We Need to Stop Taking Paul McCartney for Granted

It’s so easy to take Paul McCartney for granted. For decades, he has been a constant presence in our cultural lives—always there, always smiling, always accessible. Unlike many artists of his stature who vanish into seclusion or retreat into mystique, McCartney has embraced the spotlight. He has given countless interviews, made appearances on radio and television, participated in documentaries, and—most importantly—continued to make and perform music well into his 80s.

And yet, because of that accessibility, because he has never hidden himself away, it sometimes feels as if Paul McCartney has always been here and always will be. We assume he’ll keep showing up, keep giving us stories, keep playing shows. But that assumption is dangerous. It blinds us to just how extraordinary his presence really is—and how lucky we are to still have him.

The Familiar Face of a Legend

Part of the paradox of Paul McCartney is that, despite being one of the most famous musicians who ever lived, he still feels approachable. He has spent his life navigating an impossible balance: being a Beatle, an icon, and at the same time, a human being who doesn’t mind laughing at himself, telling stories, or sitting down for yet another interview.

That accessibility, however, has also led some to dismiss him. Even fans have, at times, rolled their eyes when McCartney pops up again on a late-night talk show or a new documentary. How many times have we heard interviewers ask him about “the day the Beatles met Elvis” or “what it was like to write Yesterday”? The repetition can be exhausting. And for Paul himself—though he rarely shows it—it must be wearying to answer the same questions year after year.

But here’s the thing: the fact that he’s still here to answer them at all is remarkable.

Changing Perspective

I’ll admit, I’ve been guilty of it myself. There were times when I thought Paul McCartney was simply overexposed—too visible, too willing to say yes to interviews and appearances. There were moments when I found myself sighing, “Another Paul McCartney feature? Haven’t we heard it all before?”

But the last few years have changed my perspective entirely.

We’ve lost so many legendary musicians—David Bowie, Prince, Tom Petty, Christine McVie, Tina Turner. Each loss has been a painful reminder that the artists who defined generations are not invincible. They’re mortal. And when they leave us, they take with them not just their music, but their stories, their voices, their laughter.

Suddenly, Paul’s “overexposure” doesn’t feel like a nuisance. It feels like a gift. Every new interview, every casual story about the Beatles, every impromptu performance is something to treasure. Because one day, they won’t be there anymore.

The Immensity of His Contribution

It’s worth pausing to remember who we are talking about. This is Paul McCartney.

One of the greatest songwriters in history. A man who helped shape not just popular music but the culture of the modern world. From Hey Jude to Blackbird, from Let It Be to Band on the Run, his songs are woven into the very fabric of our lives. He has given us music for celebration and music for mourning. Songs that defined eras and songs that sound timeless no matter when you hear them.

His work with the Beatles alone would have secured him immortality. But then came Wings, then a prolific solo career, then collaborations with artists spanning multiple generations—from Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson to Kanye West and Rihanna.

And even at 80+, he continues to perform with an energy that defies belief. Stadiums filled with tens of thousands of fans still rise to their feet when he steps on stage, because there’s something transcendent about being in the presence of someone who has not just witnessed history, but helped create it.

Gratitude in the Present

The temptation is to wait until it’s too late. To wait until the obituary headlines arrive before we reflect on how much someone meant to us. To only recognize their genius after they’re gone.

But we cannot afford to do that with Paul McCartney.

We should be thankful for each and every day that he is still here with us—still healthy, still touring, still writing, still willing to share his voice and his stories. That accessibility we sometimes take for granted? That’s the very thing we’ll miss most when it’s gone.

Paul doesn’t owe us anything. He could have disappeared decades ago and still been regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time. The fact that he continues to show up, continues to give himself to the public, is a gift.

A Living Reminder of Love

There’s another reason McCartney’s continued presence matters so much: his music has always been rooted in love. While Lennon often explored irony, politics, and raw edge, Paul brought melody, warmth, and optimism. His songs have the power to comfort and to heal.

In times of uncertainty, it matters that we still have someone who can stand on a stage and sing Let It Be or Hey Jude—songs that remind us of resilience, unity, and hope. His very presence feels like a living reminder that even in dark times, beauty and love endure.

The Call to Appreciate Now

So here’s the truth: we need to stop taking Paul McCartney for granted.

Every interview, every story about his life with the Beatles, every new performance should be seen for what it is: a blessing. A chance to connect with living history. A chance to share space with someone whose music changed the world.

We don’t need to wait until the day the headlines announce that he is gone to realize what he meant to us. We can make that acknowledgment now, while he is still here to feel it, still here to see our gratitude.

Final Thoughts

Paul McCartney is more than a rock star. He’s more than a Beatle. He’s a reminder of what creativity, humanity, and resilience look like when they span decades.

Yes, he’s been everywhere. Yes, he’s been endlessly accessible. But that’s not something to roll our eyes at—it’s something to celebrate. Because every day we still get to hear his voice, see him on stage, or read his reflections is another day that the world feels a little richer, a little brighter, and a little more alive.

One day, the music world will mourn the loss of Paul McCartney. That day will come. But today is not that day. Today he is still here—happy, healthy, creating, performing, and sharing his light with us.

And that is something we should never, ever, take for granted.