Let It Be… Naked, released on 17 November 2003 by Apple Records, presents an alternative mix of the Beatles’ 1970 album ‘Let It Be.’ Paul McCartney spearheaded this project, aiming to recapture the band’s raw, live-to-tape essence, which he believed was not fully captured by the original album’s producer, Phil Spector. ‘Naked’ offers newly mixed versions of the original tracks, sans incidental studio chatter and most of Spector’s embellishments. Additionally, it swaps out two tracks from the 1970 release, ‘Dig It‘ and ‘Maggie Mae,’ and introduces ‘Don’t Let Me Down,’ originally the B-side of the ‘Get Back‘ single.

McCartney’s vision for ‘Naked’ was to return to the rock and roll roots of their early years, forsaking the orchestral overdubs and additions made by Spector to three of the songs on the final ‘Let It Be‘ album. Particularly, McCartney was discontented with Spector’s mixes for these three tracks, notably ‘The Long and Winding Road.’ George Harrison supported the ‘Naked’ project before his passing.

In contrast, Lennon’s perspective, as expressed in a December 1970 interview with Rolling Stone magazine, defended Spector’s work. He believed Spector transformed what was originally poorly recorded material into something significant. Harrison and Ringo Starr also spoke positively about Spector’s contribution.

The traditional Liverpool folk song ‘Maggie Mae‘ and the improvisational piece ‘Dig It” were omitted from ‘Naked,’ as they didn’t align with the concept of a straightforward album. Lennon’s ‘Don’t Let Me Down‘ was incorporated, featuring a composite edit of the rooftop concert versions. ‘I’ve Got a Feeling‘ was also presented in a new composite edit. For ‘The Long and Winding Road,’ the producers opted for the final take, recorded five days after Spector’s selection for the original album.

• Published on 1970
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 2 on “Let It Be“

Lennon’s quotes about “Dig A Pony”

JOHN 1972: “I was just having fun with words. It was literally a nonsense song. You just take words and you stick them together, and you see if they have any meaning. Some of them do and some of them don’t.”

JOHN 1980: “Another piece of garbage.”

About “Dig A Pony”

“Dig A Pony” from The Beatles’ 1970 album Let It Be, was written by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney. The band recorded the song on 30 January 1969, during their rooftop concert at the Apple Corps building on Savile Row in central London.

It was written for Lennon’s soon-to-be wife Yoko Ono, and features a multitude of strange, seemingly nonsensical phrases strung together in what Lennon referred to as a Bob Dylan style of lyric.

In author Ian MacDonald’s description, the lyrics “celebrate countercultural claims that society’s old values and taboos were dead, that life was a game and art a free-for-all, and (especially) that words meant whatever the hell one wished them to”.

“Dig a Pony” was among the first songs the Beatles worked on during day one of their filmed rehearsals for a planned return to live performance, in January 1969. Lennon introduced it to George Harrison soon after arriving at Twickenham Film Studios on 2 January, as the pair ran through their latest songs.

Meaning of “Dig A Pony”

The lyrics of “Dig a Pony” are known for their cryptic and abstract nature. The song is often interpreted as a collection of surreal and non-sequitur imagery, with no clear narrative or storyline. This abstract quality is characteristic of Lennon’s songwriting style during this period.

Some have suggested that the title and lyrics of “Dig a Pony” may not have a specific, concrete meaning and could be more about the sound and feel of the words and phrases.

It’s important to note that John Lennon himself has stated that the song was written during a time when he was exploring wordplay and not necessarily trying to convey a specific message.

Ultimately, the meaning of “Dig a Pony” remains open to interpretation, and listeners may find their own personal meaning or connection to the song based on their own experiences and perspectives.

Personnel

The Beatles

• John Lennon – lead vocal, rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – harmony vocal, bass guitar
• George Harrison – lead guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums

Additional musician

• Billy Preston – electric piano

How to play “Dig A Pony” on guitar

The guitar work in “Dig a Pony,” is quite distinctive and characteristic of the band’s style during their later years. The track features both John Lennon and George Harrison on guitars. The guitar parts in the song consist of rhythmic strumming patterns that provide a driving force to the song, a steady groove throughout the track, complementing the song’s relaxed yet energetic vibe. The combination of Lennon and Harrison’s guitar work creates a solid foundation for the song, allowing the vocals and other instruments to weave in and out seamlessly.

The following videos show how to play Lennon’s and Harrison’s guitar parts of “Dig A Pony”:

How to play “Dig A Pony” on bass

The bass on “Dig A Pony” is distinct and adds a solid foundation to the song.
Paul McCartney’s bass line on this track is distinctive as at some important moments in the song it plays in unison with Lennon and Harrison’s guitar parts, contributing to the overall groove of “Dig A Pony”. It is a prominent element that complements the guitar and drums, creating a rich sonic texture. McCartney was known for his innovative bass playing and on “Dig A Pony” his bass line helps carry the song forward while providing a melodic hook.

The following video features bassline with tab of “Dig A Pony”:

“Dig A Pony” karaoke

For those who want to try singing “Dig A Pony”, the next video features the karaoke version of the song:

• “Dig A Pony” lyrics

• Published on 1970
• Author: Harrison
• Track 11 on “Let It Be“

GEORGE 1980: “‘For You Blue’ is a simple twelve-bar song following all the normal twelve-bar principles, except that it’s happy-go-lucky!”

About “For You Blue”

“For You Blue” is a song written by George Harrison as a love song to his wife, Pattie Boyd. It was included in their 1970 album Let It Be. It is a bluesy, acoustic track characterized by its simple yet catchy melody and straightforward lyrics. Recorded at the group’s Apple Studio in London in late January 1969, the song features George Harrison’s distinctive slide guitar playing, which gives the song its distinctive sound.

George Harrison was known to be fond of blues music, and “For You Blue” reflects his appreciation for this genre. The song is a twelve-bar blues in the country blues style. When writing “For You Blue”, Harrison was partly influenced by his stay with Bob Dylan and the Band in Woodstock over November–December 1968. Whereas that visit had been a musically rewarding experience for Harrison, the Beatles first worked on the song amid an atmosphere of discord, during the filmed rehearsals that made up part of the Let It Be documentary film.

Among music critics, some have admired the track for its lighthearted qualities and as a good band performance. Other commentators identify it as an inconsequential song, particularly in relation to some of the Harrison compositions that his bandmates rejected over the Let It Be period.

“For You Blue” was released as the B-side to the single “The Long and Winding Road,” which was the final single released by the Beatles before their breakup. The song received positive reviews from critics, who appreciated its bluesy sound and George Harrison’s guitar work. While not as commercially successful as some of the Beatles’ other hits, it became a fan favorite. George Harrison occasionally performed “For You Blue” during his solo career concerts, showcasing his continued fondness for the song.

In 1976, Capitol Records included “For You Blue” on the compilation album The Best of George Harrison. An alternative take of the track appeared on the Beatles’ 1996 compilation Anthology 3. A live version recorded during Harrison’s 1974 North American tour received a limited release on the Songs by George Harrison EP in 1988. Paul McCartney performed the song at the Concert for George in November 2002, a year after Harrison’s death.

Meaning of “For You Blue”

“For You Blue” is a straightforward and affectionate declaration of love to a significant other. In the lyrics, Harrison expresses his deep affection for the person he loves, assuring them that he’ll do whatever he can to make them happy.

The song radiates warmth and tenderness, capturing the simplicity and sincerity of a heartfelt love message. The “blue” in the title could be a nod to the bluesy musical style of the song, a genre Harrison admired and incorporated into his own musical style.

Overall, “For You Blue” is a sweet and intimate expression of love.

Personnel

• George Harrison – lead vocal, acoustic guitar
• John Lennon – lap steel guitar
• Paul McCartney – piano, bass
• Ringo Starr – drums

• Published on 1970
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 1 on “Let It Be“

PAUL: “It’s complicated now. We can get it simpler, and then complicate it where it needs complications.”

GEORGE: “It’s not complicated.”

PAUL: “This one is like, shall we play guitars through ‘Hey Jude’ …well, I don’t think we should.”

GEORGE: “Ok well I don’t mind… I’ll play, you know, whatever you want me to play, or I wont play at all if you don’t want to me to play. Whatever it is that will please you… I’ll do it!”PAUL AND GEORGE 1969:
(arguing during the recording of the song ‘Two Of Us’)

JOHN: “I wish that we could start hearing the tapes now. Like– Do it, and then hear what it is. Is it just ‘cuz we don’t feel like it, or is it ‘Does the guitar sound alright, really.’”

JOHN 1969: (ad-libbing during the recording sessions) “‘Two of us wearing postcards.’”

About “Two of Us”

“Two of Us” was originally released as the opening track on Let It Be (1970) and a remix of that recording was later included on Let It Be… Naked (2003). An outtake of the song, recorded on 24 January 1969, was released on Anthology 3 (1996). The song was recorded by the Beatles on 31 January 1969. The song’s title was used for the 2000 TV movie Two of Us, which depicts a fictionalized version of a 1976 reunion between McCartney and Lennon.

The song was originally titled “On Our Way Home”. Ian MacDonald claimed the lyrics (e.g.: “you and I have memories/longer than the road that stretches out ahead” or “you and me chasing paper/getting nowhere”) sounded like McCartney was probably addressing Lennon and contractual troubles. “You Never Give Me Your Money“, a different composition by McCartney from the previously released album, but recorded after Let It Be, Abbey Road, also refers to the Beatles’ contract with Allen Klein as “funny paper”. The song is also an ode to one of Lennon and McCartney’s influences, the harmonies of the Everly Brothers.

An early performance of the song, in a guitar-driven rock style, can be seen in the Let It Be film and later in the documentary series The Beatles: Get Back. Unsatisfied with this style, which McCartney described as “chunky”, the band reworked the song around acoustic guitars. The Beatles performed a finished version of the song live at Apple Studios on 31 January 1969; this performance was included in both the Let It Be film and album. The clip was also broadcast on The Ed Sullivan Show on 1 March 1970 as the final appearance by the Beatles on the program.

In between several takes of the song on 24 January 1969, the band spontaneously started playing a hammed-up version of traditional Liverpudlian song “Maggie Mae“. The 38-second song would also end up on the Let It Be album, but is omitted in Let It Be… Naked. A version of Two of Us on the same day is released on Anthology 3.

In May 1969, McCartney produced a recording of the song using this title by the group Mortimer, a New York City trio that briefly recorded for Apple, but this recording was never released.

Meaning of “Two of Us”

“Two of Us” was primarily written by Paul McCartney, with input from John Lennon. The song is widely interpreted as a reflection on the close friendship and camaraderie between McCartney and Lennon during their time together as members of The Beatles.

The lyrics convey a sense of unity and companionship, depicting two individuals who share a deep bond and understanding. They are portrayed as being together through various experiences, facing life’s ups and downs as a team.

One of the notable aspects of the song is its acoustic, folksy sound, which is in contrast to some of the more elaborate and orchestrated pieces in The Beatles’ repertoire. This simplicity contributes to the intimate and personal feel of the song.

“Two of Us” is often seen as a testament to the enduring friendship between McCartney and Lennon, despite the tensions and conflicts that eventually led to the dissolution of The Beatles. It’s a poignant reminder of the profound creative partnership that defined one of the most influential bands in music history.

Personnel

• Paul McCartney – lead vocal, acoustic guitar
• John Lennon – co-lead vocal, acoustic guitar
• George Harrison – lead guitar (bass part on a six-string Fender Telecaster)
• Ringo Starr – drums

• Published on 1970
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 10 on “Let It Be“
• Track 4 on “Let It Be… Naked“

PAUL 1970: “The album was finished a year ago, but a few months ago American record producer Phil Spector was called in by John Lennon to tidy up some of the tracks. But a few weeks ago, I was sent a re-mixed version of my song ‘The Long And Winding Road’ with harps, horns, an orchestra, and a women’s choir added. No one had asked me what I thought. I couldn’t believe it. The record came with a note from Allen Klein saying he thought the changes were necessary. I don’t blame Phil Spector for doing it, but it just goes to show that it’s no good me sitting here thinking I’m in control because obviously I’m not. Anyway, I’ve sent Klein a letter asking for some things to be altered, but I haven’t received an answer yet.”

JOHN 1980: “Paul again. He had a little spurt just before we split.”

PAUL circa-1994: “It’s rather a sad song. I like writing sad songs, it’s a good bag to get into because you can actually acknowledge some deeper feelings of your own and put them in it. It’s a good vehicle, it saves having to go to a psychiatrist. Songwriting often performs that feat– you say it, but you don’t embarrass yourself because it’s only a song, or is it? You are putting the things that are bothering you on the table and you are reviewing them, but because it’s a song, you don’t have to argue with anyone… It’s a sad song because it’s all about the unattainable; the door you never quite reach. This is the road that you never get to the end of.”

About “The Long And Winding Road”

“The Long and Winding Road” is a song appearing on their 1970 album Let It Be. It was written by Paul McCartney and credited to the Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership. When released as a single in May 1970, a month after the Beatles disbanded, it became their 20th and final number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.

The primary recording of the song took place in January 1969, featuring a minimalist arrangement with piano, bass, guitar, and percussion. However, when the tapes from these sessions were being prepared for release in April 1970, producer Phil Spector added orchestral and choral overdubs. McCartney strongly objected to Spector’s modifications, to the extent that he cited the treatment of the song as one of the six reasons for the legal dissolution of the Beatles’ partnership when making his case in the English High Court. Subsequent versions of the recording with simpler instrumentation were later released by the Beatles.

Critical reception of Spector’s version was largely unfavorable. Many critics ridiculed the orchestration, believing it overpowered the song. Some felt it made the track sound overly sentimental.

In 2003, McCartney released Let It Be… Naked, featuring a version of the song closer to the Beatles’ original intention, without Spector’s overdubs. This version received a more positive reception. “The Long and Winding Road” has remained a staple in McCartney’s post-Beatles concerts. He has also released several other versions of the song over the years.

Additionally, the song has been covered by various artists, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Cilla Black, and others. It holds a significant place in the Beatles’ catalog and continues to be celebrated by fans and music enthusiasts worldwide.

Meaning of “The Long And Winding Road”

“The Long and Winding Road” is often interpreted as a reflection on life’s journey, its challenges, and the passage of time. The lyrics evoke feelings of nostalgia, introspection, and the inevitability of change.

The “long and winding road” represents the path one takes through life, which is often unpredictable and full of twists and turns. This journey can be both beautiful and challenging. The song suggests that despite the difficulties faced along the way, there is a sense of acceptance and even a certain fondness for the experiences that have shaped the individual.

The lyrics also touch on themes of longing and searching for something, which could be interpreted as a quest for meaning, fulfillment, or a sense of purpose. The idea of a road that leads back to a familiar place may symbolize a return to one’s roots or a reflection on the passage of time.

“The Long and Winding Road” can be seen as a contemplative meditation on life’s journey, with its ups and downs, and an acknowledgment of the wisdom gained along the way. It resonates with listeners who reflect on their own experiences and the roads they’ve traveled.

Personnel

The Beatles

• Paul McCartney – vocal, piano
• John Lennon – six-string bass
• George Harrison – electric guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums

Additional musicians

• Billy Preston – electric piano
• Uncredited orchestral musicians – 18 violins, 4 violas, 4 cellos, harp, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, 2 guitars, 14 female voices
• Richard Hewson – orchestral arrangement
• John Barham – choral arrangement

• Published on 1970
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 8 on “Let It Be“

PAUL 1969: (describing a guitar lick for the middle-eight, during the recording sessions) “It’s coming down too fast– the note. There shouldn’t be any recognizable jumps. Falling… Falling…”

About “I’ve Got A Feeling”

“I’ve Got a Feeling” was featured on Beatles’ final studio album, Let It Be, released in 1970. The song was credited to the songwriting partnership of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, as were most Beatles compositions, although it is primarily a composite of two separate songs written by Lennon and McCartney.

The song is notable for its energetic and raw rock sound, characteristic of many tracks on the Let It Be album. It features a dynamic vocal interplay between Lennon and McCartney. This juxtaposition is a characteristic feature of many Beatles songs, highlighting the diverse songwriting styles of the two.

“I’ve Got a Feeling” was performed by The Beatles during their famous rooftop concert on January 30, 1969, which was their last public performance as a band. This event is featured in the documentary film “Let It Be,” directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg.

The song has become a beloved part of The Beatles’ catalog and remains a favorite among fans for its catchy melody, tight harmonies, and the emotional charge it carries.

Meaning of “I’ve Got A Feeling”

The lyrics suggest a feeling of positivity and confidence, possibly in the context of a romantic relationship. Lennon’s section of the song has a more reflective and introspective tone, while McCartney’s part is more upbeat and optimistic. This juxtaposition adds depth to the song’s emotional range.

In general, the lyrics express a sentiment of looking forward to a positive outcome or event. The repeated phrase “I’ve got a feeling” reinforces this sense of anticipation and confidence. The lyrics don’t provide specific details about what the feeling pertains to, leaving room for interpretation.

Like many Beatles songs, “I’ve Got a Feeling” is open to individual interpretation, and listeners may relate to it in various ways depending on their own experiences and emotions. Some may hear it as a song about the optimism and excitement of new love, while others might interpret it as an expression of hope for positive change or a sense of general well-being.

Ultimately, the meaning of “I’ve Got a Feeling” is subjective, and it can resonate with listeners in different ways depending on their personal perspectives and life situations.

Personnel

The Beatles

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

Additional musicians

• Billy Preston – Fender Rhodes piano

• Published on 1970
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 9 on “Let It Be“

JOHN 1980: “That was something I wrote when I was about seventeen. I lived at 9 Newcastle Road. I was born on the ninth of October– the ninth month. It’s just a number that follows me around, but numerologically, apparently I’m a number six or a three or something, but it’s all part of nine.”

PAUL circa-1994: “It was one that we always liked doing, and we rediscovered it. There were a couple of tunes that we wondered why we never put out– either George Martin didn’t like them enough to, or he favored others. It’s not a great song but it’s a great favorite of mine because it has great memories for me of John and I trying to write a bluesy freight-train song. There were alot of those songs at the time, like ‘Midnight Special,’ ‘Freight Train,’ ‘Rock Island Line,’ so this was the ‘One After 909.’ She didn’t get the 909, she got the one after it!”

About “One After 909”

“One After 909,” sometimes titled “The One After 909” in early recordings, is a rock and roll classic. This timeless track found its place on 1970 album Let It Be, with primary composition credits going to John Lennon, with input from Paul McCartney, as part of their prolific songwriting partnership. The version featured on the album was a live performance from their iconic rooftop concert held on January 30, 1969, and this memorable moment was also captured in the film “Let It Be.”

Interestingly, this song’s roots date back to as early as 1957 or no later than spring 1960, making it one of the inaugural creations of the Lennon-McCartney collaboration. “One After 909” exudes a distinct flavor of early American rock ‘n’ roll, distinguishing it from the other selections performed on the rooftop that day. As a playful nod to the atmosphere, John Lennon even adds a unique twist by singing a variant of the opening line from “Danny Boy” after the song concludes.

Originating from Lennon’s personal history, he shared in a 1980 Playboy interview, “That was something I wrote when I was about seventeen. I lived at 9 Newcastle Road. I was born on the ninth of October, the ninth month. It’s just a number that follows me around, but, numerologically, apparently I’m a number six or a three or something, but it’s all part of nine.”

Paul McCartney reflected on the song, stating, “It’s not a great song but it’s a great favourite of mine because it has great memories for me of John and I trying to write a bluesy freight-train song. There were a lot of those songs at the time, like ‘Midnight Special’, ‘Freight Train’, ‘Rock Island Line’, so this was the ‘One After 909’; she didn’t get the 9:09, she got the one after it.”

The song’s journey to its final form was marked by different versions and recordings. The first version emerged in 1960 under the moniker of The Quarrymen. On March 5, 1963, the Beatles attempted a rendition during a recording session that also produced their third single, “From Me to You.” However, dissatisfaction with the outcome led to its shelving. Various takes from this session eventually surfaced on the Anthology 1 compilation in 1995. After six years, the Beatles revisited and re-recorded “One After 909” as part of their Get Back project, culminating in its eventual release on “Let It Be.”

Notably, “One After 909” also found a place in the 2003 release Let It Be… Naked, featuring a remixed and remastered version of the 1969 rooftop concert take. Additionally, the original third take of the song was released in the 2021 reissue of “Let It Be.”

Meaning of “One After 909”

“One After 909” is a song with a straightforward narrative. It tells the story of a person who misses a train, specifically the 9:09, and is left waiting for the next one, which is “one after 909.” The lyrics convey a sense of anticipation, impatience, and longing as the protagonist anxiously waits for the train to arrive.

While the song’s lyrics are relatively simple and do not appear to contain deeper symbolic meanings, some fans and critics have speculated about potential underlying themes. Some interpretations suggest that the song may metaphorically represent longing, missed opportunities, or the passage of time. However, it’s important to note that any such interpretations are subjective and not explicitly confirmed by the songwriters, John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

John Lennon, one of the song’s composers, mentioned in an interview that the number nine held personal significance for him. He lived at 9 Newcastle Road, and he was born on the ninth of October. However, he also acknowledged that this attachment to the number was more of a personal quirk and not necessarily reflective of any specific meaning in the song.

Ultimately, “One After 909” is best appreciated for its catchy melody, lively rock and roll style, and its place in the Beatles’ early repertoire. It’s a song that showcases the band’s roots in rock and roll music and their ability to create memorable, enjoyable tunes.

Personnel

The Beatles

• John Lennon – vocals, rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – backing vocals, bass guitar
• George Harrison – lead guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums

Additional musician

• Billy Preston – electric piano

• Published on 1970
• Author: traditional, arranged by Lennon/McCartney/Harrison/Starkey
• Track 7 on “Let It Be“

About “Maggie Mae”

“Maggie May” is a traditional Liverpool folk song about a prostitute who robbed a sailor. It has been the informal anthem of the city of Liverpool for about 150 years. “Maggie May” was recorded in the studio by the Beatles during their Get Back sessions in early 1969. They spelled it “Maggie Mae”, perhaps so they could copyright their arrangement. It was included on the resultant 1970 album Let It Be, appearing immediately after the title song.

This song and “Dig It” appear on the Let It Be album, but are not included on the Let It Be… Naked album.
At 40 seconds, it is the second shortest song released on a proper Beatles album (the shortest being Her Majesty, at 23 seconds.

Meaning of “Maggie Mae”

The song’s lyrics tell the story of a sailor who spends his money on alcohol and women, eventually ending up broke and seeking shelter from a prostitute named Maggie Mae. The narrative is a common theme in traditional folk songs, reflecting the rough and often unpredictable life of sailors.

While The Beatles’ version is perhaps the most famous rendition of “Maggie Mae,” the song’s history and popularity extend far beyond their recording. It remains a beloved traditional folk tune and has been covered by numerous artists in various styles and interpretations.

Personnel

• John Lennon – vocal, acoustic guitar (Gibson J-200)
• Paul McCartney – vocal, acoustic guitar (Martin D-28)
• George Harrison – bass-line on electric guitar (Fender Telecaster)
• Ringo Starr – drums

• Published on 1970
• Author: Harrison
• Track 4 on “Let It Be“

GEORGE 1980: “‘I Me Mine’ is the ego problem. I looked around and everything I could see was relative to my ego. You know, like ‘that’s my piece of paper,’ and ‘that’s my flannel,’ or ‘give it to me,’ or ‘I am.’ It drove me crackers– I hated everything about my ego– it was a flash of everything false and impermanent which I disliked. But later I learned from it– to realize that there is somebody else in here apart from old blabbermouth. ‘Who am I’ became the order of the day. Anyway, that’s what came out of it: ‘I Me Mine’ …it’s about the ego, the eternal problem.”

About “I Me Mine”

“I Me Mine” was written by George Harrison. The song was released on the album Let It Be in 1970. The recording of “I Me Mine” marked one of the last times the Beatles recorded together before their official breakup. The sessions for this album were known for their tension and discord within the band, which eventually led to their dissolution.

George Harrison recorded the song with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, as John Lennon had temporarily left the band at that point. “I Me Mine” is notable for its bluesy guitar riff and distinctive sound, which is characteristic of Harrison’s musical style. Musically, “I Me Mine” features a distinctive bluesy guitar riff and a somewhat unconventional structure. It showcases George Harrison’s evolving style as a songwriter, with a focus on introspection and philosophical themes.

In addition to the studio version, there is also a demo version of “I Me Mine” recorded during the Let It Be sessions, where George Harrison sings and plays acoustic guitar. This version was later included in the 1996 compilation album Anthology 3.

“I Me Mine” stands as one of George Harrison’s notable contributions to The Beatles’ catalog and offers insight into his philosophical and spiritual interests during this period.

Meaning of “I Me Mine”

“I Me Mine” is a phrase used to encapsulate the idea of self-centeredness or ego. The song’s lyrics reflect Harrison’s exploration of Eastern philosophies, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, which emphasize the importance of transcending the ego and achieving a state of selflessness or oneness with the universe.

The title “I Me Mine” is a play on words, suggesting the possessiveness and self-serving nature of individual desires and attachments. In the context of the song, it serves as a commentary on the human tendency to prioritize one’s own needs and desires above those of others.

The lyrics of “I Me Mine” convey a message about the potential dangers of self-centeredness and the benefits of letting go of the ego. They encourage a perspective that values interconnectedness and the well-being of all beings over the pursuit of personal gain.

In conclusion, “I Me Mine” serves as a philosophical reflection on the nature of self and the importance of spiritual growth beyond mere self-interest, which was a theme that resonated with George Harrison’s personal beliefs and spiritual journey.

Personnel

The Beatles

• George Harrison – lead and harmony vocals, acoustic guitars, lead guitars
• Paul McCartney – harmony vocal, bass guitar, Hammond organ, electric piano
• Ringo Starr – drums

Additional musicians

• Uncredited – 18 violins, four violas, four cellos, harp, three trumpets, three trombones
• Uncredited – female choir
• Richard Hewson – brass and string arrangements

• Published on 1970
• Author: Lennon/McCartney/Harrison/Starkey
• Track 5 on “Let It Be“

About “Dig It”

This 51-second version on the album Let It Be is an extract taken from a 12-minute jam (recorded at the Get Back/Let It Be Sessions in January 1969 at Apple Studio), which evolved from a loose “Twist and Shout” jam. A segment of the jam session, clocking in at 4:30, appears in the documentary film Let It Be. The participants in that session are John Lennon on vocals and George Harrison on guitar, Paul McCartney on piano, Ringo Starr on drums, and Billy Preston at the organ. The song is credited to all four members of the band. “Dig It” is a relatively short track, running just over a minute long.

“Dig It” is known for its simple, repetitive lyrics and a bluesy jam session feel. It features a basic chord progression and a loose, improvisational vocal style. The song is notable for its informal and spontaneous nature, giving listeners a glimpse into the band’s creative process during the recording sessions for the “Let It Be” album. It’s often considered more of an impromptu studio jam than a fully realized song.

Overall, “Dig It” is not one of The Beatles’ most well-known or critically acclaimed songs, but it remains an interesting and unique part of their discography, offering a glimpse into the band’s creative process during a tumultuous period in their history.

Meaning of “Dig It”

“Dig It” doesn’t have a particularly deep or complex meaning. It’s a very informal and spontaneous song that was essentially a jam session in the studio. The lyrics primarily consist of the repeated phrase “Like a rolling stone,” which is a nod to Bob Dylan’s song “Like a Rolling Stone.”

The song captures a loose, improvisational moment in the recording sessions for the “Let It Be” album. It’s more about the vibe and camaraderie of the band members during that time rather than conveying a specific message or narrative.

In essence, “Dig It” can be seen as a musical snapshot of The Beatles’ creative process and their camaraderie during a period of their career when they were experimenting with different musical styles and approaches.

Personnel

• John Lennon – lead vocals, six-string bass (Fender Bass VI)
• Paul McCartney – vocals in full version, piano
• George Harrison – vocals in full version, lead guitar (Fender Telecaster)
• Ringo Starr – drums
• Billy Preston – Hammond organ
• George Martin – maracas