What Paul McCartney has said about Songwriting creative process

McCartney rejected being called a workaholic, describing himself instead as addicted to playing music.

“we don't work music. We play music. So I'm like a playaholic. I'm definitely addicted to that”

Good Hang with Amy Poehler: Paul McCartney (Oct 13, 2026) · Listen from 23:20

McCartney said he has no formal method and writes by improvising on guitar or piano and following what sounds good.

“I always just sit down with a guitar or at the piano and just start plonking something”

Good Hang with Amy Poehler: Paul McCartney (Oct 13, 2026) · Listen from 33:12

McCartney blamed Bruce Springsteen for the expectation of very long concerts, noting older acts played about an hour.

“Bruce just suddenly doing these three, four hour things. So that's what we do”

Good Hang with Amy Poehler: Paul McCartney (Oct 13, 2026) · Listen from 41:02

McCartney said he admires Billie Eilish but does not wish he had written her songs, and found some current pop banal.

“Billie Eilish, I think is cool, but I don't think I want to have written her songs”

Good Hang with Amy Poehler: Paul McCartney (Oct 13, 2026) · Listen from 42:07

McCartney named Bob Dylan as the artist he would still like to collaborate with, though he is too nervous to call him.

“No, I get asked this question, and I always think Bob Dylan”

Good Hang with Amy Poehler: Paul McCartney (Oct 13, 2026) · Listen from 43:42