Here, There, and Everywhere

Hearing beauty in another artist's work opens unexpected creative doorways. Paul wrote this delicate ballad for Jane Asher after being deeply moved by the Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" album, especially "God Only Knows." Rather than viewing Brian Wilson's masterpiece as competition, Paul let it inspire him toward greater artistry. The result became one of his most beloved compositions.

Every artist builds on what came before, transforming inspiration into something new. Paul's response to "Pet Sounds" wasn't imitation but a creative conversation across musical styles. The three verses cleverly progress through space: "here" flows into "there" and expands to "everywhere." This structural elegance emerged from studying how other great songwriters crafted their work, then finding his own voice within that tradition.

Remarkable songs often spark other remarkable songs, creating chains of inspiration. John later called this one of his favorite Paul compositions, high praise from his sometimes competitive partner. The perfect melody matched by poetic lyrics demonstrated that responding to greatness with your own excellence elevates everyone. Competition transforms into collaboration when artists recognize they're building something larger together.

Everywhere we look, opportunities exist to let quality work inspire our own. Paul's openness to influence didn't diminish his originality; it expanded his creative possibilities. When we approach other people's excellence with appreciation rather than threat, we give ourselves permission to reach higher than we thought possible.

Today, I will identify one person whose work inspires me and create something influenced by their excellence.

What artist, leader, or creator has opened new possibilities for your own work? How could studying their approach elevate your craft?