John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs

In 1970, Paul sought formal, legal dissolution of the Beatles. He cited his frustrations with management and inability to work independently as the reason for the breakup. Meanwhile, he began auditioning new musicians and recording his album Ram. Around this time, John gave a cutting interview for Rolling Stone where he aired his frustrations with Paul. Linda wrote John a letter in Paul’s defense, which riled John. He and Yoko wrote back, expressing more frustrations. Soon after, Ram was released. It did well, but John publicly scoffed at the project. He then wrote and released “How Do You Sleep?,” which Leslie holds overtly insulted Paul’s character and musical abilities.

John and Paul’s conflicts continued throughout 1970 and 1971. They were in constant musical competition and scorned one another’s lifestyles. However, in “Dear Friend,” Paul responded to “How Do You Sleep?” in a subdued manner. Leslie claims that it’s evidence of Paul’s attempts to smooth out their relationship and exemplifies Paul’s complicated emotions over the Beatles’ breakup.

After Ram, Paul began working on Wild Life and started doing public gigs for the first time in years. He also publicly responded to “How Do You Sleep?” in interviews, dismissing it as silly.