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Radiate Everything You Are Miranda Sherman, 18, Old Orchard Beach High School Copyright © Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc. | ||
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One of the most telling debates of our time is not the "chicken or the egg," "Kerry or Bush," or even "nature versus nurture." The debate that is as passionate as it is telling is "Lennon or McCartney?" This question has the power to open minds, start feuds, and connect like-minded people. The two men combined to form one of, if not the, best musical partnerships. This being the case, how is it that the difference between them is so blatant and has such an impact on those of us that love The Beatles? The answer isn't simple but worth tackling: it rests on personality and influence. Paul McCartney is more musically trained and honed than Lennon. His voice is technically better and it's plain to see that he knows how to maintain it. His melodic and family-friendly voice, accompanied by his catchy music made The Beatles a huge success. The bubble-gum side of The Beatles: "I Wanna Hold Your Hand," "Do You Want to Know a Secret?" and "Love Me Do," were entirely Paul, stylistically. These songs would have blended in with the run of the mill sap of 1964-- Leslie Gore and The Beach Boys-- except for the more sophisticated harmonies and energy that was The Beatles. That does not even begin to cover the "radical" look of the British longhairs in the sexually charged tapered suits. Even while The Beatles were making fashion waves, Paul was the clean-cut and cute Beatles; and that's exactly what Paul is-- clean. Until he met John Winston Lennon. While Paul covered the musical side of The Beatles' road to stardom, John was the charisma in a suit and Beatles boots. Paul made girls swoon but John made them scream, cry and tear their skirts climbing up fences to catch a wink or a smile. He also made each boyfriend of those girls buy a guitar and practice their stance. John's personality and raw talent pushed Paul's tightly sealed envelope and made The Beatles stand out. Paul's pop voice and bouncy music backed up John's sex appeal enough to get to band on The Ed Sullivan Show. Essentially, Paul made John acceptable and John made Paul last. Paul owes his evolution to John Lennon. Lennon had enough depth for even the most star-struck and money-loving talent. Had John and Paul not collaborated, Paul never would have been able to develop and display his musicianship. He would have continue to write and sing songs like "Michelle," instead of taking a cue from John and doing "Hey Jude," "Why Don't We Do It in the Road," and "Band on the Run." John didn't need Paul like Paul needed him because he didn't crave the acceptance and fame that Paul did. It is reasonable to say that this is the reason, not Yoko, that John initiated the breakup of The Beatles on the upswing of development and popularity. "Let It Be" encompasses the thoughts and feelings that Lennon had approaching the 1970s. It seems that Paul still can't let it be. Despite the turbulent relationship between John and Paul, it is lucky for the admiring public that Paul did push John into fame. John's visibility and charisma allowed, or maybe doomed, him to immediately influence the world and eventually be himself. Each man, or legend depending on your appreciation level, learned something valuable to the other. However, it was John that has had the most impact on our world. He continues to affect -- even twenty-five years after his ironic murder. He absorbed Paul's musicality but made it his own. Paul could never absorb John's depth and thus became a necessary accessory to John's developing genius. Jon was able to use his influence by directly contacting world leaders (he and Yoko sent acorns to them for peace). He inspired people all over the world peacefully with "Imagine," and "Instant Karma." He lent support to others with "John Sinclair," and made still others aware with "Working Class Hero," and "Woman is the Nigger of the World." His personality-infused music enabled Lennon to positively influence people from different backgrounds, places, religions, and ages. Lennon's sincere genius made him an incredible asset to society and the millions he reached in the form of a universal truth.
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