In a heartfelt revelation, Paul McCartney has opened up about the emotional complexities of his friendship with fellow Beatle, John Lennon. Speaking in a recent interview with poet Paul Muldoon, McCartney admitted that he never actually told Lennon he loved him — a sentiment that has lingered with him through the years.
Reflecting on their upbringing in 1950s Liverpool, McCartney pointed out that expressing deep emotions simply wasn’t something boys did at the time. “You say I loved him, but as 16 and 17-year-old lads from Liverpool, we couldn’t say that,” McCartney shared. “It just wasn’t done.” He went on to explain that he never verbalized his love for Lennon, never said, “You know? I love you, man.” At the time, it felt impossible — but in hindsight, McCartney acknowledges how deeply he truly did love his longtime collaborator and friend. “So now it’s cool to realize how much I love that man,” he said.
The relationship between Lennon and McCartney is one of the most iconic and creatively fruitful in music history. From the moment they met, the two shared an extraordinary bond, growing up side by side and embarking on a musical journey that would change the world. McCartney likens their experience to climbing a ladder together, always elbow to elbow, as they navigated fame, success, and the challenges that came with it. “Life was like climbing a ladder and we went elbow to elbow along it. It was very exciting,” he recalled.
Although The Beatles’ era has long passed, McCartney often finds himself looking back at that time with immense appreciation and admiration. “Now that The Beatles’ musical career is over, I’m like a fan,” he said. “I just remember how great it was to work with him and how cool he was. You weren’t playing the fool, you weren’t singing with Joe Bloggs, you were doing it with John Lennon.”
This tender reflection is a poignant reminder of the depth of connection between McCartney and Lennon — a partnership that defined an era and touched millions. Though unspoken during their youth, the love McCartney feels for Lennon now resonates louder than words ever could.