Rejection of Beatles Songs by George Harrison, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney: Beyond My Generation

Introduction

The Beatles, one of the most groundbreaking bands in music history, left behind a vast array of songs that sometimes saw the light of day, and others that were rejected. This article delves into the rejected songs by each Beatle from the band, focusing on George Harrison, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney, and explores the reasons behind these rejections.

George Harrison’s Rejected Songs

George Harrison, known for his exceptional guitar skills and rich contributions to the Beatles' discography, had songs that were rejected during the band's heydays. One notable example is the track Maybe I’m Amazed. Despite George’s prolific songwriting, the band did not always include his songs in their albums.

According to several sources, these rejections were not due to malice but rather the band's decision-making process. Songs like “Sun King,” “Octopus’s Garden,” and “Something” were included in the band's legendary White Album, but others such as “The Human Heart” and “Be Bop Drums” never saw the light of the record.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s Rejected Songs

John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the primary songwriters of the band, occasionally had their song ideas rejected. Despite being the two main composers of the Beatles, they had songs that were not included in their albums. For instance, In the Backseat of My Car is one of the many songs by Paul McCartney that were not recorded during the Beatles' years but later found its way to Paul's early solo albums.

My Equity is a track that highlights the fact that the band had a majority rule for album selections. If three members disagreed, the song was not included. This is evident in the case of George Harrison’s and John Lennon’s rejected songs.

The Role of theProducer

The producer’s role in accepting or rejecting songs was crucial during the Beatles' era. Producers had the final say on which songs would be included in the band's albums. They also made decisions on who would sing and play which instruments, which could lead to a more organized and structured album.

Decca Auditions and Rejections

During the early days, the Beatles auditioned for Decca Records in 1962. Out of the 15 songs recorded at the audition, many were rejected. These songs included Searchin’ Like Dreamers Do, Hello Little Girl, Three Cool Cats, and The Sheik of Araby. The Decca audition tapes reveal the band's potential and the insights into the industry's perception of their music during that era.

Conclusion

The rejection of some of George Harrison, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney's songs during the Beatles' years is often misunderstood. These rejections were not always due to a lack of quality but rather due to the band's creative process and the role of the producer. The Beatles remained a seminal force in the music industry, and their legacy continues beyond these rejected songs. Understanding these rejections adds another layer to the rich tapestry of The Beatles' musical journey.

Bonus Sections: Additional Information and Tidbits

A thick book claiming unfounded details about John and Paul's relationship with their rejected songs has been highly criticized. Recent tapes and dialogues from the band members reveal their interest and involvement in songs such as All Things Must Pass. This adds a myth-busting layer to the understanding of the band's dynamic.

Additional Reading

To delve deeper into the Beatles' recording history, check out the Anthology Documentary released in 1995. Also, exploring the list of songs from the Decca audition on Wikipedia and the recordings of the audition on YouTube will provide a comprehensive understanding of these rejected tracks.