On Egypt Station (2018), Paul McCartney delivered one of his most direct and compassionate messages in years with “Who Cares.” It’s a song that takes the voice of experience — and turns it outward, toward anyone who has ever felt small, bullied, or unseen.
From the opening guitar riff, the song brims with urgency. McCartney’s vocal isn’t delicate here; it’s firm, determined, and almost protective, like a friend stepping in to shield you. The chorus lands with clarity: “Who cares what the idiots say? Who cares what the idiots do? Who cares about you? I do.” The simplicity is the point — it doesn’t hide behind metaphor. It’s a promise, a reassurance spoken plainly and powerfully.
Musically, the track has grit and punch, carried by a driving beat and raw guitars. It feels closer to rock-and-roll than to the polished ballads Paul is often known for. The energy gives weight to the message — this isn’t a soft lullaby, but an anthem of defiance, urging the listener to stand tall against cruelty.
What makes “Who Cares” resonate is its sincerity. McCartney, at this stage of his life and career, could have easily leaned only on nostalgia. Instead, he wrote a song with a message for the present — one that addresses the very real struggles of bullying, isolation, and self-doubt. And he does so not as a distant legend, but as a companion, someone who has been there and wants to help carry the burden.
The song’s spirit was amplified further by its music video, featuring Emma Stone as a young woman overwhelmed by anxiety and Paul as a quirky, almost guardian-like figure offering reassurance. Together, they gave the track a visual life that underscored its central message: kindness can be a lifeline.
At its heart, “Who Cares” is McCartney doing what he has always done best — using melody and sincerity to connect, to remind us that we are not alone. It may not be as grand as “Hey Jude” or as iconic as “Let It Be,” but in its directness, it shines just as brightly.
In the end, “Who Cares” is less a song and more a promise — that even in a world full of noise and cruelty, someone does care, and sometimes that reminder is all we need to keep going.