Paul McCartney primarily wrote "Yellow Submarine." The song, released in 1966 on The Beatles' Revolver album, is credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership but originated as McCartney's idea for a children's tune sung by Ringo Starr.

Songwriting Origins

McCartney conceived the core melody, chorus ("We all live in a yellow submarine"), and verses while lying in bed at the Asher family home, envisioning it as a simple, nautical story for kids. He brought it to the band as Ringo's vocal feature, with early ideas evolving from various colored submarines to just yellow. John Lennon assisted by refining lyrics, particularly the more obscure middle eight ("As we live a life of ease..."), while folk singer Donovan contributed the line "Sky of blue and sea of green" during a studio session.

Beatles' Own Accounts

Paul later described it as "pretty much my song," noting Lennon's help but claiming the bulk himself, in line with his 1997 biography Many Years from Now. Lennon, in 1980 interviews, called it "Paul's baby... Paul's idea, Paul's title," crediting studio collaboration to bring it alive but confirming McCartney's lead. Both agreed it shifted from a gloomier demo vibe to whimsical fun, with Ringo's warm vocals sealing its charm.

Recording and Impact

George Martin produced it at Abbey Road, adding playful effects like bubbling water (Lennon via straw), chains in a bath, and marching band loops for an underwater feel—completed in sessions spanning May to June 1966. Released as a double A-side single with "Eleanor Rigby," it topped UK charts for four weeks, hit No. 2 in the US, and inspired the 1968 animated film. No major disputes linger today, though forums like Reddit echo Paul's primacy with minor nods to collaborators.

Forum and Fan Perspectives

  • Paul's chorus dominates : Fans cite 1966 Beatles Monthly where roadie Neil Aspinall noted McCartney "carrying the basic ideas... for ages."
  • Collaborative tweaks : Some highlight Donovan's line and Lennon's "blunderbuss bit," but not as co-authorship.
  • Ringo's perfect fit : Written for his voice, it became his biggest Beatles lead vocal hit.

TL;DR: Paul McCartney wrote "Yellow Submarine," with help from John Lennon and Donovan—widely agreed by Beatles' statements and histories.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.