• Published in 1967
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 11 on “Magical Mystery Tour“
• Track 6 on “Yellow Submarine“
• Track 7 on “The Beatles 1967-1970” (Blue Album)

PAUL 1967: “We had been told we’d be seen recording it by the whole world at the same time. So we had one message for the world– Love. We need more love in the world.”

PAUL circa-1994: “‘All You Need Is Love’ was John’s song. I threw in a few ideas, as did other members of the group, but it was largely ad libs like singing ‘She Loves You’ or ‘Greensleeves’ or silly little things like that at the end, and we made those up on the spot.”

About “All You Need Is Love”

“All You Need Is Love” was released in July 1967 as a non-album single. The song was written by John Lennon and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. EMI Studios in London filmed the band performing the song as Britain’s contribution to Our World, the first live multinational multi-satellite television production on 25 June 1967. Over 400 million people in 25 countries watched the program via satellite. Signs and streamers decorated the studio during the broadcast, and members of the Rolling Stones, Who, and Small Faces wore psychedelic clothing. The Beatles’ manager, Brian Epstein, described the performance as their “finest.”

For the show’s international audience, Lennon’s lyrics were intentionally simplistic, capturing the utopian ideals associated with the Summer of Love. The single reached the top of the sales charts in Britain, the United States, and many other countries, and became an anthem for the counterculture’s embrace of flower power.

The release of “All You Need Is Love” coincided with the peak of the Beatles’ popularity and influence following the release of their album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. As part of the orchestral arrangement, George Martin incorporates a portion of the French national anthem and ends with excerpts from Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood”, “Greensleeves”, and Bach’s Invention No. 8 in F major, and the Beatles’ 1963 hit “She Loves You“.

“All You Need Is Love” was later included on the US Magical Mystery Tour album and was used as a moral in Yellow Submarine, a 1968 Beatles animated film. Despite its association with the Summer of Love ethos and Lennon’s legacy as a humanitarian, numerous critics found the song’s message naive in retrospect, particularly during the 1980s. In honor of the Beatles’ Our World performance, Global Beatles Day is celebrated every year on 25 June.

Meaning of “All You Need Is Love”

The central message of “All You Need Is Love” is one of universal love, unity, and peace. The song’s lyrics are straightforward and repetitive, emphasizing the simple but profound idea that love is the most important and powerful force in the world. The chorus repeats the phrase “All you need is love” several times, along with the assertion that “Love is all you need.”

The song was written as a contribution to Our World, a live global television broadcast that took place on June 25, 1967. The Beatles were asked to perform a song that would be understood by people all around the world, and they chose “All You Need Is Love” to convey a message of unity and harmony.

“All You Need Is Love” is celebrated for its positive and timeless message, and it has become an iconic anthem for peace and love. It remains one of The Beatles’ most famous and beloved songs.

Personnel

• John Lennon – lead and backing vocals, harpsichord, banjo.
• Paul McCartney – bass, double bass, backing vocals.
• George Harrison – lead guitar, violin, backing vocals.
• Ringo Starr – drums.

How to play “All You Need Is Love” on bass

The bassline in “All You Need Is Love” is one of the defining features of the song. It was played by Paul McCartney and contributes significantly to the song’s catchy and uplifting feel. It is relatively straightforward, making it accessible for beginners while still providing an enjoyable challenge for more experienced players. The bassline in “All You Need Is Love” is a prime example of McCartney’s ability to create memorable and effective basslines that complement the song’s overall musicality.
The following video features “All You Need Is Love” bass cover with tab:

“All You Need Is Love” Karaoke

Here is the karaoke version of “All You need is Love” to practice singing the song:

• Published on 1969
• Author: Harrison
• Track 2 on “Yellow Submarine“

GEORGE 1980: “‘Northern Song’ was a joke relating to Liverpool, the Holy City in the North of England. In addition, the song was copyrighted Northern Songs LTD, which I don’t own.”

GEORGE 1999: “It was at the point that I realized Dick James had conned me out of the copyrights for my own songs by offering to become my publisher. As an 18 or 19-year-old kid, I thought, ‘Great, somebody’s gonna publish my songs!’ But he never said, ‘And incidentally, when you sign this document here, you’re assigning me the ownership of the songs,’ which is what it is. It was just a blatant theft. By the time I realized what had happened, when they were going public and making all this money out of this catalog, I wrote ‘Only A Northern Song’ as what we call a ‘piss-take,’ just to have a joke about it.”

About “Only A Northern Song”

“Only a Northern Song” was written by George Harrison and was released in 1969 on the soundtrack album for the animated film “Yellow Submarine.” The song was recorded during the sessions for the “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album, but it was not included in the final tracklist.

The song features a distinctive psychedelic sound, which was characteristic of the experimental phase The Beatles were going through during this period.

The lyrics of “Only a Northern Song” reflect George Harrison’s feelings of detachment and disillusionment. He sings about feeling undervalued and unappreciated, as well as being stuck in a situation where his creativity is not fully recognized.

The song was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London during the sessions for the “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album. However, it was not included on the album and was instead held for the “Yellow Submarine” soundtrack.

“Only a Northern Song” was first released on the “Yellow Submarine” soundtrack album in January 1969. It was subsequently included in the remastered CD version of the album “Yellow Submarine” released in 1999.

While “Only a Northern Song” was not one of The Beatles’ biggest hits, it remains an interesting and notable piece in their discography due to its unique sound and George Harrison’s personal reflections in the lyrics.

It’s worth noting that George Harrison’s concerns about publishing rights and creative control were significant factors that contributed to the eventual dissolution of The Beatles.

Meaning of “Only A Northern Song”

“Only a Northern Song” by George Harrison is a song that encapsulates Harrison’s deep frustration with the business aspects of the music industry. The track serves as a poignant commentary on his relationship with the Beatles’ publishing company, Northern Songs.

In the lyrics, Harrison expresses a sense of disillusionment and resignation, emphasizing that it seemingly doesn’t matter what chords he plays, the words he sings, or even the time of day – because, in his view, it’s ‘only a Northern Song.’ This refrain serves as a biting reminder of his perceived lack of control over his own creative output, particularly in terms of publishing rights.

The term ‘Northern Song’ is significant. On one level, it’s a reference to the actual publishing company owned by the Beatles. Harrison believed that, despite his significant contributions to the band’s music, he had little influence over the rights to his own compositions. The major shareholders of Northern Songs, primarily John Lennon and Paul McCartney, were reaping greater financial benefits from his work.

Beyond its specific context, the song can be interpreted as a broader critique of the music industry itself, where artists often find themselves with limited control over their own creations. Harrison’s lyrics convey this sentiment with a touch of sarcasm and irony, reflecting his frustration and, perhaps, a certain resignation to the situation.

Furthermore, the term ‘Northern Song’ could carry a dual meaning. It may serve as a play on words, referring to Liverpool, the northern English city where the Beatles originated. This geographical reference adds another layer of meaning to the song.

“Only a Northern Song” can also be seen as a meta-song. Harrison uses unconventional chords and musical dissonance to highlight the futility of composing for Northern Songs. This unique approach amplifies the sense of dissatisfaction and discontent embedded in the lyrics.

In sum, “Only a Northern Song” stands as George Harrison’s poignant commentary on the challenges and complexities of being a creative artist within a large commercial enterprise, specifically within the Beatles’ publishing company. It’s a song of reflection, frustration, and ultimately, resignation to the realities of the music industry.

Personnel

• George Harrison – vocals, Hammond organ, additional organ, dialogue, noises
• John Lennon – glockenspiel, piano, dialogue, noises
• Paul McCartney – bass guitar, trumpet, noises
• Ringo Starr – drums, noises
• uncredited (played by the Beatles) – timpani, Mellotron, additional percussion

Music video by The Beatles performing Yellow Submarine.

• Published on 1969
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 6 on “Revolver“
• Track 1 on “Yellow Submarine”
• Track 26 on “1962 ‐ 1966 (Red Album)“

PAUL 1966: “It’s a happy place, that’s all. You know, it was just… We were trying to write a children’s song. That was the basic idea. And there’s nothing more to be read into it than there is in the lyrics of any children’s song.”

JOHN 1972: “Paul wrote the catchy chorus. I helped with the blunderbuss bit.”

JOHN 1980: “‘Yellow Submarine’ is Paul’s baby. Donovan helped with the lyrics. I helped with the lyrics too. We virtually made the track come alive in the studio, but based on Paul’s inspiration. Paul’s idea. Paul’s title… written for Ringo.”

PAUL 1984: “I wrote that in bed one night. As a kid’s story. And then we thought it would be good for Ringo to do.”

PAUL circa-1994: “I was laying in bed in the Asher’s garret, and there’s a nice twilight zone just as you’re drifting into sleep and as you wake from it– I always find it quite a comfortable zone. I remember thinking that a children’s song would be quite a good idea… I was thinking of it as a song for Ringo, which it eventually turned out to be, so I wrote it as not too rangey in the vocal. I just made up a little tune in my head, then started making a story– sort of an ancient mariner, telling the young kids where he’d lived. It was pretty much my song as I recall… I think John helped out. The lyrics got more and more obscure as it goes on, but the chorus, melody and verses are mine.”

GEORGE 1999: “Paul came up with the concept of ‘Yellow Submarine.’ All I know is just that every time we’d all get around the piano with guitars and start listening to it and arranging it into a record, we’d all fool about. As I said, John’s doing the voice that sounds like someone talking down a tube or ship’s funnel as they do in the merchant marine. (laughs) And on the final track there’s actually that very small party happening! As I seem to remember, there’s a few screams and what sounds like small crowd noises in the background.”

About “Yellow Submarine”

“Yellow Submarine” , the 6th track on album Revolver, was also issued on a double A-side single, paired with “Eleanor Rigby“. It was written as a children’s song by Paul McCartney and John Lennon and sung by drummer Ringo Starr. It reached the top of the charts in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, as well as several other European countries. In 1966, it won an Ivor Novello Award for achieving the highest certified sales of any single written by a British songwriter. Billboard Hot 100 charted the song at number two in the US.

“Yellow Submarine” was recorded during a period of experimentation in the recording studio. In late May 1966, they recorded the basic track and vocals, then overdubbed nautical sound effects, party ambience, and chorus singing, recalling George Martin’s previous work with the Goons. Combined with “Eleanor Rigby“, a song that lacked any rock instrumentation, the single represented a radical departure for the group. As the opening track to Yellow Submarine’s soundtrack album, the song inspired the 1968 animated film.

Yellow Submarine was released during the controversies surrounding Lennon’s “More popular than Jesus” remarks – which led some radio stations to ban the Beatles’ music – and the band’s public opposition to the Vietnam War. The song has been interpreted socially and politically in a variety of ways. During Vietnam War protests, the counterculture adopted it as an anti-authority statement, and it was also used in strike actions and other forms of protest. Listeners viewed the song as a code for drugs, especially the barbiturate Nembutal that came in yellow capsules, or as a symbol of escapism. The song “Yellow Submarine” is more than just a children’s favorite; it has become a staple of the All Starr Band’s tour schedule, with Starr often playing the song on his tours with the band.

Meaning of “Yellow Submarine”

The meaning of “Yellow Submarine” can be interpreted in several ways. On the surface, the lyrics describe a group of individuals residing in a yellow submarine, embarking on a fantastical journey through an imaginary underwater world. The song recounts their colorful adventures and encounters with various creatures. However, beyond its literal narrative, “Yellow Submarine” can also be seen as a metaphor for escape, joy, and unity. The submarine becomes a symbol of carefree, happy-go-lucky attitudes that offer respite from the troubles of the world. The song’s cheerful melody and simple, repetitive lyrics give it a childlike quality, endearing it to both children and adults.

Given the song’s release during the height of the psychedelic movement, some interpret it as influenced by the counterculture and drug experiences. The vibrant, surreal imagery in the lyrics could be viewed in this light. While “Yellow Submarine” is a lighthearted song, it was released during a period of significant social and political upheaval. Some listeners have seen it as a message of peace and unity in a time of strong anti-war sentiment. Additionally, the songwriting partnership of Lennon-McCartney, though primarily McCartney’s work, showcases the collaborative spirit that defined their songwriting.

In essence, “Yellow Submarine” is a multi-dimensional song, offering enjoyment on various levels. Its catchy melody, whimsical lyrics, and positive message have contributed to its enduring popularity. The song’s adaptation into an animated film and accompanying soundtrack album further solidified its place in popular culture.

Personnel

The Beatles

• Ringo Starr – lead and backing vocals, drums, shouting
• John Lennon – acoustic guitar, backing vocals, sound effects (bubbles), shouting
• Paul McCartney – bass guitar, backing vocals, shouting
• George Harrison – tambourine, backing vocals, sound effects (waves)

Additional contributors

• Neil Aspinall – backing vocals
• Alf Bicknell – sound effects (rattling chains), backing vocals
• Pattie Boyd – laughter, backing vocals
• Mal Evans – bass drum, backing vocals
• Marianne Faithfull – backing vocals

• Published on 1969
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 4 on “Yellow Submarine“

JOHN 1980: “It’s a good sounding record that means nothing.”

PAUL circa-1994: “I remember ‘Hey Bulldog’ as being one of John’s songs and I helped him finish it off in the studio, but it’s mainly his vibe. There’s a little rap at the end between John and I, we went into a crazy little thing at the end. We always tried to make every song different because we figured, ‘Why write something like the last one? We’ve done that.’ We were on a ladder so there was never any sense of stepping down a rung, or even staying on the same rung, it was better to move one rung ahead.”

GEORGE 1999: “We now have an unreleased video of ‘Hey Bulldog,’ as you know. When we were in the studio recording ‘Bulldog,’ apparently it was at a time when they needed some footage for something else, some other record (Lady Madonna), and a film crew came along and filmed us. Then they cut up the footage and used some of the shots for something else. But it was Neil Aspinall who found out that when you watched and listened to what the original thing was, we were recording ‘Bulldog.’ This was apparently the only time we were actually filmed recording something, so what Neil did was, he put (the unused footage) all back together again and put the ‘Bulldog’ soundtrack onto it, and there it was!”

About “Hey Bulldog”

Hey Bulldog” is a vibrant and energetic song featured on 1969 album “Yellow Submarine.” Composed primarily by John Lennon, with contributions from Paul McCartney, the track exhibits a distinctive bluesy rock style.

Recorded during a session at Abbey Road Studios on February 11, 1968, the song’s lyrics are often considered whimsical and nonsensical, featuring phrases like “Sheepdog, standing in the rain.” Rather than conveying a specific meaning, these lyrics appear to aim for a playful and abstract tone.

Musically, “Hey Bulldog” is characterized by its dynamic interplay of instruments. It showcases a prominent bassline, sharp guitar riffs, and a propulsive drumbeat. A standout feature is the lively piano solo performed by John Lennon, adding a distinctive flair to the track.

Released on January 17, 1969, in the UK, and January 13, 1969, in the US as part of the “Yellow Submarine” album, the song has gained popularity over the years. It is particularly appreciated for its catchy melody and the memorable piano riff.

Despite its omission from the “Yellow Submarine” film, for which it was originally recorded, “Hey Bulldog” has become a standout track in The Beatles’ catalog. It has found a place in popular culture, being featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials. Additionally, the song has been covered by numerous artists.

It’s worth noting that “Hey Bulldog” was never performed live by The Beatles during their career. Nevertheless, its enduring popularity and lively musicality continue to make it a beloved and celebrated piece of The Beatles’ musical legacy.

Meaning of “Hey Bulldog”

The meaning of “Hey Bulldog” is often interpreted in various ways, but it’s important to note that Lennon himself mentioned that the lyrics were intentionally nonsensical, written to fit the rhythm and mood of the song rather than convey a specific message.

That being said, fans and critics have attempted to glean meaning from the lyrics. Some interpretations suggest that “bulldog” may be a metaphor for a persistent or tenacious attitude, possibly a reflection of Lennon’s personality. The phrase “Hey Bulldog” could be seen as a call to action or a rallying cry, urging listeners to assert themselves and take charge.

The lyrics of the song are whimsical and abstract, containing a series of seemingly unrelated images and phrases. For example, lines like “Big man, pig man, ha ha, charade you are” and “You can talk to me, if you’re lonely, you can talk to me” add to the song’s enigmatic quality.

Ultimately, it’s important to recognize that “Hey Bulldog” may not have a specific, concrete meaning. It’s an example of Lennon’s fondness for wordplay and his inclination to prioritize the overall sound and feel of a song over its literal interpretation. The song is appreciated for its lively, rock-oriented musicality and is celebrated for its energetic and engaging performance by The Beatles.

Personnel

• John Lennon – double tracked vocals, piano, lead guitar
• Paul McCartney – harmony vocal, bass, tambourine
• George Harrison – guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums

• 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:

How to play “All Together Now” on bass

“All Together Now” by The Beatles has a simple yet catchy bassline played by Paul McCartney. Here’s the bass tab to play the song:

“All Together Now”

For those who want to have fun trying to sing “All Together Now”, the following video features the karaoke version of the song:

• Published on 1969
• Author: Harrison
• Track 5 on “Yellow Submarine“

GEORGE 1980: “‘It’s All Too Much’ was written in a childlike manner from realizations that appeared during and after some LSD experiences and which were later confirmed in meditation.”

GEORGE 1999: “I just wanted to write a rock ‘n roll song about the whole psychedelic thing of the time– ‘Sail me on a silver sun/ Where I know that I am free/ Show me that I’m everywhere/ And get me home for tea.’ (laughs) Because you’d trip out, you see, on all this stuff, and then whoops! you’d just be back having your evening cup of tea! ‘Your long blond hair/ And your eyes of blue’ –that was all just this big ending we had, going out. And as it was in those days, we had the horn players just play a bit of trumpet voluntarily, and so that’s how that ‘Prince Of Denmark’ bit was played (in the fade-out). And Paul and John just came up with and sang that lyric of ‘your eyes of blue.’”

About “It’s All Too Much”

“It’s All Too Much” is a song primarily written by George Harrison. Released in 1969 on the “Yellow Submarine” album, the track stands as a testament to the band’s musical evolution during this period.

The song embodies the psychedelic movement of the late 1960s, marked by its vibrant and expansive sound. George Harrison’s lyrics convey a sense of overwhelming emotion, love, and a deepening of spiritual awareness. The repetitive structure, coupled with a distinctive guitar riff and a prominent, repeating chorus, contribute to the song’s hypnotic and immersive quality.

Recorded in 1967 during the sessions for the “Yellow Submarine” soundtrack at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, “It’s All Too Much” reflects the band’s willingness to explore new musical frontiers. While it didn’t receive immediate widespread recognition, the song has since garnered appreciation for its distinctiveness and its representation of the dynamic cultural and musical landscape of the era.

Despite not being a staple in their live performances, “It’s All Too Much” has found a place in popular culture, appearing in various films and television shows. Additionally, the song has been covered by numerous artists, highlighting its enduring appeal.

In summary, “It’s All Too Much” is a remarkable piece in The Beatles’ repertoire, showcasing George Harrison’s songwriting prowess and the band’s willingness to embrace musical experimentation. Its psychedelic sound and introspective lyrics capture the essence of the 1960s counterculture movement, making it a noteworthy contribution to the band’s extensive catalog.

Meaning of “It’s All Too Much”

“It’s All Too Much” reflects the counterculture and spiritual exploration of the late 1960s. The song conveys a sense of overwhelming emotion, love, and a deepening of spiritual awareness.

The lyrics, “It’s all too much for me to take, the love that’s shining all around you,” suggest a feeling of being inundated by a powerful, all-encompassing love or energy. This could be interpreted as an expression of Harrison’s growing interest in Eastern philosophy and spirituality, which was influencing his songwriting during this period.

Furthermore, the title phrase “It’s All Too Much” can be seen as a reflection on the complexities and profundities of existence. It may convey the idea that the richness and depth of life’s experiences can sometimes be almost too intense to fully grasp or absorb.

“It’s All Too Much” can be viewed as an anthem for the spiritual and philosophical explorations that were prevalent during the late 1960s. It’s a celebration of the powerful, transformative force of love and an acknowledgment of the profound nature of existence.

Personnel

The Beatles

• George Harrison – lead vocal, Hammond organ, lead guitar, backing vocal, handclaps
• John Lennon – harmony vocal, lead guitar, handclaps
• Paul McCartney – harmony vocal, bass guitar, cowbell, handclaps
• Ringo Starr – drums, tambourine

Additional musicians

• David Mason and three uncredited session players – trumpets
• Paul Harvey – bass clarinet