“All Together Now”

Listen to “All Together Now”

Published on 1969
Author: Lennon/McCartney
Track 3 on “Yellow Submarine“

JOHN 1971: “I enjoyed it when football crowds in the early days would sing ‘All Together Now.’”

PAUL circa-1994: “When they were singing a song, to encourage the audience to join in they’d say ‘All together now,’ so I just took it and read another meaning into it, of– we are all together now. So I used the dual meaning. It’s really a children’s song. I had a few young relatives and I would sing songs for them.”

About “All Together Now”

“All Together Now” was written primarily by Paul McCartney with contributions from John Lennon and was released in 1969 on their album “Yellow Submarine.” It is a light-hearted, catchy tune that was intended to be a sing-along song. Its lyrics are simple and repetitive, designed to encourage group participation and audience engagement. The song conveys a sense of unity and togetherness. The song features a cheerful, upbeat melody and is characterized by its sing-along quality. It incorporates elements of pop and rock, aligning with The Beatles’ trademark sound.

“All Together Now” was recorded during the sessions for the “Yellow Submarine” album. The recording process took place at Abbey Road Studios in London. It was released on January 17, 1969, in the United Kingdom and on January 13, 1969, in the United States as part of the “Yellow Submarine” soundtrack album. The film is an imaginative and colorful work that complements the song’s playful spirit.

“All Together Now” is considered one of The Beatles’ more lighthearted and accessible songs. It’s often praised for its sing-along quality and its ability to bring people together in a joyous, communal experience. The song has been used in various films, television shows, and commercials over the years, further solidifying its status as a recognizable and beloved Beatles track.

The Beatles never performed “All Together Now” live in concert. The song was not a staple in their live repertoire. Over the years, “All Together Now” has been covered by various artists, demonstrating its enduring popularity.

“All Together Now” is a cheerful and inclusive song that reflects The Beatles’ ability to create music that brings people together. It remains a well-loved and memorable part of their extensive discography.

Meaning of “All Together Now”

“All Together Now” conveys a sense of unity, togetherness, and communal joy. The lyrics are straightforward and repetitive, with a catchy melody, making it an easy song for groups to sing along to.

The chorus, which repeatedly exclaims “All together now,” emphasizes the idea of collective action and collaboration. This sentiment of unity aligns with the broader cultural and social themes of the 1960s, which emphasized peace, love, and cooperation.

The verses include simple, descriptive phrases that encourage participation and engagement. Lines like “Black, white, green, red, can I take my friend to bed” are playful and inclusive, suggesting that people of all backgrounds and colors can come together and share in this moment of happiness.

Overall, “All Together Now” is a feel-good, upbeat song that encourages a sense of community and celebrates the idea of people coming together in harmony. It’s often seen as a reflection of the optimism and camaraderie of the era in which it was written.

Personnel

Paul McCartney – lead vocals, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, handclaps, percussion
John Lennon – double-tracked lead vocals (middle eight), backing vocals, ukulele, harmonica, handclaps
George Harrison – backing vocals, acoustic guitar, handclaps
Ringo Starr – backing vocals, drums, zill, handclaps

How to play “All Together Now” on guitar

“All Together Now” is a fun and relatively simple song. It features basic chords and a catchy melody. In the following video you find the chords and basic steps to play the song on guitar: