- Published on 1969
- Author: Lennon/McCartney
- Track 8 on “Abbey Road“
PAUL 1969: “I like John’s ‘Because’ on the second side. To say, ‘Because the world is round it turns me on’ is great. And ‘Because the wind is high it blows my mind’”
GEORGE 1969: “I think my favorite one on the album is ‘Because.’ The lyrics are uncomplicated… but the harmony was actually pretty difficult to sing. I think it’s one of those tunes that will definitely impress most people.”
JOHN 1980: “I was lying on the sofa in our house, listening to Yoko play Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight Sonata’ on the piano. Suddenly, I said, ‘Can you play those chords backward?’ She did, and I wrote ‘Because’ around them. The song sounds like ‘Moonlight Sonata,’ too. The lyrics are clear, no bullshit, no imagery, no obscure references.”
About “Because”
“Because” is a captivating composition featured on 969 album Abbey Road. Primarily attributed to John Lennon, it is officially credited to the songwriting duo of Lennon-McCartney, as per the Beatles’ customary practice.
This song stands out for its intricately woven three-part vocal harmonies, a hallmark that grants it a distinct and layered musical texture. The process of recording the vocals was painstaking, with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison contributing their parts separately. The result is a hauntingly beautiful vocal blend that characterizes the final recording.
In terms of instrumentation, the song maintains a relative simplicity compared to its complex vocal arrangements. John Lennon employs an electric guitar, played with a finger-picking technique, while Paul McCartney handles the bass guitar. George Harrison contributes playing Moog synthesiser while Ringo did not take part to the recording of the song.
The song’s influence has been notable, particularly for its innovative harmonies and its distinctive sound, which deviates from the typical Beatles repertoire with its more ethereal, classically-inspired composition.
“Because” has retained its status as a fan favorite and is often praised as a showcase of the Beatles’ musical and vocal prowess. Its enduring appeal is evident in the numerous cover versions recorded over the years, highlighting its impact on subsequent generations of musicians.
This song serves as a testament to the Beatles’ musical versatility and their knack for creating pieces that stretch the boundaries of conventional pop and rock. With its intricate harmonies and dreamlike sound, “Because” holds a special place in the Beatles’ extensive body of work.
Meaning of “Because”
The meaning of the Beatles’ song “Because” has been subject to interpretation and speculation over the years. While it doesn’t have an overt narrative like many of their other songs, it’s often seen as a composition emphasizing emotion, mood, and atmosphere.
The lyrics themselves are relatively sparse and abstract. They touch on themes of love and the cyclical nature of life, as evident in the repeated phrase “Because the world is round, it turns me on.” This line, in particular, has been interpreted in various ways. Some listeners believe it’s an expression of awe at the natural world and the cycles of life, while others see it as a poetic reflection on the interconnectedness of all things.
The song’s harmonically complex and ethereal sound, created through the intricate vocal arrangements, contributes to a dreamy and hypnotic atmosphere. The three-part harmonies in “Because” are often considered some of the most intricate and beautiful in the Beatles’ catalog.
“Because” is a song that invites listeners to bring their own emotions and experiences to the music. Its meaning can be deeply personal and subjective, and it’s this ambiguity that contributes to the song’s enduring appeal and resonance with audiences.
Personnel
- John Lennon – triple-tracked harmony vocals (middle register), guitar
- Paul McCartney – triple-tracked harmony vocals (high register), bass
- George Harrison – triple-tracked harmony vocals (low register), Moog synthesiser
- George Martin – electric harpsichord
How to play “Because” on guitar
The primary focus of “Because” is on the vocals, and there is no guitar solo or prominent guitar riff in the song. However, John Lennon does play an arpeggiated guitar figure that provides a subtle and melodic backdrop to the vocals. This guitar part complements the vocal harmonies and contributes to the overall sound of the song.
The guitar in “Because” serves a supportive role, adding to the atmospheric and dreamlike quality of the track. It’s a great example of how the Beatles utilized their instrumental and vocal talents to create innovative and memorable music.
The following video features a guitar lesson on how to play “Because”:
How to play “Because” on bass
The following video features a bass cover with tab of “Because”:
“Because” karaoke
For anyone who wants to try singing “Bacause”, the following video features the karaoke version of the song:
