Handwritten lyrics from Paul McCartney’s personal archive are on display at the British Library.
Paul McCartney: The Lyrics explores the process and people behind some of the iconic songwriter’s most celebrated songs.
The exhibition, which runs for free at the London venue through March 2022, features the original handwritten lyrics for tracks including The Beatles’ Hey Jude, plus McCartney solo tracks Pipes Of Peace and Jenny Wren.
Lyrics aren’t all that’s on display; photos and original memorabilia from across McCartney’s career are also included, along with an early Beatles setlist, a postcard of the Fab Four in Hamburg, George Martin’s score for Yesterday and more.
Andy Linehan, Curator of Popular Music Recordings at the British Library, said: “The British Library is more than just books; we also hold one of the most extensive collections of popular music in the world.
“It is great to be able to showcase some of our handwritten lyrics and sound recordings alongside previously unseen material from Paul McCartney’s own archive in this display.
“Handwritten drafts of song lyrics have a special quality – they show that initial spark of creativity – and this is a chance for everyone to see the workings and learn the stories behind the songs of one of the world’s most successful songwriters and performers.
“We hope this free display inspires new audiences – young and old.”
The exhibit coincides with the release of the musician’s book ‘The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present’, which also comes with an audio component.
Out now, the publication has been nominated for this year’s Waterstones Book of the Year award. The winner will be announced on December 21.
