About “Now And Then”

Over the course of five decades, the realization of “Now and Then” was a journey filled with events, shaped by ongoing discussions and collaborations among the four Beatles that continue to this day. The legendary John Lennon demo, steeped in myth, saw its initial efforts in February 1995 when Paul, George, and Ringo worked on it as part of The Beatles Anthology project. However, it remained incomplete, largely due to the formidable technological hurdles posed by John’s recorded vocals from the 1970s. For years, it seemed like the song would never reach completion.

Then, in 2022, a stroke of serendipity occurred. A software system developed by Peter Jackson and his team, integral to the production of the documentary series “Get Back,” finally allowed for the separation of John’s vocals from his piano part. Consequently, the original recording came to life, and all four Beatles contributed to its revitalization.

This extraordinary tale of musical archaeology mirrors The Beatles’ boundless creative curiosity and mutual fascination with technology. It signifies the culmination of the final recording that John, Paul, George, and Ringo will ever create together, and pays tribute to the enduring legacy of the preeminent and most influential band in the history of popular music.

On November 1, 2023, the Beatles’ YouTube channel premiered ‘Now and Then – The Last Beatles Song,’ a 12-minute documentary film written and directed by Oliver Murray. This short film delves into the backstory of the song, featuring insights from McCartney, Starr, Harrison, Sean Lennon, and Jackson. Additionally, it offers a sneak peek of an upcoming release.

Personnel

The Beatles

• John Lennon – lead and backing vocals
• Paul McCartney – lead and backing vocals, bass, lap steel guitar, piano, electric harpsichord, shaker
• George Harrison – backing vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar
• Ringo Starr – backing vocals, drums, tambourine, shaker

Production

• Paul McCartney, Giles Martin, Ben Foster – string arrangement
• Produced by Paul McCartney and Giles Martin, with additional production by Jeff Lynne
• Giles Martin, Sam Okell – stereo and Atmos mixes
• Miles Showell – vinyl mastering
• Oli Morgan – Atmos mastering
• Bruce Sugar, Steve Genewick, Greg McAllister, Geoff Emerick, Keith Smith, Mark “Spike” Stent, Steve Orchard, Jon Jacobs – engineering

Orchestra

• Violin: Neel Hammond, Adrianne Pope, Charlie Bisharat, Andrew Bulbrook, Songa Lee, Serena McKinney
• Viola: Ayvren Harrison, Caroline Buckman, Drew Forde, Linnea Powell
• Cello: Mia Barcia-Colombo, Giovanna Clayton, Niall Ferguson
• Double bass: Mike Valerio

• Published in 1968
• Author: Lennon/McCartney

JOHN 1980: “Completely me. We recorded the song twice. The Beatles were getting real tense with each other. I did the slow version (Revolution 1) and I wanted to put it out as a single: as a statement of the Beatles’ position on Vietnam and the Beatles’ position on revolution. The first take of ‘Revolution’ …well, George and Paul were resentful and said it wasn’t fast enough. Now, if you go into the details of what a hit record is and isn’t, maybe. But the Beatles could have afforded to put out a slow, understandable version of ‘Revolution’ as a single, whether it was a gold record or a wooden record.”

About “Revolution”

“Revolution” was released as a single in 1968, along with “Hey Jude,” as a double A-side. The song was written by John Lennon and credited to the songwriting partnership of Lennon/McCartney, as was customary for most Beatles songs. “Revolution” is known for its powerful and politically charged lyrics, reflecting the social and political upheaval of the late 1960s. The song addresses themes of revolution, protest, and the desire for change. It’s often associated with the counterculture movements of the time.

Musically, “Revolution” features a raw and edgy sound, characterized by a distorted guitar riff and a driving rhythm. It was a departure from the more polished and melodic sound that The Beatles were known for in their earlier years. There are actually two versions of “Revolution.” The faster and more aggressive version was released as the B-side to the “Hey Jude” single, while a slower and more refined version “Revolution 1” appeared on The Beatles’ self-titled album, commonly known as the “White Album,” which was released later in 1968.

“Revolution” remains a significant and influential song in the history of rock music, and it continues to be celebrated for its social and musical impact.

Meaning of “Revolution”

The lyrics of “Revolution” reflect a sense of disillusionment with the state of the world and a desire for change. The song expresses frustration with the existing order and calls for a revolution, but not necessarily a violent one. Instead, it suggests a more contemplative approach to revolution, advocating for a change in consciousness and societal values.

“Revolution” can be seen as a reflection of the turbulent times in which it was written, with social and political upheaval taking place around the world, including events like the Vietnam War and civil rights movements. The song’s message is open to interpretation, but it’s generally understood as a call for change and a questioning of the status quo.

Personnel

The Beatles

• John Lennon – vocals, lead guitar, handclaps
• Paul McCartney – bass guitar, Hammond organ, handclaps
• George Harrison – lead guitar, handclaps
• Ringo Starr – drums, handclaps

Additional musician

• Nicky Hopkins – electric piano

• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 11 on “Past Masters Volume 1“

JOHN 1980: “That was my song. When there was no Beatles and no group, I just had it around. It was my effort as a kind of blues originally, and then I wrote the middle-eight just to stick it in the album when it came out years later. The first part had been written before Hamburg even. It was one of my ‘first’ attempts at a song.”

PAUL circa-1994: “We worked on it together, but it was John’s idea. When I look back at some of these lyrics, I think, ‘Wait a minute. What did he mean? ‘I call your name but you’re not there.’ Is it his mother? His father? I must admit I didn’t really see that as we wrote it because we were just a couple of young guys writing. You didn’t look behind it at the time, it was only later you started analyzing things.”

About “I Call Your Name”

“I Call Your Name” is a song by the Beatles, primarily written by John Lennon but credited to the Lennon/McCartney songwriting partnership. It was released in 1964 on the album “The Beatles’ Second Album” in the United States and on the EP “Long Tall Sally” in the United Kingdom.

The song is characterized by its rock and roll style, catchy melody, and signature Beatles harmonies. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and urgency to connect with someone. While not as famous as some of their other hits, the song remains beloved among Beatles fans and is a part of their extensive catalog of memorable tracks. It has been covered by various artists over the years, attesting to its enduring popularity.

Meaning of “I Call Your Name”

“I Call Your Name” expresses a sense of longing and a strong desire to communicate with someone. The lyrics suggest an urgent need to connect with the person addressed in the song. The narrator seems to be reaching out, attempting to bridge a gap or distance between them. The title, “I Call Your Name,” signifies this effort to establish contact, emphasizing the significance and urgency of this connection.

In a broader sense, the song can be interpreted as a reflection on the universal human experience of seeking closeness and communication with others, particularly those we hold dear or have strong feelings for. The song captures a feeling of yearning and a willingness to make an effort to be close to someone important in the narrator’s life

Personnel

• John Lennon – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – bass guitar
• George Harrison – 12 string lead guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums, cowbell
• George Martin – producer
• Norman Smith – engineer

• Published on 1964
• Author: Buddy Holly
• Track 9 on “Beatles For Sale“

About “Words of Love”

The Beatles recorded a cover version of the song on October 18, 1964 for the UK album Beatles for Sale. It first appeared in the U.S. on the album Beatles VI. It was also on a 7-inch extended play, Beatles for Sale No. 2, released by Parlophone/EMI in 1965.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who were fans of Holly, sang in harmony with George Harrison, holding to the vocal and instrumental sound of Holly’s original as well as they could.

Before their big break, the group had performed the song live between 1958 and 1962, with Lennon and Harrison singing. For the official release, though, Lennon and McCartney shared vocal duties. The song only took two takes, along with a vocal overdub.

Ringo Starr played a packing case on this song instead of drums, to achieve a similar sound to Holly’s “Every Day”.

Meaning of “Words of Love”

The lyrics of “Words of Love” express the simple yet profound sentiment of love. The narrator emphasizes the power and significance of spoken words of affection and endearment. The song conveys a feeling of warmth, intimacy, and a desire to express love openly.

“Words of Love” is a heartfelt ode to the importance of verbal expressions of love, set to a sweet and melodic tune. The Beatles’ rendition of this Buddy Holly song adds their distinctive touch to the timeless theme of affection and connection.

Personnel

• John Lennon – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – lead vocals, bass
• George Harrison – harmony vocals, double-tracked lead guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums, packing case

Personnel according to Ian MacDonald

• Published on 1966
• Author: Harrison
• Track 1 on “Revolver“

GEORGE 1980: “‘Taxman’ was when I first realized that even though we had started earning money, we were actually giving most of it away in taxes. It was and still is typical.”

JOHN 1980: “I remember the day he (George) called to ask for help on ‘Taxman,’ one of his first songs. I threw in a few one-liners to help the song along because that’s what he asked for. He came to me because he couldn’t go to Paul. Paul wouldn’t have helped him at that period. I didn’t want to do it. I just sort of bit my tongue and said OK. It had been John and Paul for so long, he’d been left out because he hadn’t been a songwriter up until then.”

PAUL 1984: “George wrote that and I played guitar on it. He wrote it in anger at finding out what the taxman did. He had never known before then what could happen to your money.”

GEORGE 1987: “I was pleased to have Paul play that bit on ‘Taxman.’ If you notice, he did like a little Indian bit on it for me.”

About “Taxman”

The song was written by George Harrison, the group’s lead guitarist, helped by John Lennon for lyrics. It protests against the higher progressive taxes introduced in Britain by the Labour government of Harold Wilson, which resulted in the Beatles paying over 90 percent of their income to the Treasury. The song was chosen as the album’s opening track, and helped put Harrison on the map as a songwriter alongside the dominant Lennon-McCartney partnership. It was the group’s first actual song and the first political statement they made in their music.

The Beatles began recording “Taxman” in April 1966, a month after Wilson’s landslide victory in the 1966 general election. Coinciding with the song’s creation, Harrison learned that the band members’ tax obligations would likely lead to their bankruptcy, and he strongly opposed the government using their income to fund the manufacture of military weapons. In the song, which is influenced by 1960s soul/R&B music, the taxman is portrayed as relentless in his pursuit of tax revenue, and Wilson and Ted Heath, the chairman of the Conservative Party, are mentioned by name. The recording features an Indian-influenced guitar solo played by Paul McCartney.

“Taxman” has been seen as a forerunner of punk rock and had a significant impact on the growth of British psychedelia and mod-style music. The Jam significantly referenced the song in their 1980 top-charting single “Start!” Harrison modified the song’s lyrics to include reference to modern leaders while performing “Taxman” on tour in the early 1990s, emphasizing the song’s timeless nature beyond the 1960s. The song’s influence has spread to the tax sector and political discussions over taxes.

Meaning of “Taxman”

The song “Taxman” addresses the issue of taxation, particularly in the United Kingdom, where high tax rates were affecting high-income individuals, including the Beatles themselves. At the time, the top tax rate in the UK was over 90%, and this had a significant impact on the earnings of successful musicians like the Beatles.

In the lyrics, Harrison expresses frustration and resentment towards the tax system. He criticizes the high rates and even mentions specific percentages, such as 19 for the super-tax and 1 for the surtax. The song conveys a sense of discontent and serves as a somewhat tongue-in-cheek commentary on the tax situation in England during that era.

Here are the opening lines of the song:

“Let me tell you how it will be
There’s one for you, nineteen for me
‘Cause I’m the taxman, yeah, I’m the taxman“

Overall, “Taxman” is a clever and somewhat tongue-in-cheek commentary on the financial burdens faced by successful individuals, particularly musicians like the Beatles, who were among the highest-earning artists of their time.

Personnel

• George Harrison – lead vocals, lead guitar.
• John Lennon – backing vocals, rhythm guitar.
• Paul McCartney – backing vocals, bass guitar, lead guitar (solo)
• Ringo Starr – drums, cowbell, tambourine.

• Published on 1966
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 5 on “Revolver“

JOHN 1972: “This was a great one of his.”

JOHN 1980: “That’s Paul’s song completely, I believe. And one of my favorite songs of the Beatles.”

PAUL 1984: “I wrote that by John’s pool one day. When we were working together, sometimes he came in to see me. But mainly, I went out to see him.”

PAUL circa-1994: “‘Here, There and Everywhere’ has a couple of interesting structural points about it… each verse takes a word. ‘Here’ discusses here, Next verse, ‘there’ discusses there, then it pulls it all together in the last verse with ‘everywhere.’ …John might have helped with a few last words.”

About “Here, There And Everywhere”

“Here, There and Everywhere” was primarily written by Paul McCartney with input from John Lennon. McCartney includes it among his personal favourites of the songs he has written. In 2000, Mojo ranked it 4th in the magazine’s list of the greatest songs of all time.

It was released on the 1966 album “Revolver,” which is considered one of the band’s masterpieces. The track is the fifth on the album and is known for its soft, melodic style, featuring intricate vocal harmonies that were characteristic of The Beatles’ sound.

Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, the song is noted for its meticulous production, with layered vocal harmonies and a lush arrangement. It received widespread critical acclaim and is often regarded as one of McCartney’s finest compositions. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and is considered a classic in popular music.

“Here, There and Everywhere” holds a significant place in the cultural lexicon and has been featured in various movies, television shows, and commercials. Its enduring popularity showcases its status as a timeless and emotionally resonant piece of music. Artists such as Frank Sinatra, Emmylou Harris, and Celine Dion have all covered the song, further demonstrating its universal appeal.

Meaning of “Here, There And Everywhere”

The meaning of the song is essentially a declaration of love and devotion. McCartney wrote it as a tribute to his then-girlfriend (and later, wife), Jane Asher. The lyrics express a deep and abiding love that is not confined by time or place, suggesting that the sentiment is present “here, there, and everywhere.”

The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of enduring love that transcends physical boundaries, emphasizing a feeling of being surrounded by the presence of the loved one no matter where one is. The gentle, timeless quality of the music and lyrics contribute to the universal appeal of the song. It has been covered by many artists and is considered a classic of The Beatles’ catalog.

Personnel

• Paul McCartney – double-tracked lead vocals, rhythm guitar, bass, finger-snaps
• John Lennon – backing vocals, finger-snaps
• George Harrison – lead guitar, backing vocals, finger-snaps
• Ringo Starr – drums, finger-snaps

• Published on 1964
• Author: Johnson
• Track 6 on “Beatles For Sale“

About “Mr. Moonlight”

The first known recording of the song was by blues pianist Piano Red, recording as “Dr. Feelgood and the Interns”. It was released as a b-side of a minor rhythm & blues hit single (titled “Dr. Feelgood”) in 1962.

The record became something of a cult favorite among several young British R&B enthusiasts, some of whom would soon go on to become members of well-known bands. The Beatles covered the song in their live act years before it appeared on record; another emerging Beat group, The Hollies, recorded and released their own performance of the same song nearly simultaneously with The Beatles’ version.

The Beatles’ recording of the song remains the most well-known version, featuring a rough lead vocal by John Lennon, classic Beatle harmonies, and a rolling organ solo. Despite this, it is cited by a few as possibly the worst song The Beatles ever recorded.

Meaning of “Mr. Moonlight”

The lyrics of “Mr. Moonlight” are about a person who is seeking solace and advice from the moonlight. The narrator turns to the moon as a source of comfort and companionship, suggesting a sense of loneliness or heartbreak. The moon is personified as “Mr. Moonlight,” portraying it as a figure with whom the narrator can share their troubles.

Despite its catchy melody, “Mr. Moonlight” is often considered one of the less successful tracks in The Beatles’ catalog. The song’s somewhat unusual theme and lyrics have been subject to some criticism, and it’s not as well-known or frequently discussed as many of their other songs.

“Mr. Moonlight” is a somewhat obscure entry in The Beatles’ discography, known more to dedicated fans than to casual listeners.

Personnel

• John Lennon – vocal, rhythm guitar.
• Paul McCartney – harmony vocals, bass, Hammond organ.
• George Harrison – harmony vocals, lead guitar, African drum.
• Ringo Starr – conga.

• Published on 1969
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 11 on “Abbey Road“

JOHN 1980: “I’d read somewhere in the newspaper about this mean guy who hid his five-pound notes, not up his nose but ‘somewhere else.’ No, it had nothing to do with cocaine.”

PAUL circa-1994: “‘Mean Mr Mustard’ was very John. I liked that. A nice quirky song.”

About “Mean Mr. Mustard”

Written by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney, it is the third track of the album’s B-side medley. It was recorded with “Sun King” in one continuous piece.

The song was written during the Beatles’ stay in India; Lennon said that it was inspired by a newspaper story about a miser who concealed his cash wherever he could in order to prevent people from forcing him to spend it. On reflection, Lennon did not think highly of the composition, dismissing it in Anthology as “a bit of crap I wrote in India.”

A demo version of the song was recorded in May 1968 at Kinfauns, George Harrison’s home in Esher. It appears on Anthology 3 and the 2018 Deluxe Edition of The Beatles. In this version, Mustard’s sister is named Shirley. Lennon changed it to Pam when he saw the opportunity to ease the segue into the song “Polythene Pam“, which follows “Mean Mr. Mustard” on the album. According to Lennon, “In ‘Mean Mr. Mustard’, I said ‘his sister Pam’—originally it was ‘his sister Shirley’ in the lyric. I changed it to Pam to make it sound like it had something to do with it.”

As eventually recorded, “Mustard” originally was to end in the chord of D major—this would have led into the next track in the climactic medley, “Her Majesty“. However, since the latter song was moved to the end of the album, “Mustard” instead hard-edits into “Polythene Pam“, and thus the final note of “Mustard” would open “Her Majesty“. as a stand-alone track at the album’s conclusion. The complete version of “Mustard” (with its original clean ending) can be heard on The Beatles: Rock Band video game, as well as Abbey Road’s 2019 Super Deluxe Edition.

Meaning of “Mean Mr. Mustard”

The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a peculiar character named Mr. Mustard, portrayed as an eccentric individual with peculiar habits. This characterization could be a playful exploration of oddity and quirkiness. Some listeners and critics have speculated that Mr. Mustard may be a symbolic figure representing societal outcasts or unconventional individuals who don’t fit into traditional norms.

“Mean Mr. Mustard” is part of a medley on the “Abbey Road” album, sandwiched between “Sun King” and “Polythene Pam.” Its offbeat lyrics and character stand out in contrast to the dreamy atmosphere of “Sun King” and the energetic narrative of “Polythene Pam.”

Like many of The Beatles’ songs, “Mean Mr. Mustard” may not have a concrete, literal meaning. Instead, it could serve as an exercise in creative expression and wordplay, showcasing the band’s penchant for imaginative storytelling.

Ultimately, the true meaning of “Mean Mr. Mustard” may remain known only to the songwriters, and it’s possible that even they may have left room for interpretation. The song’s enigmatic lyrics and catchy melody contribute to its enduring popularity among fans of The Beatles.

Personnel

• John Lennon – lead and harmony vocals, rhythm guitar, piano
• Paul McCartney – harmony vocals, fuzz bass
• George Harrison – lead guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums, tambourine, maracas

• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 7 on “A Hard Day’s Night“
• Track 7 on “1962 ‐ 1966 (Red Album)“

JOHN 1972: “John and Paul, but mainly Paul.”

JOHN 1980: “That’s Paul completely. Maybe I had something to do with the chorus, but I don’t know. I always considered it his song.”

PAUL 1984: “We recorded it in France, as I recall. Went over to the Odeon in Paris. Recorded it over there. Felt proud because Ella Fitzgerald recorded it, too, though we didn’t realize what it meant that she was doing it.”

PAUL circa-1994: “‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ is my attempt to write a bluesy mode. The idea behind it was that all these material possessions are all very well but they won’t buy me what I really want.”

About “Can’t Buy Me Love”

“Can’t Buy Me Love” was released in March 1964 as the A-side of their sixth single. It was written by Paul McCartney and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. The song was included on the group’s album A Hard Day’s Night and was featured in a scene in Richard Lester’s film of the same title. The single topped charts in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and Sweden. In the UK, it was the fourth highest selling single of the 1960s.

While in Paris, the Beatles stayed at the five-star George V hotel and had an upright piano moved into one of their suites so that songwriting could continue. It was here that McCartney wrote “Can’t Buy Me Love”. The song was written under the pressure of the success achieved by “I Want to Hold Your Hand“, which had just reached number one in America.

When producer George Martin first heard “Can’t Buy Me Love”, he felt that the song needed changing: “I thought that we really needed a tag for the song’s ending, and a tag for the beginning; a kind of intro. So I took the first two lines of the chorus and changed the ending, and said ‘Let’s just have these lines, and by altering the second phrase we can get back into the verse pretty quickly.’” And they said: “That’s not a bad idea, we’ll do it that way”. The song’s verse is a twelve-bar blues in structure, a formula that the Beatles seldom applied to their own material.

Meaning of “Can’t Buy Me Love”

The lyrics of “Can’t Buy Me Love” convey a message about the value of true love and human connection over material possessions. The song essentially asserts that money and wealth cannot buy genuine affection or happiness. It’s a declaration that the most important things in life are beyond monetary measure.

The chorus, “Can’t buy me love, oh / Can’t buy me love, oh / Can’t buy me love, oh / I’ll buy you a diamond ring, my friend, if it makes you feel all right,” juxtaposes the idea of material offerings with the notion that love itself cannot be purchased.

The song’s message is one of prioritizing authentic human connections and experiences over material wealth.

Personnel

• Paul McCartney – double-tracked vocal, bass
• John Lennon – acoustic rhythm guitar
• George Harrison – double-tracked lead guitar, twelve-string guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums

How to play “Can’t Buy Me Love” on guitar

“Can’t Buy Me Love” features a distinctive guitar riff that is one of the song’s most recognizable elements. The riff is played on a 12-string Rickenbacker guitar by George Harrison. It is a prominent and catchy musical motif that repeats throughout the song. It is characterized by its bright and jangly tone, which is characteristic of the 12-string guitar. It provides a lively and upbeat feel that complements the song’s lyrics about the importance of love over material wealth.

In addition to the riff, there are also rhythm guitar parts that provide a solid foundation for the song. These rhythm guitar parts help drive the tempo and provide a sense of groove. The guitar work in “Can’t Buy Me Love” is a key element that contributes to the song’s infectious and memorable sound. George Harrison’s playing, along with the rest of the band’s tight musicianship, is a testament to their musical prowess.

The following video features tab of rhythm and lead guitar of “Can’t Buy Me Love”:

How to play “Can’t Buy Me Love” on bass

In “Can’t Buy Me Love” by the Beatles, Paul McCartney’s bass playing is dynamic and integral to the song’s overall groove and energy. McCartney’s bassline in “Can’t Buy Me Love” is characterized by its driving and melodic nature. It features a bouncy rhythm that complements the upbeat tempo of the song. The bassline also incorporates melodic runs and fills that add musicality and depth to the overall arrangement.

One of the notable features of McCartney’s bass playing in this song is its syncopated feel. He often accents off-beats, which adds a lively and danceable quality to the music. This syncopation creates a sense of movement and contributes to the song’s infectious rhythm. McCartney’s bass playing in “Can’t Buy Me Love” is a prime example of his skill as a bassist and his ability to craft memorable and inventive basslines. It plays a crucial role in shaping the song’s sound and is an important element in the Beatles’ iconic musical style.

The following video features the bassline tab of “Can’t Buy Me Love”:

“Can’t Buy Me Love” karaoke

For those who want to try singing “Can’t Buy Me Love” the following video features the karaoke version of the song:

• Published in 1966
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 4 on “Past Masters Volume 2“

JOHN 1966: “After we’d done the session on that particular song– it ended at about four or five in the morning– I went home with a tape to see what else you could do with it. And I was sort of very tired, you know, not knowing what I was doing, and I just happened to put it on my own tape recorder and it came out backwards. And I liked it better. So that’s how it happened.”

JOHN 1980: “That’s me again– with the first backwards tape on record anywhere… I got home from the studio and I was stoned out of my mind on marijuana… and, as I usually do, I listened to what I’d recorded that day. Somehow it got on backwards and I sat there, transfixed, with the earphones on, with a big hash joint. I ran in the next day and said, ‘I know what to do with it, I know… listen to this!’ So I made them all play it backwards. The fade is me actually singing backwards with the guitars going backwards. (sings) ‘Sharethsmnowthsmeanss!’ That one was the gift of God… of Ja actually– the god of marijuana, right? So Ja gave me that one.”

RINGO 1984: “My favorite piece of me is what I did on ‘Rain.’ I think I just played amazing. I was into the snare and hi-hat. I think it was the first time I used the trick of starting a break by hitting the hi-hat first instead of going directly to a drum off the hi-hat. I think it’s the best out of all the records I’ve ever made. ‘Rain’ blows me away. It’s out in left field. I know me and I know my playing… and then there’s ‘Rain.’”

PAUL circa-1994: “It was nice. I really enjoyed that one.”

About “Rain”

“Rain” is a song that holds a special place in the Beatles’ discography. Penned primarily by John Lennon, although credited to the enduring Lennon/McCartney partnership, the track was released as the B-side to their single “Paperback Writer” in 1966. This song is often revered for its innovative musical techniques and thought-provoking lyrics.

From a musical standpoint, “Rain” stands out for its distinctive sound. The track is characterized by a captivating blend of psychedelic rock elements. It features a remarkable use of backwards vocals, a technique that was quite avant-garde at the time. This effect, particularly notable in the final verse, adds an ethereal quality to the song, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

Ringo Starr’s drumming in “Rain” is another standout feature. His rhythmic pattern is intricate and inventive, showcasing the band’s willingness to experiment with different musical styles and structures. This, combined with the song’s mesmerizing guitar work and Paul McCartney’s melodic bassline, contributes to the overall complexity and richness of the composition.

The song’s recording contains a slowed-down rhythm track, a droning bass line and backwards vocals. Its release marked the first time that reversed sounds appeared in a pop song, although the Beatles used the same technique on the Revolver track “Tomorrow Never Knows“, recorded days earlier. Ringo Starr considers “Rain” his best recorded drum performance. Three promotional films were created for the song, and they are considered among the early precursors of music videos.

Despite its unconventional approach and experimental sound, “Rain” was met with critical acclaim. It’s often cited as one of the Beatles’ finest B-sides and a testament to their musical innovation during the mid-1960s. The song’s influence extended far beyond its initial release, with its groundbreaking use of recording techniques inspiring generations of artists in the psychedelic and progressive rock genres.

Interestingly, “Rain” was not performed live by the Beatles during their touring years. Instead, the band created promotional videos for both “Rain” and “Paperback Writer,” which were early precursors to the modern music video.

In retrospect, “Rain” remains a beloved and iconic track among Beatles enthusiasts. It stands as a testament to the band’s willingness to push the boundaries of conventional music production, showcasing their artistic evolution during a pivotal period in their illustrious career.

Meaning of “Rain”

The meaning of “Rain” is open to interpretation, as with many pieces of art. However, it’s commonly understood to convey themes of introspection, change, and acceptance.

The lyrics of “Rain” suggest a contemplative attitude towards life’s uncertainties and transitions. Lines like “Rain, I don’t mind / Shine, the weather’s fine” can be interpreted as an acceptance of change, possibly even a welcoming of challenges or difficult times. The metaphor of rain could symbolize the ups and downs of life, and the idea that even amidst adversity, there can be growth and transformation.

Additionally, the song’s refrain, “Rain, I don’t mind / Shine, the weather’s fine,” might imply a sense of resilience or an ability to find positivity even in challenging circumstances. It could be seen as a message of finding contentment or peace regardless of the external conditions.

Overall, “Rain” can be seen as a reflection on the human experience, acknowledging that life is full of unpredictable moments, and the key might be in how one responds to them.

Personnel

• John Lennon: vocals, guitar
• Paul McCartney: backing vocals, bass
• George Harrison: backing vocals, guitar
• Ringo Starr: drums, tambourine