John Lennon and Paul McCartney once shared an unbreakable bond, both as friends and as collaborators. Together, they forged a partnership that birthed some of the most iconic songs in music history. But as The Beatles rose to unimaginable fame, their artistic visions began to drift apart, influenced by new experiences, individual growth, and the people they encountered along the way.
Despite their differences, Lennon and McCartney excelled at compromise, often contributing to each other’s work even when they didn’t fully align with it. However, Lennon’s outspoken nature meant he rarely hesitated to criticize music, even his own. One such target was McCartney’s Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, which Lennon famously dismissed as “granny shit.”
The Creative Divide
The differences between Lennon and McCartney’s songwriting styles were a cornerstone of The Beatles’ magic. McCartney’s penchant for playful, melodic compositions contrasted with Lennon’s raw, introspective approach. Songs like Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da exemplified this divide.
Written entirely by McCartney, the track tells a whimsical, fictional tale of a couple named Desmond and Molly. McCartney drew inspiration from Jimmy Scott, a Nigerian conga player he met in London clubs, who often used the phrase, “Ob la di, ob la da, life goes on, bra.” Despite the fact that Scott did not contribute to the songwriting, McCartney subsequently handed him a cheque in appreciation for his expression.
Reflecting on the track in Anthology, McCartney said, “It’s very me.” He described it as a lighthearted piece with nursery rhyme elements, designed to raise a smile. However, Lennon struggled to connect with its carefree tone.
Lennon’s Reaction
Lennon’s disdain for Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da became infamous over the years. In an interview with David Sheff, he distanced himself from the track, saying, “I might have given him a couple of lyrics, but it’s his song, his lyric.” According to biographer Geoff Emerick in Here, There, and Everywhere, Lennon even stormed out of the studio during the recording sessions, frustrated by the song’s direction.
“John went ballistic,” Emerick wrote. “Ranting and raving, he headed out the door, with Yoko trailing closely behind. We thought we’d seen the last of him that evening, but hours later, he stormed back in, clearly in a highly altered state of mind.”
Despite Lennon’s criticism, McCartney has repeatedly claimed that Lennon liked the song. Speaking on The Howard Stern Show in 2018, McCartney dismissed the idea of Lennon’s contempt, suggesting it might have been exaggerated.
A Love-Hate Relationship
While Lennon’s “granny shit” comment has become synonymous with Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, McCartney’s defiance reflects his belief that Lennon secretly appreciated the track. Their contrasting views on songs like this illustrate the unique dynamic that made The Beatles so extraordinary.
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da may not have been a song Lennon would have written, but it remains a testament to the duo’s differences, which, when combined, produced unparalleled brilliance. The creative tension between Lennon’s raw edge and McCartney’s polished charm ultimately defined The Beatles’ legacy, even when it led to clashes in the studio.
