The Songs Lennon and McCartney Gave Away (Album) Introduction
“The Songs Lennon and McCartney Gave Away” is a compilation album released in 1979 that features various artists performing songs written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney but not originally released by The Beatles. Apart from the first track on the album, all songs were recorded while the band was together.
- Beatles Recordings: The Fab Four may have recorded some of them for BBC radio shows; if so, we will highlight those as well.
- Other Songs The Beatles Gave Away: This article is all about the album called “The Songs Lennon and McCartney Gave Away.” However, the Fab Four gave other songs away. Indeed, some were successful singles for other artists. So, we list those in this article.
The album provides a unique glimpse into the breadth of Lennon and McCartney’s songwriting talents beyond their work with The Beatles. Here are some details about the album:
In Detail
- Album Title: The Songs Lennon and McCartney Gave Away
- Recording dates: 1963–1973
- Producers: Various
- Release Year: 1979
- Label: EMI (EMI NUT 18)
- Format: LP
- Album Length: 46:42
- Genre: Rock, Pop
The Songs Lennon and McCartney Gave Away: Track Listing
The album consists of songs written by Lennon and McCartney and performed by different artists. Here is the track listing:
Side One:
- “I’m the Greatest“: Ringo Starr
- “One and One Is Two“: The Strangers with Mike Shannon
- “From a Window“: Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas
- “Nobody I Know“: Peter and Gordon
- “Like Dreamers Do“: The Applejacks (Beatles version is here)
- “I’ll Keep You Satisfied“: Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas
- “Love of the Loved“: Cilla Black (further information of an unreleased Beatles version is here)
- “Woman“: Peter & Gordon
- “Tip of My Tongue“: Tommy Quickly
- “I’m in Love“: The Fourmost (further information of an unreleased Beatles version is here)
Side Two:
- “Hello Little Girl“: The Fourmost (The Beatles’ BBC version is here)
- “That Means a Lot“: P.J. Proby (A Beatles version is here)
- “It’s for You“: Cilla Black
- “Penina”: Carlos Mendes (Further information is necessary)
- “Step Inside Love“: Cilla Black (The Beatles recorded a version; check it out here)
- “A World Without Love“: Peter and Gordon (Details of a Beatles version is here)
- “Bad to Me“: Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas (Check out a Beatles version here)
- “I Don’t Want to See You Again“: Peter and Gordon
- “I’ll Be On My Way“: Billy J. Kramer (A Beatles BBC version is here)
- “Catcall“: The Chris Barber Band
**Lennon-McCartney is credited with all songs except “I’m The Greatest,” which John Lennon wrote for Ringo Starr in 1973. “Penina” and “Cat Call” are Paul McCartney compositions, while “Woman” gives credit to Bernard Webb, but that was a pseudonym for Paul McCartney. It is not the version that John Lennon would sing later in his solo career.
Album Highlights
- The album features a mix of hits and lesser-known tracks, providing a comprehensive look at the songs that Lennon and McCartney penned for others.
- Many of the tracks were successful in their own right, such as Peter and Gordon’s “A World Without Love,” which reached number one on the charts.
- The album serves as a testament to Lennon and McCartney’s songwriting versatility and their influence on the 1960s and 1970s pop and rock music scenes.
- All songs were recorded while The Beatles were active, except Ringo Starr’s 1973 version.

Reception
- Obviously, Beatles fans and collectors appreciate this album for its unique look at songs that contributed to the careers of other artists.
- The compilation also received positive reviews for its insight into the less-publicized aspects of Lennon and McCartney’s songwriting careers.
Overall, “The Songs Lennon and McCartney Gave Away” is an important compilation for anyone interested in the full scope of Lennon and McCartney’s contributions to music, highlighting their impact beyond their work with The Beatles.
Take A Listen To The Songs Lennon and McCartney Gave Away
Press play and hear these songs in detail. Then, perhaps you want to comment on the album or certain songs. For example, could The Beatles have done better, or were they right to give them away to others?