Paul McCartney's Romantic Journey: From Jane Asher to Linda Eastman

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Paul McCartney's Romantic Journey: From Jane Asher to Linda Eastman

The Beatles, known for their early romantic ballads, saw Paul McCartney as a committed romantic. Before meeting Linda Eastman in 1967, McCartney had a long-term relationship with British actor Jane Asher, whom he met in 1963 during The Beatles' rise to fame in the UK. Many iconic McCartney songs, including 'Yesterday' and 'Let It Be,' were written in the Asher household.

'Let It Be' was a poignant ballad dedicated to McCartney's late mother, Mary. While McCartney's early and mid-1960s love songs were likely inspired by his relationship with Asher, specific credits go to songs like 'I Want to Hold Your Hand,' 'And I Love Her,' 'We Can Work It Out,' 'You Won’t See Me,' and 'I’m Looking Through You.'

The trajectory of McCartney and Asher's relationship is reflected in these songs. The early contentment of 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' and 'And I Love Her' in 1964 contrasted with the growing distance between the couple by the late 1965 release of 'Rubber Soul.' McCartney's busy schedule and Asher's acting career strained their relationship, leading to disagreements and emotional upheaval.

McCartney explained that 'I’m Looking Through You' expressed his disillusionment with Asher's commitment during her frequent visits to the Bristol Old Vic. The song served as a cathartic release, allowing McCartney to shed emotional baggage. He acknowledged being somewhat selfish, wanting Asher with him whenever he was home. Their relationship endured for two more years, marked by ebbs and flows.

Despite proposing to Asher in 1967 and introducing her to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India, the couple's relationship unraveled upon returning from India. Asher discovered McCartney in bed with Francie Schwartz, leading to a brief attempt at reconciliation before their ultimate breakup during the recording of 'The White Album.'