When you think of the Beatles, chances are the first thing that comes to mind is John Lennon or Paul McCartney. It’s no surprise, as they were the main songwriters for the band. However, it would be a mistake to overlook the contributions of Ringo Starr. While he may not have written as many songs as his counterparts, the ones he did write are classics in their own right. Here are just a few of Ringo’s best.
2 Beatles Songs Written by Ringo
“Octopus’s Garden”
One of the more lighthearted songs in the Beatles catalogue, “Octopus’s Garden” was written by Ringo while the band was recording The Beatles (aka The White Album). The song is about, well, an octopus living in her garden at the bottom of the sea. While it may not be one of their more introspective tunes, it’s a fun little number that showcases Ringo’s talent for songwriting.
“Don’t Pass Me By”
Ringo wrote “Don’t Pass Me By” during the sessions for The Beatles (aka The White Album), but it didn’t make the final cut for the album. However, it was later released as a single on Anthology 3 in 1996. The song is a classic country ballad with a bit of a twist; instead of being about love, it’s about Ringo feeling neglected by his bandmates. Given that he was often left out of recordings and performances due to his lack of songwriting credits, it’s not hard to see where he was coming from.
While Ringo Starr may not have been responsible for as many Beatle songs as John Lennon or Paul McCartney, the ones he did write are classics in their own right. Songs like “Octopus’s Garden,” “Don’t Pass Me By,” and “With a Little Help from My Friends” showcase his talent for songwriting and his ability to capture complex emotions in simple lyrics. The next time you’re looking for some greatBeatle tunes, don’t forget to give Ringo’s songs a listen!
