• Published on 1996
• Author: Lennon/McCartney/Harrison/Starkley
• Track 1 on “Anthology 2“

About “Real Love”

“Real Love” is a song written by John Lennon. “Real Love” was subsequently reworked by the three remaining members of The Beatles (Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr) in late 1995. The song was released as a Beatles single in 1996 in the United Kingdom, United States and many other countries; it was the opening track on The Beatles’ Anthology 2 album. It is the last “new” credited Beatles song to originate and be included on an album.

“Real Love” was warmly received by some critics, and the single reached #4 and #10 in the UK and US singles charts respectively and earned a gold record faster than a number of the group’s other singles. The song was not included on the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Radio 1 playlist, prompting criticism from fans and members of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

After the release of “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love”, Starr commented, “Recording the new songs didn’t feel contrived at all, it felt very natural and it was a lot of fun, but emotional too at times. But it’s the end of the line, really. There’s nothing more we can do as The Beatles.”

Meaning of “Real Love”

The lyrics of “Real Love” convey a sentiment of genuine, unconditional love. The song expresses a desire for a love that is authentic, enduring, and free from pretense or artificiality, a connection that transcends superficiality and is grounded in sincerity and depth.

Lines like “I know it’s real” and “I tell you, you’re right, we’re bound to be the one” emphasize the conviction in the authenticity and strength of love.

“Real Love” is a poignant reflection on the enduring power of true love. It’s a song that celebrates the depth and authenticity of emotional connections, echoing the kind of profound bond that many seek in their relationships.

Personnel

• John Lennon – double-tracked lead vocals, piano
• Paul McCartney – backing vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, bass guitar, double bass, harmonium, harpsichord, percussion
• George Harrison – backing vocals, electric guitars, acoustic guitar, percussion
• Ringo Starr – backing vocals, drums, percussion
• Jeff Lynne – backing vocals, guitar

Published on 1995
Author: Lennon/McCartney/Harrison/Starkley
Track 1 on “Anthology 1“

About “Free As A Bird”

“Free as a Bird” was originally composed by John Lennon though he never completed it. The original Lennon recording was made circa 1977 in New York City. Yoko Ono gave a basic recording of the unfinished music to the remaining Beatles (Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr) who reunited to finalize and record the completed song.

The Beatles’ overdubs and production were recorded between February and March 1994 in Sussex, England. According to interviews, the group treated the song as though Lennon had gone on holiday and had left the song for them to complete. The original demo had to be stretched and cleaned up, as Lennon’s voice was notably shaky and slightly out of time.
The song features a classic Beatles arrangement, layered with drums, guitars (acoustic and electric), bass guitar, piano, and harmonized Beatle voices.
It ends with a slightly psychedelic coda including a strummed ukulele (an instrument for which McCartney and Harrison have expressed fondness) and the backward voice of John Lennon. The message, when played backward, is “Turned out nice again”, which was the catch-phrase of George Formby, whom Harrison and Lennon admired. This line has been noticed by many fans as it sounds like it is saying ‘made by John Lennon’. Most fans believed this was intended to be the case, until it was revealed it was in fact simply the phrase ‘Turned out nice again’ being played backwards. According to McCartney, the result was unintentional and was discovered only after the surviving Beatles completed the single and reviewed the result. [From Wikipedia]