Creative differences between John Lennon and Paul McCartney often surfaced in arguments about musical direction, with Lennon famously referring to some of McCartney’s work as “granny music.” This term was aimed at songs like *When I’m Sixty-Four* and *Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da*, which McCartney crafted with a light, catchy, pop sensibility. Lennon, who leaned towards more experimental and edgy music, found these songs overly sentimental and disconnected from the rock edge he preferred.
This disagreement reflected their diverging musical tastes. McCartney’s love for classic pop melodies and structured, accessible tunes clashed with Lennon’s desire to push boundaries, often resulting in tension during recording sessions. Lennon’s blunt dismissals of McCartney’s “granny music” frustrated Paul, who was equally passionate about his work and believed in a well-rounded sound for The Beatles.
These clashes underscored deeper creative conflicts that became more pronounced as each member pursued his individual style. The divide over song styles contributed to the growing frustration that eventually led to The Beatles’ breakup, as Lennon and McCartney’s vision for the band became increasingly incompatible.