Paul McCartney en couverture du nouveau Q Magazine

Sir Paul McCartney, one of the world's most successful songwriters, says he still wants to improve - to write protest songs.

The former Beatle, whose compositions have raked in millions of pounds and been covered by countless stars, said he lacked "the knack".

His occasional efforts are not among his better songs, he said in an interview with Q magazine to be published this week.

Among his few efforts at backing causes, or making political points, on record was his Wings single Give Ireland Back To The Irish. The song was given little exposure in the UK after being banned by the BBC and it failed to make the top 10.

He told Q: "You can't have it all, I've written songs more about emotions. Like Eleanor Rigby is about loneliness. Love songs like Maybe I'm Amazed. That's my forte.

"I'd love to write more protest songs, but I don't think I have the knack for it that other people do. I've complained about situations - Give Ireland Back To The Irish, Big Boys Bickering - but they're not necessarily my better songs."

His ability to write music is still a source of amazement, he revealed in the interview for the June edition of Q, to be pubished on Thursday.

"I'm still intoxicated by the fact I can do it," he said.

:: Tickets for a show at Mexico City's 60,000-capacity Foro Sol Stadium on May 27 sold out in minutes today to set a new record.

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/entertainment/macca-wants-to-write-protest-songs-14782026.html#ixzz0mKL80J6C