and they were able to have peaceful, friendly conversations without the arguments that once defined their interactions.
The Lasting Impact of Their Relationship
The time following The Beatles’ breakup wasn’t easy for either musician, but McCartney’s reflection shows that, despite their differences, he and Lennon shared an enduring bond. “It was hurtful,” McCartney admitted, but in the end, they found closure. The healing of their relationship is a bittersweet reminder that even the closest friendships can go through dark times, but reconciliation is possible.