AddThis

Bookmark and Share

Saturday 14 May 2011

Paperback Writer

Paperback writer
"Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book? It took me years to write, will you take a look? Based on a novel by a man named Lear, And I need a job, so I want to be a paperback writer, Paperback writer. It's the dirty story of a dirty man, And his clinging wife doesn't understand. His son is working for the Daily Mail, It's a steady job, but he wants to be a paperback writer, Paperback writer. Paperback writer.

It's a thousand pages, give or take a few, I'll be writing more in a week or two. I can make it longer if you like the style, I can change it round and I want to be a paperback writer, Paperback writer.

If you really like it you can have the rights, It could make a million for you overnight. If you must return it, you can send it here, But I need a break and I want to be a paperback writer, Paperback writer. Paperback writer, Paperback writer - Paperback writer, Paperback writer - Paperback writer. " Recorded: April 13, 1966 at Abbey Road, London, England
The Beatles - John Lennon - rhythm guitar, background vocals,Paul McCartney - lead vocal, bass guitar,George Harrison - lead guitar, background vocal,Ringo Starr - drums



Who would have thought it, the paperback of The Lady's Slipper is now available in some online stores. I haven't yet received my copies, but when I do I will be able to stop humming this tune at last!
Looking online I was surprised to see that this song has been ascribed various deeper meanings. According to one online forum it is a metaphor for prostitution - pertinent because the Beatles were being pressurized by their label and felt they were about to lose control over their product.



As writers if our books sell well we are also subject to market pressures to produce more of the "winning formula". If they don't sell well then we are perhaps advised to give up what we want to do in favour of following the example of other best-selling writers. What I particularly admire about the Beatles is the way they managed to re-invent themselves, shift and evolve with their current interests and yet still produce work of such enduring quality that not only sold in millions, but has remained iconic even now.

6 comments:

  1. When I first read the post, I didn't realize where it came from and wondered what was going on. I supposed I had never actually listened to the words of Paperback Writer although the title did ring a bell and that of a Beatles song. It turned out to be an interesting intro to your post on your own book coming out in Paperback. :)
    Teresa

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Teresa, guess there may be many people from the younger generation who are not familiar with the song. Nice that you stopped by!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, Deborah, my teenage (18) year old son is a huge Beatles fan (mainly because his girlfriend is.) We had a magical Christmas afternoon last year, when my mum (his Gran) discovered their mutual love...he was amazed by the LP's and album cover art LOL.
    Congratulations about the book!
    Grace x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks Grace.It would be great if our books could unite generations like that, wouldn't it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Fun post and now I have that song in my head! Thanks! I have been a huge Beatles fan all of my life and saw them live in Chicago over one hundred and fifty years ago. Thanks for the memories

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Karen,The Beatles seem to cross all generations, I'm a big fan!

    ReplyDelete