The Beatles: Songs with the Most Intriguing Backstories

The English rock band, The Beatles, amazed the world with their musical genius. Behind each of their iconic songs lies a fascinating story, reflecting the personal and cultural contexts of each period in their career. In this article, we delve into the most intriguing backstories of several Beatles songs. From collaborative writing and real-life events to cultural impact and personal tragedies, these stories reflect the evolution of the band.

A Day in the Life

A Day in the Life, a standout track from the album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, is one of the Beatles' most captivating songs. Notably, it showcases the collaborative writing style of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, blending their distinct songwriting inclinations.

Collaborative Writing: The song features contributions from both Lennon and McCartney. Lennon wrote the verses about a news story regarding the death of Tara Browne, who tragically died in a car crash. McCartney’s section reflects his own experiences of daily life. Influence of Real Events: The lyric about the death of Tara Browne was inspired by a real incident, with Lennon deeply moved by the news and using it as a source for existential reflection in his lyrics. Orchestral Experimentation: The song is famous for its innovative use of orchestral crescendos, recorded in a spontaneous and chaotic manner. Musicians were instructed to play at random pitches, creating a surreal sound that matches the song's dreamlike quality. Finale and the Hidden Track: The song ends with a sustained piano note that fades out and is followed by a hidden track "Melody," a brief nonsensical soundscape showcasing the Beatles' penchant for experimentation and pushing the boundaries of popular music. Cultural Impact: "A Day in the Life" is often regarded as one of the greatest songs in rock history and exemplifies the Beatles' artistic evolution during the 1960s. It reflects the cultural and social changes of the era.

Why Pick One Song?

While discussing the Beatles' musical masterpieces, we cannot ignore their iconic hit Hey Jude. This song was written at a time of uncertainty for the group, as they were launching their Apple label and preparing their first single under the new label. Here are some fascinating details about its creation and impact:

Creation and Affect: While driving to see his young son Julian after John Lennon announced his divorce from Cynthia, Paul McCartney started humming a song meant to reassure Julian that everything would be alright. When John heard it, he thought it was about him and initially liked it as is. The song came at a crucial time for the band, providing much-needed encouragement during a period of change. Recording and Enduring Success: Recording the song and its video had a profound impact on the group, sparking a desire to perform live again. This led directly to the captivatingGet Back sessions. The track's ending refrain was inspired by a similar bit in "Hello Goodbye," marking a clever incorporation of another Beatles song.

Hidden Behind the Melody: Yesterday

The song "Yesterday" is the most frequently covered song in pop music history and holds a special place in the hearts of Beatles fans. Here's a look at its intriguing backstory:

Origins and Inspiration: The music came to Paul McCartney in a dream, and when he awoke, he immediately sat down at the piano and played the tune. He was convinced that he had unconsciously stolen the music from someone else, so he played it for various people for a year to see if they recognized it, but it remained a mystery. Initial Lyrics and Cultural Impact: McCartney came up with the placeholder lyrics "Scrambled eggs oh my baby how I love your legs," which fit the melody perfectly and made it difficult for him to come up with different words. Despite John Lennon having no direct involvement in the song, there was an agreement between them from their childhood, allowing Lennon to receive a songwriting credit. Years after Paul's death, he attempted to change the credits but was denied by Yoko Ono, stating that it was a mistake on his part. Cultural Impact: "Yesterday" has been covered countless times by artists of various genres, making it one of the most recognizable songs in pop music, further cementing its place in musical history.

Each of these stories provides a glimpse into the lives and minds of the Beatles, highlighting their creativity, collaboration, and the cultural impact they had during their tumultuous and groundbreaking era. From the mysterious origin of "Yesterday" to the collaborative effort behind "A Day in the Life," these songs serve as a testament to their enduring legacy.