The Secret McCartney: 10 Hidden Tracks That Reveal the Real Paul
He wrote the songs that defined generations. From “Yesterday” to “Let It Be,” Paul McCartney’s melodies have been sung by millions, covered by thousands, and etched into the soundtrack of the 20th century. As a Beatle, a Wing, and a solo artist, McCartney created an unparalleled catalog of timeless music. But not all of his greatest creations became global anthems.
Beneath the thunder of Beatlemania and the polished sheen of superstardom lies a secret playlist—songs too daring, too strange, or too intimate to become hits. These are the hidden gems: the deep cuts, the experiments, the moments of vulnerability and unfiltered creativity that never made it into the spotlight. Some were overshadowed by chart-toppers; others were simply ahead of their time.
But if you want to understand Paul McCartney—the artist, the romantic, the innovator, the weirdo—you won’t find him only in “Hey Jude” or “Maybe I’m Amazed.” You’ll find him here, in the margins. These 10 forgotten or overlooked tracks prove that even McCartney’s “leftovers” outshine most artists’ best work. Miss these, and you miss the real McCartney.
1. “Waterfalls” (1980)
From McCartney II, this delicate ballad is all emotion and restraint. Stripped back to a synth, a soft beat, and Paul’s gentle falsetto, “Waterfalls” is a plea for love and caution in a dangerous world. Critics largely ignored it, but McCartney fans know: this is one of his most hauntingly beautiful songs.
2. “Dear Friend” (1971)
Tucked into the Wild Life album with Wings, “Dear Friend” is McCartney’s open letter to John Lennon—raw, slow, and emotionally staggering. After years of tension following the Beatles’ breakup, Paul stripped everything back and simply asked: Are we still friends?
3. “Rinse the Raindrops” (2001)
Nine minutes of swirling chaos and guitar fury, this track from Driving Rain is pure catharsis. Inspired by the loss of his wife Linda and the emotional turbulence that followed, it’s McCartney at his most primal—almost unrecognizable, and completely unfiltered.
4. “Temporary Secretary” (1980)
One of Paul’s most bizarre creations. Robotic synths, jittery vocals, and lyrics about hiring an assistant, “Temporary Secretary” from McCartney II is often misunderstood. But today, it sounds like a precursor to the electro-pop explosion of the 2000s. Too weird for 1980, too brilliant to ignore.
5. “Calico Skies” (1997)
Written during a hurricane power outage, this acoustic gem from Flaming Pie is simple, sweet, and disarmingly tender. McCartney’s ode to peace, love, and resilience is one of his finest late-career compositions—and a reminder that sometimes, less is more.
6. “The Back Seat of My Car” (1971)
A mini rock opera hiding in plain sight on Ram. Orchestral swells, tempo shifts, and teenage daydream lyrics make this one of Paul’s most ambitious compositions. Overlooked at the time, it now stands as a spiritual cousin to “A Day in the Life.”
7. “Single Pigeon” (1973)
One of his most poetic and understated songs, “Single Pigeon” from Red Rose Speedway uses a lonely bird as a metaphor for human isolation. Just over a minute long, but heartbreakingly effective.
8. “Check My Machine” (1980)
Ever wonder what Paul McCartney would sound like if he made a dub track in a haunted toy factory? Look no further. This experimental B-side was made while Paul tested his home recording gear—and somehow ended up creating a twisted slice of genius.
9. “Dominoes” (2018)
From Egypt Station, “Dominoes” is proof that McCartney never lost his touch. With layered acoustic guitars, dreamlike lyrics, and a message about time and healing, it’s the kind of track that only a seasoned soul could write.
10. “Little Willow” (1997)
A song written for the children of Ringo Starr’s late ex-wife, Maureen. Tender, comforting, and achingly sad, this lullaby-like track shows McCartney’s gift for empathy and emotional truth. It barely registered commercially—but to those who’ve heard it, it never leaves you.
These songs weren’t built for stadiums or chart battles. They weren’t polished to perfection or designed for the masses. But they are essential. They show Paul McCartney the way few hits ever could: as an inventor, a friend, a father, a husband, a widower, a joker, a genius.
If you only know the anthems, dig deeper. In these hidden corners of his catalog, you’ll find not just the artist behind the legend—but the human behind the Beatle.