Bet you didn’t know the Beatles wrote these 14 massive hits

Hidden hitmakers

You know The Beatles as rock legends, but did you know they also wrote hits for other artists? Some of these tracks became massive chart-toppers, without the Fab Four even singing a note.

From pop ballads to R&B bangers, their songwriting went far beyond their own albums. Swipe through to see 14 iconic songs that secretly have Beatles’ fingerprints all over them.

“I Wanna Be Your Man”

This 1963 Rolling Stones hit was written by Lennon and McCartney in a flash. They reportedly finished it right in front of Mick and Keith, handing them one of their earliest hits.

Though The Beatles recorded it too, it was the Stones’ version that made waves in the UK. It gave the young band their first real taste of commercial success.

“Come and Get It”

This catchy track, made famous by Badfinger in 1969, was penned entirely by Paul McCartney. He even recorded a demo himself in under an hour, which the band used almost note-for-note.

The song helped launch Badfinger’s career under The Beatles’ Apple label. And yes, Paul insisted they keep his arrangement exactly as-is.

“World Without Love”

Written by Paul McCartney and given to Peter and Gordon, this song became a number-one hit in both the US and the UK. Paul didn’t think it fit The Beatles’ style, so he passed it on.

With its dreamy lyrics and smooth vocals, it struck a chord with ‘60s audiences. It was Peter Asher’s connection to McCartney that sealed the deal.

“Goodbye”

Mary Hopkin’s 1969 single “Goodbye” was written by Paul McCartney and produced by him as well. It was a follow-up to her smash “Those Were the Days,” also released through Apple Records.

McCartney even recorded a guide vocal and demo guitar track for her. The song reached No. 2 in the UK and remains a Beatles-adjacent classic.

“Bad to Me”

Billy J. Kramer with The Dakotas scored a #1 UK hit with this 1963 song, written by Lennon and McCartney. Though John wrote most of it, he passed it along to Kramer instead of recording it with The Beatles.

It eventually hit No. 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1964, marking one of the early Beatles-penned tracks to break through stateside. That’s right, before the British Invasion even fully took hold.

“That Means a Lot”

This lesser-known song was written by Lennon and McCartney in 1965 and handed off to P.J. Proby. While The Beatles attempted their own version, they weren’t satisfied with the results.

Proby’s version had orchestral drama and theatrical flair, fitting his vocal style. It became a UK release, but the Beatles’ behind-the-scenes influence is what really made it shine.

“It’s for You”

Cilla Black, a friend of The Beatles, recorded this haunting 1964 ballad written by Lennon and McCartney. Paul even played the song for her over the phone after writing it.

Though it didn’t top US charts, it charted in the UK and showcased The Beatles’ reach into female-led pop. The dramatic tone and orchestration gave it a Broadway flair that Beatles fans rarely got to hear.

“Penina”

Now here’s one you really might not know: Paul McCartney wrote “Penina” in 1969 while vacationing in Portugal. He gifted the song to a hotel band called Jotta Herre for their live set.

They recorded it shortly after, making it a rare Beatles-written track that never went mainstream. It’s one of those musical Easter eggs fans love to dig up.

“Step Inside Love”

Written for Cilla Black’s BBC variety show, this smooth 1968 track was another McCartney creation. He wrote it specifically to suit her voice and TV persona.

The Beatles even recorded a jam version during the White Album sessions. But it’s Cilla’s version that lives on as a groovy, Beatles-backed pop gem.

“Tip of My Tongue”

This 1963 song was written by Lennon and McCartney but never officially released by The Beatles. Instead, it was recorded by British artist Tommy Quickly, who was also managed by Brian Epstein.

The song didn’t chart in the UK or US, but it holds a curious place in Beatles history. It’s one of the few McCartney-led tracks they gave away early in their career.

“I’m in Love”

Lennon and McCartney wrote “I’m in Love” in 1963 for The Fourmost, another Liverpool group from the Epstein stable. The Beatles never released their own version.

While The Fourmost’s version made modest waves in the UK, it never cracked US radio. Still, it’s a glimpse into how many tracks the Beatles funneled to friends.

“Like Dreamers Do”

This McCartney-penned track dates all the way back to The Beatles’ early days and was performed during their Decca audition in 1962. The group itself didn’t release it officially, but Apple-signed band The Applejacks did in 1964.

Their version landed on the UK charts, bringing new life to the early Beatles track. It’s a fun ‘what-could-have-been’ moment for fans.

“One and One Is Two”

Here’s a deep cut for the trivia lovers: “One and One Is Two” was a Beatles original written for Billy J. Kramer. Paul wasn’t happy with the demo, so the band never released it.

Ultimately, the song went to Mike Shannon, whose version didn’t gain traction. But it’s another example of the Beatles’ B-side brilliance hiding in plain sight.

“FourFiveSeconds”

Wait, did the Beatles write a Rihanna hit? Not quite, but Paul McCartney co-wrote and played guitar on “FourFiveSeconds” alongside Kanye West and Rihanna in 2015.

Though not a Beatles-era song, it’s a rare example of Paul’s songwriting legacy crossing into modern US pop charts. It hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving McCartney’s touch still works wonders.

Rihanna’s music legacy goes beyond the charts, and her personal story is just as iconic. Take a look at where things stand with A$AP Rocky.

Beatles everywhere

From 1960s Merseybeat to 2010s pop collabs, The Beatles’ songwriting legacy goes way beyond their own records. They wrote hits for friends, protégés, and even future icons.

Whether it topped US charts or stayed hidden in UK singles bins, each track proves their creative reach. You probably knew the band; now you know their hidden songbook, too.

Want to explore more timeless tracks like these? You’ll find plenty in classic songs (a timeless collection).

Which Beatles-penned track surprised you the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

Read more from this brand:

• Taylor Swift Tops Rihanna As The Richest Woman In Music
• 15 Hated ’70s’ Songs We Secretly Adore
• The Story Behind “I Will Always Love You”

Don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content right here on MSN.

If you liked this story, you’ll LOVE our FREE emails. Join today and be the first one to get stories like this one.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.