Both are masterpieces. Sometimes I more listen John's song, sometimes Paul's.
Strawberry Fields - melancholic. Lyrics are "philosophical", John "speaks his mind".
Mental images.
(He said in the interview:
I took the name Strawberry Fields as an IMAGE...)
Penny Lane - "happy", narrative song with beautiful (
visual) images (
suburban skies)
where Paul takes you on a stroll through the street...
Now, for those who like one better than another, or dislikes one and likes only other song...
there could be 10,000 reasons for that - do you like, in general, more John's or Paul's songs;
and what sounds better in your ear:
lead guitar, harpsichord
bass guitar, piano, bongos, flute
lead guitar, timpani
drums
tambourine
alto trumpet
two cellos, two horns
(that's what
Strawberry Fields is consist of)
or
piano,
bass guitar, Arco string bass, flute
conga drum, firebell
drums
piano
piccolo trumpet
trumpet
(Penny Lane)