The Beatles had all kinds of issues at this point. IMO, Yoko just became the focal point for all those grievances. She was an issue but only one of many and not THE cause of the breakup. She might have been the straw that broke the camel's back but she was not the major portion of the load.
Then again, without Paul’s lyrical brilliance, John would have gone nowhere.
As a songwriting team, these two were unmatched in pop era. I totally disagree with your analysis. John was the lyricist of the two. Paul didn't write anything to consistently rival the lyrics of John such as in Girl, In My Life, Strawberry Fields Forever, his portion of Day in the Life or lots of other songs where he was the primary lyricist. Paul's greatest strength was writing incredible melodies. George Martin once commented that Paul was envious of John's ability to turn a phrase and John was envious of Paul's ability to compose melodies. I've always thought that the pair needed each other in songwriting. Besides filling in the gaps of the other in lyrics and melody, John had a tendency toward anger and bitterness in his lyrics that Paul moderated and Paul had a tendency towards fluffiness in his lyrics to which John could add an edge.
You opine that John was the predominant writer of Beatles lyrics; but, if his ability was of such caliber, then why is it that most of what he wrote, post Beatles, was nowhere near the quality you give him while with the band?
OTOH, Paul’s lyrics were quite good post Beatles, both with Wings and as a solo artist.
You opine that John was the predominant writer of Beatles lyrics; but, if his ability was of such caliber, then why is it that most of what he wrote, post Beatles, was nowhere near the quality you give him while with the band?
OTOH, Paul’s lyrics were quite good post Beatles, both with Wings and as a solo artist.
I totally agree with your comments. Ono wasn’t the “reason” the Beatles broke up. One of my friends is a hardcore Beatles fan and she had read a great deal of this sort of “analysis” over the years by various Beatles “experts” and she never really bought that storyline either. There were many conflicts within the Beatles and lots of jealousies and personal bitterness that eventually came to a head. Their egos grew too large to sustain it.
I am a Stones fan more but any fair person must recognize the brilliance of the Beatles.