The Object of Paul McCartney's Affection in the Beatles' 'Martha My Dear'
Paul McCartney was never the most direct songwriter. During his Beatles days, he wrote songs like “I’m Looking Through You” and “We Can Work It Out” about his girlfriend Jane Asher without mentioning her by name. He also wrote several songs about subjects which listeners might never guess.
In “Got to Get You Into My Life,” Paul said he was writing about marijuana. (It sounded like a love song addressed to a woman.) When composing “Blackbird,” Paul had the U.S. civil rights struggle on his mind. (It comes off as an inspirational song addressed to no one specific.)
After he went solo and wanted to needle his old pal John Lennon, Paul again did so obscurely on “Too Many People.” (John responded with a very direct takedown song addressed to Paul.) In short, Paul only named names on rare occasions.
“The Lovely Linda,” addressed to his first wife, is a good example. But Paul had referred to another love in his life by name during his Beatles days. That came on “Martha My Dear” from The White Album (1968).
Source: cheatsheet.com
