Paperback Writer: A Lesson from the Beatles

It’s a thousand pages, give or take a few

I’ll be writing more in a week or two

I can make it longer if you like the style

I can change it ‘round

and I want to be a paperback writer.

Paperback writer."

     These few lines in the Beatles’ “Paperback Writer” stood out to me. It isn’t just because I relate to the song, but because there is a lesson to be learned here. Upon a single listen, it is clear that the narrator is desperate to be an author. Besides the fact that he needs the money, he is yearning to be in print. Most writers have probably been there. The process of translating ideas onto paper in a relatable, understandable way is a difficult process. It isn’t wrong to want gratification for that. But I felt warned against a certain idea that came through in this song. 

“I can make it longer if you like the style

I can change it ‘round

and I want to be a paperback writer.”

     It is a struggle to find publishing companies, individual clients, or agents who are willing to support Christian artists. And even if something is not expressly Christian, there is a general hesitation (or even a stronger word, perhaps) to publish something that might be in the least offensive. To be honest, the world needs to be offended by itself. Sin is offensive to God, and the world needs to know because it is a dirty, immoral place. God’s call to us—artists or not—can be found in the Great Commission. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” Matthew 28:19a.

But secular companies that you send your work to do not want to admit this. If they think that there might be something marketable in your product, they usually suggest changes to get rid of the "offensive" material. This, of course, would be putting the artist into another person's not-necessarily-Biblical mold.

     Of course, it is important for other eyes to take a look at an artist’s work; it is nearly impossible for one to accurately judge his or her work. I'm hardly advocating for someone to refuse criticism of any kind. But being a Christian artist is a unique opportunity to share your beliefs with the world, and you should not be as willing to change your work as the narrator in “Paperback Writer” just so you can see your name in print. 

     The narrator offers to change his book all around in fact, before the publisher has even read the book—the whole song is a letter sent to a publishing company/editor/agent.

     Thinking about this song the past few weeks put me in mind of an excellent series of Bible studies that I had the privilege to listen to at Bob Jones University this summer. Jared Stanley, head of Art & Design led my summer art camp, and he had a lot to say about not bending to our culture. 

     Daniel was the subject of our discussions, and I still think back about how solid and convicting Dr. Stanley’s points were. Daniel was taken as a young man from his parents and friends, and everything he knew. He was put into a completely new world full of pagan gods. He had no one to keep him accountable. His parents were gone as well as his spiritual elders and leaders. But despite being young, he stood his ground and refused to bend in the pagan Babylonian culture.

     The first instance where he stood up was regarding eating the pagan king's food. The vegetables that Daniel requested he eat nourished him better than any of the fine food he had been offered before. God offered a way out of the first situation Daniel found himself in because he was willing to take the risk and refuse to conform. He was given opportunity after opportunity by the Babylonian Empire to bend to its pagan, godless ways, but he never did.

     This inspiring man is a Biblical example of a person who did not bend to the world that he was thrust into. In each instance, God brought him through difficulties, working miracles that remind us what a strong God we serve. 

     As a Christian artist, you probably create art because you have a God-given desire to share something with the world. It is hard when the very people you think could benefit from your work turn it away. The world is a dark place, and it does not want your light to shine through. Because of that, it is very difficult to share God-honouring, beautiful art. And because humans desire to be accepted by other humans (which as Christians, we should make inferior to being accepted by God), it is a real temptation to publish “less offensive” work. 

There are a couple reasons I encourage you to stand strong.

     First off, this would be undeniably bending to the world, denying a true, Biblical calling. In Romans 12:2a, Paul says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” We are not called to fit into the world, but we are called to be lights. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. If we conform to this world, who will be the light? Not even to mention that this would be disobeying God's Word.

    Secondly, conforming to this world will not bring you satisfaction because the promises of the world are hollow. Publication, success, fame…they may seem like the pinnacle of what you’ve always wanted. But conforming to this world certainly will not give you lasting success. The world might embrace you overnight, calling you the best that ever lived, but it will move on. And what will you be left with? You received your success, but did it honour God?

     The truth is that, as Christians, the only opinion we should care about is the opinion of the One who gave us messages to share. My belief is that if God gives you a message, He will provide a way for you to share it. It might not be a wild success, but at least, like Daniel, you will be refusing to bend. And, if you remember, two different Babylonian kings recognized God’s power and praised Him publicly. 

     That was a lot from one secular song, but I think there was a definite lesson to learn. At the very least, the song proved to be a launching pad for the rest of this post. I hope you will be encouraged to keep standing up for God’s Word, refusing to bend, sharing the messages that He has given you.