There are too many references to McCartney for this song not to be about Paul. When John said it was about himself, I think he meant that he shared the flaws he attributed to Paul.
I don't think the reference to Sgt Pepper is to the album (why would the record have taken anyone by surprise?). It is probably a euphemism for a drug or a person they both knew as 'Sgt Pepper'.
It is a difficult song to listen to but you get the feeling it is written more in exasperation and sadness than real hatred. Listen closely to McCartney's (wonderful) Ram album and this response makes sense. I am sure Lennon wished he'd never recorded this song, though.
There are too many references to McCartney for this song not to be about Paul. When John said it was about himself, I think he meant that he shared the flaws he attributed to Paul. I don't think the reference to Sgt Pepper is to the album (why would the record have taken anyone by surprise?). It is probably a euphemism for a drug or a person they both knew as 'Sgt Pepper'. It is a difficult song to listen to but you get the feeling it is written more in exasperation and sadness than real hatred. Listen closely to McCartney's (wonderful) Ram album and this response makes sense. I am sure Lennon wished he'd never recorded this song, though.