Paperback Writer
Authors: Lennon, McCartney; Lead vocal: McCartney

Paperback writer

Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book?
It took me years to write, will you take a look?
Based on a novel by a man named Lear
And I need a job, so I want to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.

It's the dirty story of a dirty man
And his clinging wife doesn't understand.
His son is working for the Daily Mail,
It's a steady job but he wants to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.

Paperback writer

It's a thousand pages, give or take a few, (Frere)
I'll be writing more in a week or two. (Jacques)
I can make it longer if you like the style, (Frere)
I can change it round and I want to be a paperback writer, (Jacques)
Paperback writer.

If you really like it you can have the rights, (Frere)
It could make a million for you overnight. (Jacques)
If you must return it, you can send it here (Frere)
But I need a break and I want to be a paperback writer, (Jacques)
Paperback writer.

Paperback writer

Paperback writer - paperback writer
Paperback writer - paperback writer

Credits

Recorded: April 13, 1966 at Abbey Road, London, England with an overdub added April 14, 1966
John Lennon - rhythm guitar, background vocal
Paul McCartney - lead vocal, bass guitar
George Harrison - lead guitar, background vocal
Ringo Starr - drums

This version of the song available on

UK albums
A Collection of the Beatles Oldies (But Goldies) (1966)
The Beatles 1962-1966 (1973)
Hey Jude (1979)
20 Greatest Hits (1982)
The Beatles Past Masters, Volume Two (1988)
Beatles 1 (2000)
US albums
Hey Jude (The Beatles Again) (1970)
The Beatles 1962-1966 (1973)
20 Greatest Hits (1982)
The Beatles Past Masters, Volume Two (1988)
Beatles 1 (2000)
Singles
Paperback Writer / Rain (1966)