3 of the Best Beatles Songs Written by Ringo Starr

John, Paul, George, and Ringo—Why does it always have to be “and Ringo?” Well, it’s a sad truth that Ringo Starr is often the overshadowed member of The Beatles due to the rest of his bandmates’ colossal accomplishments. However, Ringo also has his fair share of legendary accomplishments and phenomenal music. One just has to look past the rest of the three Beatles to find them.

All members of The Beatles went on to have illustrious careers following their break-up. Frankly, it was Ringo’s solo career that let him show off his musical flair and tongue-in-cheek style. Though, Ringo had this style while with The Beatles, he just seemingly didn’t have the opportunity to show it off as much as he liked. That being so, here are three of the best Beatles songs written by Ringo Starr.

“Octopus’s Garden”

Thanks to Ringo Starr, The Beatles released one of their most unique songs of all time. Truly, the only other songs as bohemian and uncanny as this one are “I Am the Walrus” and “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.” Ringo and The Beatles released “Octopus’s Garden” in 1969 on their iconic album, Abbey Road. As the fifth track on The Beatles’ final album, the song acts as a bit of joyful comic relief amidst the broader context.

The inspiration for the song struck Ringo when on vacation in Sardinia in 1968. While sailing, the captain of the ship told Ringo about how octopi build gardens on the ocean floor. It was this wacky and wholesome inspiration that not only made the song a success but also helped Abbey Road stay at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for 11 weeks.

“Don’t Pass Me By”

Released on The Beatles(White Album) in 1968, Ringo Starr’s song “Don’t Pass Me By” is the album’s 14th song on side-A. Not only is it another song encompassing The Beatles’ use of unorthodox instruments, but it’s also Ringo’s very first solo composition. With that in mind, the song has become a staple of both the album and Ringo’s career with The Beatles.

Lastly, it was this song that got Ringo Starr his first No. 1 hit as a songwriter. Released as a single in Scandinavia, the song topped the charts in Denmark in 1969. Per usual, John Lennon and Paul McCartney mistakenly received all the credit.

“What Goes On”

Despite not being a solo composition, Ringo Starr is still partially credited for writing this Beatles’ hit. Released in 1965 on Rubber Soul, Ringo takes the lead vocals and gives the song one of its most notable attributes. Matter of fact, it was seemingly Ringo’s voice that helped the song stay on the Billboard Hot 100 for a total of two weeks.

Furthermore, thanks to both Ringo’s track and the other iconic ones, Rubber Soul reached and stayed at No.1 for six weeks in the United States and 42 weeks in the UK. Often considered one of the best Beatles albums of all time, one has to think that Ringo Starr and “What Goes On” had a whole lot to do with it.

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