Paul McCartney: The Song He Wrote That Was Inspired by Taylor Swift
As a member of the Beatles and as a solo artist, Paul McCartney is a world-class musician. To reach grand artistic heights, he’s inevitably taken inspiration from other artists. Some fans might be surprised to know he once took inspiration from Taylor Swift.
Paul’s most recent album is called Egypt Station. It features a song called “Who Cares” which was inspired by Swift’s public life. In addition, Swift has had quite a bit to say about Paul.
How Taylor Swift inspired ‘Who Cares’
A lot of Paul’s most famous post-Beatles songs, from “Silly Love Songs” to “Wonderful Christmastime,” are very bouncy and upbeat. “Who Cares” is no exception. However, it has more of a rock edge than many of Paul’s 1980s hits.
“Who Cares” doesn’t sound like a Swift song. Despite this, it was directly influenced by Swift and her young fans. Paul told the BBC “I was actually thinking about Taylor Swift and her relationship to her young fans and how it’s sort of a sisterly thing. And I was imagining talking to one of these young fans and saying, ‘Have you ever been bullied? Do you get bullied?’”
In the song, Paul tells listeners to shrug off the mean people in their lives. In addition, he tells fans he cares about them. While “Who Cares” doesn’t sound like a Swift song, it’s lyrical sentiment is pretty similar to Swift’s hit “Shake It Off.”
Why Paul McCartney influenced Taylor Swift
Swift influenced Paul. In addition, Paul influenced Swift. According to Country Music Channel, Swift has described how Paul’s work as a Beatle and a solo artist meant so much to her.
“I discovered his music on my own as a child, then bought all of the Beatles and Paul McCartney tapes and CDs I could find. Paul writes about his life and the things he’s learned about love in such a brilliantly simple way. I feel as if I’ve been let into his heart and his mind.”
Why Taylor Swift is impressed with Paul McCartney
Swift is also in awe of Paul’s ability to go on stage and bring the house down as a senior citizen. Metal Head Zone reports she also likes how Paul tends to play his hits in concert instead of focusing on new material. However, she also has a soft spot for his newer songs. It’s amazing to think that Paul is influencing artists who were born many years after the Beatles broke up!
Swift also has a fond memory of meeting Paul. “ When I met him backstage at his 2010 concert in Nashville, I remember being excited that he was such a kind person. Seeing him sing ‘Blackbird’ live will always be a moment I won’t forget.”
Swift has a wide-reaching influence. She even managed to influence an artist as revered as Paul. That’s a huge testament to her prominence.
Also see: Are Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono Friends?
