Across the Universe and Beyond: A Conversation with Paul McCartney

Sir Paul McCartney. A name that resonates with generations, a musical titan whose influence is undeniable. But what happens when you sit down with a man who’s not just a musician, but a living legend? Author Philip Gardiner, known for his deep dives into history, symbolism, and the esoteric, did just that. In this exclusive interview, Gardiner explores not just McCartney’s music but also the threads that connect his work to deeper, perhaps even hidden, meanings. Prepare to be surprised, delighted, and perhaps even a little enlightened.

The Interview:

Philip Gardiner: Sir Paul, thank you so much for taking the time. Your music has been a soundtrack to so many lives, including my own. I’m fascinated by how artists often weave subconscious narratives and symbols into their work. Looking back on your career, do you feel your creative output has been influenced by any non-musical sources?

Paul McCartney: Well, Philip, that’s a very interesting question to start with! You know, as a songwriter, you're like a sponge, taking in everything around you. It’s not always conscious. Sometimes it's a feeling, a passing scene, a book you read... And sometimes, it’s just pure magic, something that you can’t quite explain. I guess you could say that the world itself is one big influence.

PG: You’ve explored such a range of styles – rock and roll, ballads, experimental pieces. And within those, many of your lyrics, especially from the Beatles era, seem to touch on themes of duality, transformation, and even a kind of mystical yearning. Is that a conscious effort, or something that just emerges organically?

PM: I’d say it’s definitely a bit of both. You see, growing up in Liverpool, surrounded by so much life, so much character, you couldn’t help but be aware of different perspectives. And then, getting involved with art studies, seeing how the world can interpret things in so many different ways… that definitely played a role. I suppose, subconsciously, those things did find their way into the lyrics. I never really set out to be a mystic! It’s just the way it all came out.

PG: There’s this idea that the Beatles, and specifically your work with John Lennon, tapped into something larger than themselves – a kind of collective creative consciousness. Do you feel that connection to a bigger, unseen world while creating music?

PM: It certainly felt like something special was happening. John and I had this incredible bond. We could finish each other's sentences, or melodies, sometimes. It was almost like… like we were tapping into the same frequency, if you like. Whether that’s a collective consciousness… well, that’s for philosophers and people like yourself to decide. But it was magic, pure and simple.

PG: Let’s talk about "Strawberry Fields Forever." The lyrics are full of abstract imagery, playing with reality and perception. What were you trying to convey with this song?

PM: That was really John’s song, you know. But looking back, I can see that it was about a yearning to go somewhere else, a longing for an escape, or perhaps a different reality. It's about memories, about childhood, and perhaps even about what lies beyond. We were all experimenting with new things, exploring different ideas. It was a very exciting but also quite introspective time for us all.

PG: In your solo work, particularly in pieces like “Band on the Run”, I often detect themes of breaking free, of transcending limitations. Is that a reflection of your own personal journey?

PM: I think you hit on something there. Life is a journey, isn’t it? And you go through different phases, different challenges. There are always things that hold you back, things you need to overcome. “Band on the Run” was about feeling a sense of freedom, about cutting loose. And you know, that feeling of overcoming obstacles, of pushing through, it’s always been a part of my story.

PG: Finally, Sir Paul, if you were to look at your entire musical legacy, what’s the one message you’d like to leave with listeners?

PM: That’s a tough one! But I think, ultimately, it’s about love and hope. About the power of music to connect us all, to lift us, to inspire us. And that no matter what life throws at you, there's always a song to sing, always a reason to keep going. And maybe to remember that we're all connected, on this little blue planet we call home.

PG: That's a beautiful sentiment, Sir Paul. Thank you so very much for sharing your thoughts with us. It’s been an honour.

PM: My pleasure, Philip! It's been a fascinating chat.

Conclusion:

This interview, more than a simple Q&A, offered a glimpse into the mind of a musical genius. Paul McCartney, in conversation with Philip Gardiner, revealed layers of meaning and inspiration behind his iconic work, touching on themes that resonate with a profound depth and universality. It reminds us that great art often reaches beyond the surface, inviting us to explore the hidden corners of our own understanding. And ultimately, that music, like life itself, is a journey worth exploring, with love and hope as our constant companions.