Classic rock can get a little melodramatic. For example, the lyrics of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” don’t warrant the tune’s over the top instrumental. The song was a hit but it missed the No. 1 spot.

McCartney explained early in the episode that he developed a fascination with bird-watching when he was young, which may be why he wound up writing as many songs about them as he did. “I loved bird ...