Which Songs Did Ringo Write?
As the drummer for the legendary band The Beatles, Ringo Starr is often overshadowed by the immense songwriting talents of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. However, Ringo also contributed his fair share of songs to the iconic Beatles catalog. While his songwriting contributions were fewer in number compared to his bandmates, they still showcased his musical abilities and added variety to the band’s repertoire.
Key Takeaways
- Ringo Starr wrote a total of 2 songs during his time with The Beatles.
- His most well-known composition is “Octopus’s Garden.”
- His other song, “Don’t Pass Me By,” showcases his unique style.
Despite not being as prolific as Lennon and McCartney, Ringo Starr’s songs have left a lasting impact on The Beatles’ legacy. His most famous composition, “Octopus’s Garden,” was released on the band’s 1969 album “Abbey Road.” The idea for the song came to Ringo while on a boating trip in Sardinia. He spoke about his fascination with the sea, and the catchy tune features whimsical lyrics about an underwater world inhabited by an octopus. It became a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances.
Interestingly, “Octopus’s Garden” was the only Beatles song in which Ringo Starr received sole songwriting credit.
| Song Title | Album | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Octopus’s Garden | Abbey Road | 1969 |
| Don’t Pass Me By | The White Album | 1968 |
Another song written by Ringo Starr during his time with The Beatles is “Don’t Pass Me By.” This track appeared on the band’s self-titled 1968 album, often referred to as “The White Album.” It was the first solo composition by Ringo to appear on a Beatles record, and it displayed his unique musical style. The song combines elements of country and rock, with Ringo showcasing his skills as a pianist and his distinct vocal delivery.
Did you know that “Don’t Pass Me By” is the longest songwriting debut by any member of The Beatles?
| Beatle | Number of Songs |
|---|---|
| John Lennon | 72 |
| Paul McCartney | 92 |
| George Harrison | 22 |
| Ringo Starr | 2 |
In conclusion, while Ringo Starr’s songwriting contributions to The Beatles’ catalog were relatively limited, they were nonetheless significant. The songs he wrote, including “Octopus’s Garden” and “Don’t Pass Me By,” showcased his unique musical style and added diversity to the band’s repertoire. Despite being primarily known for his drumming skills, Ringo’s songwriting talents should not be overlooked.
Common Misconceptions
Paragraph 1: Ringo Starr’s Songwriting Contributions
There is a common misconception that Ringo Starr, as a member of The Beatles, did not contribute to songwriting. However, this is not true as Ringo did write and co-write several songs during his time with the band.
- Ringo wrote the song “Don’t Pass Me By,” which appeared on The Beatles’ 1968 double album, “The Beatles” (commonly known as the “White Album”).
- He also co-wrote “What Goes On” with John Lennon and Paul McCartney, which was included in the band’s 1965 album, “Rubber Soul.”
- Another song credited solely to Ringo Starr is “Octopus’s Garden,” which can be found on The Beatles’ 1969 album, “Abbey Road.”
Paragraph 2: Ringo’s Solo Songwriting Career
Another misconception is that Ringo Starr did not continue his songwriting career after The Beatles disbanded. However, he has released numerous albums as a solo artist, many of which contain songs he wrote.
- One of Ringo’s most famous solo compositions is “Photograph,” which was released in 1973 and became a chart-topping hit.
- He also wrote the song “It Don’t Come Easy,” which was released as a single in 1971 and achieved commercial success.
- In addition, Ringo co-wrote several songs with other musicians, including “Back Off Boogaloo” with George Harrison and “You’re Sixteen” with Robert Sherman and Richard Sherman.
Paragraph 3: Ringo’s Collaboration with Other Artists
It is often wrongly assumed that Ringo Starr only worked with The Beatles and did not collaborate with other artists. However, he has collaborated with many renowned musicians and released joint projects throughout his career.
- Ringo collaborated with George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and other musicians to form the supergroup “The All Starr Band,” which has released successful albums and gone on tour.
- He also collaborated with other artists such as Elton John, Tom Petty, and Paul McCartney on various songs and projects.
- In 2010, Ringo released an album called “Y Not,” featuring collaborations with artists such as Joss Stone, Joe Walsh, and Ben Harper.
Paragraph 4: Ringo’s Musical Influence
Some people underestimate the influence Ringo Starr had as a drummer and musician. While not known for flashy solos or technical virtuosity, Ringo’s rhythmic style and feel were vital to The Beatles’ sound and greatly influenced many drummers that came after him.
- Ringo’s signature drumming style, characterized by his solid, steady backbeat, remains highly regarded and emulated by drummers all over the world.
- His drum parts on songs like “Ticket to Ride,” “Rain,” and “A Day in the Life” showcased his innovative approach to drumming.
- Ringo’s rhythmic sensibility and ability to serve the song rather than showcase his own skills are often praised by fellow musicians and critics.
Paragraph 5: Ringo’s Cultural Impact
Another common misconception is that Ringo Starr’s contributions to popular culture are overshadowed by the fame and legacy of his bandmates. However, Ringo has made significant cultural contributions that should not be overlooked.
- His portrayal of the character Mr. Conductor in the TV series “Shining Time Station” introduced him to a younger generation, further expanding his cultural relevance.
- He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2015 and as a member of The Beatles in 1988, further solidifying his place in music history.
- Ringo’s affable personality, sense of humor, and charismatic stage presence have endeared him to fans around the world and helped shape his cultural impact.
The Beatles’ Songwriting Contributions
Throughout their career, The Beatles were not only known for their phenomenal vocal harmonies and unmatched creativity, but also for their exceptional songwriting abilities. Despite being primarily recognized for the songwriting talents of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, other members of the band also made significant contributions. This article explores the songs written by Ringo Starr during his time with The Beatles, showcasing his hidden talents as a songwriter.
In My Life
“In My Life” is a beloved Beatles classic from their album Rubber Soul. This introspective and nostalgic track was primarily written by John Lennon, but Ringo Starr contributed the memorable piano solo during the song’s instrumental bridge.
Octopus’s Garden
Featured on the album Abbey Road, “Octopus’s Garden” was a delightful creation written and sung by Ringo Starr. Inspired by a vacation in Sardinia where Starr found solace underwater, the song features whimsical lyrics that embrace a carefree and imaginative spirit.
Yellow Submarine
Ringo Starr’s playful personality shines through in “Yellow Submarine,” a vibrant track that encourages listeners to embrace joy and imagination. As the second track on the album Revolver, the song became an enduring and iconic anthem for The Beatles.
Don’t Pass Me By
Ringo Starr showcased his songwriting talent in “Don’t Pass Me By,” which appeared on The Beatles’ album The White Album. This whimsical tune marked Starr’s first solo composition for the band, blending his unique style with The Beatles’ collective sound.
What Goes On
Collaborating with John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr co-wrote “What Goes On” for The Beatles’ album Rubber Soul. This country-tinged track offers a glimpse into the diverse musical influences within the band.
Good Night
“Good Night” serves as the closing track for The Beatles’ legendary album The White Album. Co-written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, this gentle lullaby was sung by Ringo Starr and showcased his gentle and soothing vocals.
Act Naturally
Originally recorded by Buck Owens, “Act Naturally” was reimagined by The Beatles, with Ringo Starr taking the lead vocal. This light-hearted country song became a hit for the band, highlighting Starr’s ability to infuse his own charm into covers.
Honey Don’t
Written by Carl Perkins, “Honey Don’t” was performed by The Beatles during their early days as a tribute to their rock ‘n’ roll roots. Ringo Starr’s energetic vocals and drumming perfectly complemented this lively track.
Boys
Reaching back to their rock ‘n’ roll influences, The Beatles covered “Boys” by The Shirelles on their album Please Please Me. Ringo Starr provided lead vocals for this catchy, uptempo track that showcased his natural flair for rhythm and attitude.
Don’t Pass Me By
Returning to “Don’t Pass Me By,” another notable aspect of this song, aside from Ringo Starr’s writing contribution, is the delightful violin solo performed by Dave Mason. This unexpected addition adds a unique touch to the track, further demonstrating the band’s willingness to explore new sounds and genres.
Although often underrated as a songwriter compared to Lennon and McCartney, Ringo Starr’s contributions to The Beatles’ discography were invaluable. Throughout their storied career, the band’s ability to blend multiple songwriting styles into a cohesive sound remains a testament to their unparalleled creativity and collaborative spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Songs Did Ringo Write?
What are some songs written by Ringo Starr?
Ringo Starr has written several songs throughout his career. Some notable examples include “Don’t Pass Me By,” “Octopus’s Garden,” “Photograph,” “It Don’t Come Easy,” “Goodnight Vienna,” and “Oh My My.”
Did Ringo Starr write any songs for The Beatles?
Yes, Ringo Starr wrote two songs for The Beatles. The first one is “Don’t Pass Me By,” which appeared on the White Album (1968), and the second is “Octopus’s Garden,” which appeared on Abbey Road (1969).
Are there any other songs written solely by Ringo Starr?
Apart from his contributions to The Beatles, Ringo Starr has released multiple albums as a solo artist. Some of the songs written solely by him include “It Don’t Come Easy,” “Photograph,” “You’re Sixteen,” and “Oh My My.”
Did Ringo Starr collaborate with other songwriters?
Yes, over the years Ringo Starr has collaborated with various songwriters on his solo projects. Notable collaborations include working with George Harrison on songs like “Photograph” and “It Don’t Come Easy,” as well as teaming up with Richard Starkey (his real name) on songs such as “Goodnight Vienna” and “Octopus’s Garden.”
Has Ringo Starr written any songs in recent years?
Yes, Ringo Starr continues to write songs to this day. His more recent releases include tracks like “Anthem,” “Give More Love,” “We’re On the Road Again,” and “What’s My Name,” which demonstrate his ongoing creative output as a songwriter.
Are there any popular songs written by Ringo Starr?
Yes, Ringo Starr has penned several popular songs. Some of his most well-known compositions include “Photograph,” which reached the top spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and “You’re Sixteen,” which also achieved chart success.
How many songs has Ringo Starr written in total?
Ringo Starr has contributed to numerous songs throughout his career. As a songwriter, he has written over 30 solo tracks. When considering his collaborative efforts and contributions to The Beatles’ catalogue, his total songwriting credits exceed 50 songs.
Did Ringo Starr ever win any awards for his songwriting?
Yes, Ringo Starr has received recognition for his songwriting talents. In 1974, he was awarded a Grammy for the song “You’re Sixteen” in the Best Pop Vocal Performance category. Additionally, in 2015, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Are there any documentaries or interviews discussing Ringo Starr’s songwriting?
Yes, there are several documentaries and interviews where Ringo Starr talks about his songwriting process and experiences. Some notable examples include the documentary “Ringo Rama” and various interviews on music programs and podcasts.
Can I find Ringo Starr’s songs on music streaming platforms?
Yes, Ringo Starr’s songs are available on various music streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. You can listen to his solo work as well as his contributions to The Beatles’ songs on these platforms.
