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Songs The Beatles Gave Away
79 Songs John, Paul, George and Ringo wrote and co-wrote for other artists.
The Beatles created phenomenal music as a band and as solo artists. But they would also write and co-write numerous hits for other artists. Some were written for artists managed by Brian Epstein’s NEMS Enterprises, some for promoting artists signed with their own Apple Records, but many just for their friends.
The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, and Roger Daltrey were among them.
Here is the link to the Spotify playlist and the list of all songs. Some songs are missing on Spotify, so the playlist includes only 59 out of the 79 songs in the list.
Enjoy the Spotify playlist and read a quick recap about each song.
Song | Artist | Written by | Released on |
---|---|---|---|
Do You Want to Know a Secret | Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas | Lennon/McCartney | 26 April 1963 |
I'll Be On My Way | Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas | Lennon/McCartney | 26 April 1963 |
Bad To Me | Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas | Lennon/McCartney | 26 July 1963 |
Tip of My Tongue | Tommy Quickly | Lennon/McCartney | 30 July 1963 |
Hello Little Girl | The Fourmost | Lennon/McCartney | 30 August 1963 |
Love Of The Loved | Cilla Black | Lennon/McCartney | 27 September 1963 |
I Wanna Be Your Man | The Rolling Stones | Lennon/McCartney | 1 November 1963 |
I'll Keep You Satisfied | Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas | Lennon/McCartney | 1 November 1963 |
I'm In Love | The Fourmost | Lennon/McCartney | 15 November 1963 |
A World Without Love | Peter and Gordon | Lennon/McCartney | 28 February 1964 |
One and One Is Two | The Strangers with Mike Shannon | Lennon/McCartney | 8 May 1964 |
Nobody I Know | Peter and Gordon | Lennon/McCartney | 29 May 1964 |
Like Dreamers Do | The Applejacks | Lennon/McCartney | 5 June 1964 |
I Call Your Name | Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas | Lennon/McCartney | 19 June 1964 |
From A Window | Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas | Lennon/McCartney | 17 July 1964 |
It's For You | Cilla Black | Lennon/McCartney | 31 July 1964 |
I Don't Want To See You Again | Peter and Gordon | Lennon/McCartney | 11 September 1964 |
You've Got To Hide Your Love Away | The Silkie | Lennon/McCartney | 10 September 1965 |
That Means A Lot | P.J. Proby | Lennon/McCartney | 17 September 1965 |
Woman | Peter and Gordon | Paul McCartney | 10 January 1966 |
The Family Way | The George Martin Orchestra | Paul McCartney | 6 January 1967 |
Catcall | Chris Barbers Jazz Band | Paul McCartney | 20 October 1967 |
Step Inside Love | Cilla Black | Lennon/McCartney | 8 March 1968 |
Thingumybob | Black Dyke Mills Band | Paul McCartney | 31 August 1968 |
Sour Milk Sea | Jackie Lomax | George Harrison | 6 September 1968 |
Badge | Cream | George Harrison | 5 February 1969 |
Goodbye | Mary Hopkin | Paul McCartney | 28 March 1969 |
Penina | Carlos Mendes, Jotta Herre | Paul McCartney | 18 July 1969 |
Come And Get It | Badfinger | Paul McCartney | 5 December 1969 |
Ain’t That Cute | Doris Troy | George Harrison, Doris Troy | 11 September 1970 |
Give Me Back My Dynamite | Doris Troy | George Harrison, Doris Troy | 11 September 1970 |
Gonna Get My Baby Back | Doris Troy | George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Doris Troy, Stephen Stills | 11 September 1970 |
Jacob’s Ladder | Doris Troy | Arranged by: George Harrison, Doris Troy | 11 September 1970 |
My Sweet Lord | Billy Preston | George Harrison | 11 September 1970 |
Sing One For Lord | Billy Preston | George Harrison | 11 September 1970 |
You Give Me Joy Joy | Doris Troy | George Harrison, Ringo Starr | 11 September 1970 |
All Things Must Pass | Billy Preston | George Harrison | 27 November 1970 |
It Don't Come Easy | Ringo Starr | George Harrison | 9 April 1971 |
Tandoori Chicken | Ronnie Spector | George Harrison | 16 April 1971 |
Try Some, Buy Some | Ronnie Spector | George Harrison | 16 April 1971 |
God Save Us | Bill Elliot | John Lennon, Yoko Ono | 16 July 1971 |
Photograph | Ringo Starr | George Harrison | 24 September 1973 |
I'm The Greatest | Ringo Starr | John Lennon | 2 November 1973 |
Six O'Clock | Ringo Starr | Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney | 2 November 1973 |
So Sad | Alvin Lee and Mylon LeFevre | George Harrison | 2 November 1973 |
Sunshine Life for Me (Sail Away Raymond) | Ringo Starr | George Harrison | 2 November 1973 |
You and Me (Babe) | Ringo Starr | George Harrison | 2 November 1973 |
Rock And Roller | Billy Lawrie | Billy Lawrie, Ringo Starr | 9 November 1973 |
4th of July | John Christie | Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney | 28 June 1974 |
Mucho Mungo/Mt. Elga | Harry Nilsson | John Lennon, Harry Nilsson | 19 August 1974 |
Far East Man | Ronnie Wood | George Harrison, Ronnie Wood | 23 September 1974 |
McGear | Mike McGear (Mike McCartney) | Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney | 24 September 1974 |
Mine For Me | Rod Stewart | Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney | 4 November 1974 |
Let's Love | Peggy Lee | Paul McCartney | 6 November 1974 |
Goodnight Vienna | Ringo Starr | John Lennon | 15 November 1974 |
Rock and Roll People | Johnny Winter | John Lennon | 25 November 1974 |
Fame | David Bowie | John Lennon | 2 June 1975 |
Band Of Steel | Guthrie Thomas | Ringo Starr | 3 May 1976 |
Cookin' (In the Kitchen of Love) | Ringo Starr | John Lennon | 17 September 1976 |
I'll Still Love You | Ringo Starr | George Harrison | 17 September 1976 |
Pure Gold | Ringo Starr | Paul McCartney | 17 September 1976 |
Giddy | Roger Daltrey | Paul McCartney | 13 May 1977 |
Girlfriend | Michael Jackson | Paul McCartney | 10 August 1979 |
How Long Can Disco On | Harry Nilsson | Harry Nilsson, Ringo Starr | 1 September 1980 |
Old Dirt Road | Harry Nilsson | Harry Nilsson, John Lennon | 1 September 1980 |
Attention | Ringo Starr | Paul McCartney | 27 September 1981 |
Private Property | Ringo Starr | Paul McCartney | 27 September 1981 |
Wrack My Brain | Ringo Starr | George Harrison | 27 September 1981 |
Paul McCartney's Theme From The Honorary Consul | John Williams | Paul McCartney | 1 December 1983 |
On The Wings Of A Nightingale | The Everly Brothers | Paul McCartney | 24 August 1984 |
New Moon Over Jamaica | Johnny Cash | Johnny Cash, Tom T. Hall, Paul McCartney | 10 October 1988 |
Run So Far | Eric Clapton | George Harrison | 6 November 1989 |
That Kind Of Woman | Gary Moore | George Harrison | 26 March 1990 |
That Kind Of Woman | Eric Clapton | George Harrison | 23 July 1990 |
Yvonne’s The One | 10cc | Paul McCartney, Eric Stewart | 28 March 1995 |
Ballad Of The Skeletons | Allen Ginsberg | Paul McCartney | 8 October 1996 |
Life Begins At 40 | Ringo Starr | John Lennon | 2 November 1998 |
If I Take You Home Tonight | Diana Krall | Paul McCartney | 3 February 2015 |
Songbird in a Cage | Charlotte Gainsbourg | Paul McCartney | 17 November 2017 |
1. Do You Want to Know a Secret - Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 26 April 1963
“Do You Want to Know a Secret” was composed mostly by John Lennon in autumn 1962 and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. The song was recorded by Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas in 1963, reaching No. 2 in the UK charts. This version credited the composition to "McCartney–Lennon." Lennon drew inspiration for the song from "I'm Wishing," a tune from Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which his mother, Julia, would sing to him as a child. The opening lines, "Want to know a secret? Promise not to tell?" were inspired by lyrics from the Disney movie.
2. I'll Be On My Way - Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 26 April 1963
Credited to Lennon–McCartney, this song was actually written by Paul McCartney around 1959. It showcases a strong influence from Buddy Holly, one of McCartney’s early musical heroes.
3. Bad to Me - Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 26 July 1963
“Bad to Me” is another Lennon–McCartney song, mainly written by John Lennon. In later interviews, Lennon recalled writing it for Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas while on holiday in Spain. However, in a 1964 interview, he mentioned writing it with Paul McCartney in the back of a van, declaring McCartney a contributor. Lennon's original demo was released on iTunes in 2013 as part of The Beatles Bootleg Recordings 1963, and it was one of the first Lennon–McCartney compositions to make the US Top 40 for an artist other than the Beatles.
4. Tip of My Tongue - Tommy Quickly
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 30 July 1963
"Tip of My Tongue" is a song written by Paul McCartney and attributed to Lennon–McCartney. It was recorded by Tommy Quickly and is one of the few Lennon–McCartney songs not released by the Beatles. Although several takes were recorded on November 26, 1962, at EMI Studios, producer George Martin reportedly found the results unsatisfactory.
5. Hello Little Girl - The Fourmost
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 30 August 1963
“Hello Little Girl” is one of the first songs John Lennon ever wrote, credited to Lennon–McCartney. Written in 1957, it was used by the Beatles during their unsuccessful Decca Records audition in 1962 and later appeared on Anthology 1 in 1995. The Fourmost's version reached No. 9 on the British charts.
6. Love of the Loved - Cilla Black
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 27 September 1963
“Love of the Loved” was mainly composed by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon–McCartney. It was one of McCartney's earliest compositions and performed by the Beatles in their early live shows. Though recorded during their 1962 Decca Records audition, the song was never officially released by the Beatles. Instead, it became Cilla Black’s debut single in 1963, produced by George Martin, reaching No. 35 on the UK Singles Chart.
7. I Wanna Be Your Man - The Rolling Stones
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 1 November 1963
“I Wanna Be Your Man” was first recorded by the Rolling Stones and later by the Beatles on their album With the Beatles. Primarily written by McCartney, the song was completed by him and Lennon in a club in Richmond, London, while Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were nearby. The Stones’ version became their first UK Top 20 hit.
8. I'll Keep You Satisfied - Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 1 November 1963
“I'll Keep You Satisfied” was primarily written by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon–McCartney. Released as a single by Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas, it peaked at No. 4 in the UK charts, remaining for 13 weeks and kept from the top spot by the Beatles' "She Loves You."
9. I'm in Love - The Fourmost
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 15 November 1963
“I'm in Love” is a Lennon–McCartney song likely written by John Lennon. The Fourmost, an English Merseybeat band, recorded it in 1963 at EMI Studios with George Martin producing.
10. A World Without Love - Peter and Gordon
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 28 February 1964
McCartney wrote this song when he was 16. When he moved into the home of his then-girlfriend Jane Asher in 1963, he shared it with her brother Peter Asher, who later recorded it with Gordon Waller as Peter and Gordon.
11. One and One Is Two - The Strangers with Mike Shannon
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 8 May 1964
The demo for “One and One Is Two” was likely recorded in Paris by McCartney in early 1964, with McCartney singing to an acoustic guitar and piano. It was recorded at the George V Hotel during the Beatles' concert series at the Olympia in Paris at the request of music publisher Dick James, though the demo has not been legally released.
12. Nobody I Know - Peter and Gordon
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 29 May 1964
“Nobody I Know” was written by Paul McCartney for Peter and Gordon as a follow-up to their hit “A World Without Love.” Recorded at Abbey Road Studio in April 1964, Billboard described it as a "strong follow-up," and Cash Box called it a "captivating uptempo romancer."
13. Like Dreamers Do - The Applejacks
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 5 June 1964
Written by Paul McCartney in 1959, "Like Dreamers Do" is one of the earliest songs credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. The Beatles performed it at their unsuccessful audition for Decca Records on January 1, 1962, with Pete Best on drums, before Ringo Starr joined the band. This performance, recorded by Decca, was finally released on Anthology 1 in 1995.
14. I Call Your Name - Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 19 June 1964
John Lennon wrote "I Call Your Name" before the formation of the Beatles and gave it to fellow Liverpool band Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas in 1963. Kramer released it as the B-side of the single "Bad to Me," another Lennon–McCartney composition. Lennon was reportedly unhappy with the arrangement of the song and its placement as the B-side, so the Beatles later recorded their own version.
15. From a Window - Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 17 July 1964
"From a Window" was written by Paul McCartney and attributed to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. It was recorded by Billy J. Kramer with The Dakotas on May 29, 1964, at Abbey Road Studios, with George Martin producing. Lennon and McCartney attended the session, and McCartney can be heard harmonizing on the final word. Released as a single on July 17, 1964, it marked a decline in popularity for Kramer and The Dakotas, peaking at No. 10 in the UK charts.
16. It's for You - Cilla Black
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 31 July 1964
Paul McCartney wrote "It's for You" with John Lennon for Cilla Black, inspired by her previous hit "Anyone Who Had a Heart." McCartney modeled it after her earlier success, though Black later remarked that the song didn’t quite resemble "Anyone Who Had a Heart." McCartney was present during Black’s recording session for the track at Abbey Road Studios.
17. I Don't Want to See You Again - Peter and Gordon
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 11 September 1964
Written by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon–McCartney, "I Don't Want to See You Again" was released by Peter and Gordon in 1964. Though it didn’t chart in the UK, it reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and No. 17 in Canada.
18. You've Got to Hide Your Love Away - The Silkie
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 10 September 1965
Managed by Brian Epstein, John, Paul, and George helped the Silkie record their version of “You've Got to Hide Your Love Away” around the same time the Beatles released their own version on Help! John led the production, while Paul played guitar, and George tapped his guitar and played tambourine. Some sources also list Paul as co-producer, with George helping on the arrangement.
19. That Means a Lot - P.J. Proby
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 17 September 1965
"That Means a Lot" was mainly written by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon–McCartney. Initially recorded by the Beatles for the Help! film soundtrack, they were unsatisfied with the result, so the song was given to P.J. Proby, whose version reached No. 24 on the NME chart in 1965. The Beatles’ recording was eventually released on Anthology 2 in 1996.
20. Woman - Peter and Gordon
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 10 January 1966
Written by Paul McCartney under the pseudonym Bernard Webb, "Woman" was released by Peter and Gordon in 1966. McCartney used a pseudonym to see if one of his songs could be successful without the Lennon–McCartney name attached. Though his identity was eventually revealed, the song still reached No. 14 in the US and No. 28 in the UK.
21. The Family Way - The George Martin Orchestra
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 6 January 1967
McCartney and George Martin began collaborating on a new project in November 1966, shortly before the Beatles started work on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. McCartney contributed a short piano piece, which Martin expanded into multiple variations, ultimately creating 24 minutes of music. One version featured a brass band arrangement, which may have inspired McCartney’s later use of brass in Sgt. Pepper.
22. Catcall - Chris Barber's Jazz Band
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 20 October 1967
“Catcall” (originally titled “Catswalk”) was an instrumental written by McCartney in 1959. It was part of the Beatles' live repertoire until 1962 and was recorded at the Cavern Club in Liverpool without an audience. Although McCartney hoped guitarist Bert Weedon would record it, that never happened. The Cavern Club version hasn’t been officially released but appears on bootlegs
23. Step Inside Love - Cilla Black
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
Released on: 8 March 1968
In late 1967, Paul McCartney wrote "Step Inside Love" at the request of Cilla Black and her TV show’s producer, Michael Hurll. McCartney recorded the original demo at his London home, and Black’s version was used as the show’s theme. Later, McCartney added an additional verse when he visited the BBC Theatre to update the song.
24. Thingumybob - Black Dyke Mills Band
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 31 August 1968
“Thingumybob” is an instrumental track by Paul McCartney, written in 1968 as the theme tune for a TV comedy series of the same name. It was recorded by the Black Dyke Mills Band, a renowned brass band in Saltaire, near Bradford, with McCartney himself producing the session. It became one of the first singles issued by the Beatles' Apple label.
25. Sour Milk Sea - Jackie Lomax
Written by: George Harrison
Released on: 6 September 1968
Written by George Harrison, "Sour Milk Sea" was recorded by Jackie Lomax as his debut single for Apple Records. Released with a star lineup, the recording featured Lomax on vocals, Harrison on acoustic and lead guitars, Eric Clapton on lead guitar, Nicky Hopkins on piano, Paul McCartney on bass, and Ringo Starr on drums. Though it didn’t chart highly, the track gained attention for its musical collaboration.
26. Badge - Cream
Written by: George Harrison
Released on: 5 February 1969
“Badge” was co-written by Eric Clapton and George Harrison. The title arose by accident during the production of Goodbye when Clapton misread the word "bridge" (referring to the bridge section) in Harrison's handwriting as "badge," and the song was titled accordingly.
27. Goodbye - Mary Hopkin
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 28 March 1969
Paul McCartney produced Mary Hopkin's first single, "Those Were the Days," as part of her debut album Postcard, released on Apple Records. McCartney conceived this song as a follow-up to Hopkin’s previous success, and it became one of the early releases from Apple Records.
28. Penina - Carlos Mendes, Jotta Herre
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 18 July 1969
"Penina" is a song McCartney improvised during a performance at the La Penina hotel bar in Portugal. Recognized by the resident band, Jotta Herre, they invited him to join in, leading to McCartney gifting them the song, which Jotta Herre later released in Portugal in 1969.
29. Come and Get It - Badfinger
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 5 December 1969
Paul McCartney wrote "Come and Get It" for the Apple band Badfinger. During the White Album sessions, McCartney recorded a multitrack demo of the song, playing all instruments and vocals. He later played the demo for Badfinger and offered to produce their version for the film The Magic Christian. The song became a Top 10 hit in multiple countries, including the US, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and Canada.
30. Ain’t That Cute - Doris Troy
Written by: George Harrison, Doris Troy
Released on: 11 September 1970
31. Give Me Back My Dynamite - Doris Troy
Written by: George Harrison, Doris Troy
Released on: 11 September 1970
32. Gonna Get My Baby Back - Doris Troy
Written by: George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Doris Troy, Stephen Stills
Released on: 11 September 1970
33. Jacob's Ladder - Doris Troy
Arranged by: George Harrison, Doris Troy
Released on: 11 September 1970
"Jacob's Ladder" is an African American spiritual inspired by the biblical story of Jacob's Ladder. Developed in the early 19th century, it became one of the first spirituals widely sung by white Christians, with many artists recording notable versions. The song also served as a theme in Ken Burns' documentary The Civil War.
34. My Sweet Lord - Billy Preston
Written by: George Harrison
Released on: 11 September 1970
“My Sweet Lord” is a song by George Harrison released in November 1970 on his triple album All Things Must Pass. It became Harrison's first solo single, topping charts worldwide and marking the first No. 1 hit by an ex-Beatle. Initially, Harrison gave the song to Billy Preston, who recorded it for his Encouraging Words album.
35. Sing One for the Lord - Billy Preston
Written by: George Harrison
Released on: 11 September 1970
“Sing One for the Lord” is a gospel song by Billy Preston, released on his Encouraging Words album in 1970 and co-written with George Harrison. Though the two frequently collaborated as musicians, this song remains their only formal songwriting collaboration.
36. You Give Me Joy Joy - Doris Troy
Written by: George Harrison, Ringo Starr
Released on: 11 September 1970
37. All Things Must Pass - Billy Preston
Written by: George Harrison
Released on: 27 November 1970
“All Things Must Pass” by George Harrison, released in 1970, served as the title track for his triple album. Originally performed by Billy Preston as "All Things (Must) Pass" on Encouraging Words, Harrison’s version was influenced by his time with the Band in Woodstock. He drew lyrical inspiration from Timothy Leary’s poem "All Things Pass."
38. It Don't Come Easy - Ringo Starr
Written by: George Harrison
Released on: 9 April 1971
“It Don’t Come Easy” became Ringo Starr’s first solo hit, though Beatles historian Bruce Spizer notes that George Harrison provided "substantial, but uncredited, assistance." Starr later acknowledged Harrison’s help, saying, "I wrote this song with the one and only George Harrison."
39. Tandoori Chicken - Ronnie Spector
Written by: George Harrison
Released on: 16 April 1971
40. Try Some, Buy Some - Ronnie Spector
Written by: George Harrison
Released on: 16 April 1971
“Try Some, Buy Some” was written by George Harrison for Ronnie Spector in 1971. Produced by Harrison and Phil Spector, the song was part of a planned comeback album for Ronnie. Though the album was never completed, this single reached the US and Canadian charts. Harrison later re-recorded it for his 1973 album Living in the Material World.
41. God Save Us - Bill Elliot
Written by: John Lennon, Yoko Ono
Released on: 16 July 1971
42. Photograph - Ringo Starr
Written by: George Harrison
Released on: 24 September 1973
“Photograph,” co-written by Ringo Starr and George Harrison, was developed on a yacht in France in 1971. Starr, who was on holiday at the Cannes Film Festival, invited Harrison, his wife Pattie Boyd, and other friends, including Cilla Black, to join him. This period marked Starr’s first solo success with the Harrison-produced single “It Don’t Come Easy.” The song “Photograph” later became a hit, marking the first time Harrison received a co-writing credit alongside Starr.
43. I'm the Greatest - Ringo Starr
Written by: John Lennon
Released on: 2 November 1973
John Lennon wrote "I’m the Greatest" in 1973 and gave it to Ringo Starr, who recorded it for his album Ringo. The recording is notable for including Lennon, Starr, and George Harrison, marking the only time three former Beatles recorded together between the band’s breakup and the Anthology sessions in 1994. The track also features Klaus Voormann on bass and Billy Preston on keyboards.
44. Six O'Clock - Ringo Starr
Written by: Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney
Released on: 2 November 1973
Written by Paul McCartney in response to Ringo Starr's request for his 1973 album Ringo, "Six O'Clock" was recorded amid a period of improved relations among the former Beatles. Starr and McCartney had experienced tension following the Beatles’ breakup and McCartney’s lawsuit against his bandmates, but by late 1972, Starr noted that their relationships were “a lot better now.”
45. So Sad - Alvin Lee and Mylon LeFevre
Written by: George Harrison
Released on: 2 November 1973
“So Sad (No Love of His Own)” was written by George Harrison as a reflection on the end of his marriage to Pattie Boyd. Originally intended for his album Living in the Material World, Harrison later offered the song to guitarist Alvin Lee, who recorded it with gospel singer Mylon LeFevre for their 1973 album On the Road to Freedom. Harrison contributed to the track, marking the beginning of his collaborations with Lee.
46. Sunshine Life for Me (Sail Away Raymond) - Ringo Starr
Written by: George Harrison
Released on: 2 November 1973
“Sunshine Life for Me” was written by George Harrison while visiting Ireland with Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan. Influenced by Irish folk, country, and sea shanty traditions, the song reflects Harrison’s desire to escape modern life’s pressures and find peace in nature. The song title references “Raymond,” a lawyer hired by the Beatles' manager Allen Klein to represent Harrison, Ringo, and John in legal matters.
47. You and Me (Babe) - Ringo Starr
Written by: George Harrison
Released on: 2 November 1973
George Harrison co-wrote this song with Mal Evans, a longtime aide to the Beatles who served as Starr’s assistant during the making of Ringo. Designed as a farewell message to his audience, the lyrics serve as a show-closing finale, and during an extended fadeout, Starr thanks the musicians and studio personnel who helped with the recording. Among those he thanks are his Beatles bandmates—Harrison, Lennon, and McCartney—as well as his producer, Richard Perry.
48. Rock and Roller - Billy Lawrie
Written by: Billy Lawrie, Ringo Starr
Released on: 9 November 1973
49. 4th of July - John Christie
Written by: Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney
Released on: 28 June 1974
In 1974, producer Dave Clark approached Paul McCartney to provide a song for singer John Christie. McCartney sent a demo, which Christie recorded and released as a single. McCartney’s original demo was eventually released in 2014 on the Venus and Mars Deluxe Edition.
50. Mucho Mungo/Mt. Elga - Harry Nilsson
Written by: John Lennon, Harry Nilsson
Released on: 19 August 1974
John Lennon wrote an early version of "Mucho Mungo" with Phil Spector during sessions for Rock ‘N’ Roll in late 1973. Although first recorded by Harry Nilsson, a Lennon demo of the track was later released on the 1998 box set John Lennon Anthology.
51. Far East Man - Ronnie Wood
Written by: George Harrison, Ronnie Wood
Released on: 23 September 1974
52. McGear - Mike McGear (Mike McCartney)
Written by: Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney
Released on: 24 September 1974
McGear is the second solo album by Mike McGear (Paul McCartney’s brother), released in 1974. The album was a collaboration between McGear and McCartney, who co-wrote and produced the record, with Wings performing the backing tracks and guest artists joining on various songs.
53. Mine for Me - Rod Stewart
Written by: Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney
Released on: 4 November 1974
"Mine for Me," written by Paul and Linda McCartney, was recorded by Rod Stewart as a track for his 1974 album Smiler. Released as a single, the song became a minor hit in the US, reaching No. 91 on the Billboard Hot 100.
54. Let's Love - Peggy Lee
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 6 November 1974
“Let’s Love” was written by Paul McCartney as a gift for singer Peggy Lee during her London performances at the Royal Albert Hall in 1974. McCartney and his wife Linda attended her show and later gifted her this song, recorded at the Record Plant in Los Angeles with McCartney himself as producer.
55. Goodnight Vienna - Ringo Starr
Written by: John Lennon
Released on: 15 November 1974
John Lennon contributed to Ringo Starr’s album Goodnight Vienna after Starr requested a song for his new project in June 1974. While working on Walls and Bridges, Lennon quickly wrote the track, which became the album’s title song.
56. Rock and Roll People - Johnny Winter
Written by: John Lennon
Released on: 25 November 1974
“Rock and Roll People” was written by John Lennon in 1970 but remained unreleased until 1986 when it appeared on the posthumous collection Menlove Ave. Although Lennon did not perform on the track, he granted permission for guitarist Johnny Winter to record it for his 1974 album John Dawson Winter III.
57. Fame - David Bowie
Written by: John Lennon
Released on: 2 June 1975
By late 1974, David Bowie was staying in New York, where he met John Lennon during Lennon’s "lost weekend" period. After Lennon reunited with Yoko Ono, the pair jammed together, leading to a one-day session at Electric Lady Studios in January 1975. The collaboration resulted in the song “Fame,” which became a hit for Bowie.
58. Band of Steel - Guthrie Thomas
Written by: Ringo Starr
Released on: 3 May 1976
Ringo Starr co-wrote this song for his Beaucoups of Blues album and initially planned to include it as a duet. However, he ultimately gave it to another artist, contributing drums to two songs on the Lies and Alibis album: “Good Days Are Rollin' In” and “Ramblin' Cocaine Blues.”
59. Cookin' (In the Kitchen of Love) - Ringo Starr
Written by: John Lennon
Released on: 17 September 1976
60. I'll Still Love You - Ringo Starr
Written by: George Harrison
Released on: 17 September 1976
61. Pure Gold - Ringo Starr
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 17 September 1976
62. Giddy - Roger Daltrey
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 13 May 1977
“Giddy” was a song by Paul McCartney that started as a demo called "Rode All Night." McCartney reworked it and contributed it to One of the Boys, a band that featured musicians like Hank B. Marvin, Eric Clapton, Alvin Lee, Mick Ronson, and John Entwistle.
63. Girlfriend - Michael Jackson
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 10 August 1979
“Girlfriend” was a song McCartney originally wrote for Michael Jackson, though McCartney recorded it himself with Wings for their 1978 album London Town. He later shared it with Jackson, who recorded his version in 1979 for Off the Wall.
64. How Long Can Disco On - Harry Nilsson
Written by: Harry Nilsson, Ringo Starr
Released on: 1 September 1980
65. Old Dirt Road - Harry Nilsson
Written by: Harry Nilsson, John Lennon
Released on: 1 September 1980
66. Attention - Ringo Starr
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 27 September 1981
67. Private Property - Ringo Starr
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 27 September 1981
68. Wrack My Brain - Ringo Starr
Written by: George Harrison
Released on: 27 September 1981
69. Paul McCartney's Theme From The Honorary Consul - John Williams
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 1 December 1983
70. On the Wings of a Nightingale - The Everly Brothers
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 24 August 1984
“On the Wings of a Nightingale” was specifically written by Paul McCartney for the Everly Brothers. The song became the opening track of their 1984 album EB 84, marking a comeback for the duo and reaching No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
71. New Moon Over Jamaica - Johnny Cash
Written by: Johnny Cash, Tom T. Hall, Paul McCartney
Released on: 10 October 1988
72. Run So Far - Eric Clapton
Written by: George Harrison
Released on: 6 November 1989
73. That Kind of Woman - Gary Moore
Written by: George Harrison
Released on: 26 March 1990
74. That Kind of Woman - Eric Clapton
Written by: George Harrison
Released on: 23 July 1990
75. Yvonne’s the One - 10cc
Written by: Paul McCartney, Eric Stewart
Released on: 28 March 1995
76. Ballad Of the Skeletons - Allen Ginsberg
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 8 October 1996
77. Life Begins At 40 - Ringo Starr
Written by: John Lennon
Released on: 2 November 1998
“Life Begins at 40” was a song written by John Lennon as a joint birthday gift for himself and Ringo Starr, both of whom were turning 40 in 1980. Lennon recorded a home demo with a humorous, country-inspired feel. Though Lennon intended for Starr to record the song for his upcoming album, Stop and Smell the Roses, Lennon’s tragic death in December 1980 left Starr unable to complete the recording.
78. If I Take You Home Tonight - Diana Krall
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 3 February 2015
79. Songbird in a Cage - Charlotte Gainsbourg
Written by: Paul McCartney
Released on: 17 November 2017
“Songbird in a Cage” is a song written by Paul McCartney around 2011 and gifted to actress and singer Charlotte Gainsbourg. She released the song on her 2017 album Rest, with McCartney also playing instruments on the recording, including bass guitar and drums.