LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – JUNE 04: Sir Paul McCartney performs at The Diamond Jubilee Concert in front of Buckingham Palace attended by Queen Elizabeth ll and members of the royal family on June 4, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Rota/ Anwar Hussein/Getty Images)

In a recent episode of McCartney: A Life in Lyrics, Paul McCartney revealed his appreciation for fans’ misinterpretations of his song lyrics, particularly those of The Beatles. The discussion focused on the 1967 hit “Hey Jude,” known for its intentionally ambiguous and obscure lines.

McCartney expressed a desire for his songs to resonate with a wide audience, describing them as “everyman or everywoman.” He acknowledged that listeners often imbue his lyrics with their own interpretations, which he welcomes wholeheartedly. “I’m always glad when the lyrics get a bit screwed up — they mishear them. Because it’s yours now. I’ve let it go, so now you should make of it what you will,” McCartney explained.

This openness extends to cover versions of his songs, as McCartney discussed during the podcast. He commended artists like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Marvin Gaye for adapting his lyrics to suit their own interpretations. This flexibility underscores McCartney’s belief in the power of music to evolve and connect with listeners in unique and personal ways.