Decoding the Beatles: Lyrics and Inspiration
Decoding the Beatles: Lyrics and Inspiration
The Beatles were together for less than a decade, but inย that time produced a lifetime of music. While some of it was straightforward, some was complex and perplexing. Here is a look at some songs of the Beatles and the inspiration and meaning behind them.
โHey Judeโ
While John and Paul were frequently at odds, when John left his wife and son’s mother for Yoko Ono, Paul wrote a song to comfort John’s son, Julian. The song was original called โHey Julesโ but was later changed to โHey Judeโ.
โShe Came in Through the Bathroom Windowโ and โPolythene Pamโ
These songs were both inspired by fans of the Beatles. One tried to enter Paul’s home by using a ladder to enter his second floor bathroom. Pam was inspired by an early fan of the group who often attended shows at The Cavern. She was known to the band for her almost non-stop snacking from plastic bags.
โA Day In the Lifeโ
This highly produced song, backed with a 41-piece orchestra, was a tribute to Tara Browne, who was an heir to the Guinness beer fortune, but died in a tragic car crash. Tara was friends with many rock stars at the time. Some speculated Browne had taken LSD prior to his death.
โFor the Benefit of Mr. Kiteโ
Central to the circus/carnival theme of the โSgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Bandโ album on which it appeared, this song was inspired by an actual circus poster. John had acquired the poster, originally printed in 1843, detailing the talents and feats of Pablo Fanque’s Circus Royal and its appearance in Lancashire, England.
โI Want to Hold Your Handโ
No mystery here. This is a song about holding hands.
In just eight years, the Beatles had 20 number one hits and some 34 top ten hits. Their core catalog of 23 albums contained 213 songs. The band even was involved in five movies, including A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, Magical Mystery Tour, Yellow Submarine and Let it Be.
Many forget that John, Paul, George and Ringo went on to varying degrees of success following their breakup in 1970. John’s legacy includes โImagineโ, โInstant Karmaโ and more. George’s biggest hit as a solo artist was โMy Sweet Lordโ and Ringo gave us โPhotographโ and โIt Don’t Come Easyโ. It is Paul, however, who has had the most success with Wings and a long list of solo hits.
Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder
Search All Blogs
Search All Blogs
Read More Blogs
Road Trip Through History: The Unexpected Story of the Interstate Highway System
From nuclear war to family road trips, the Interstate Highway System’s history is more surprising than you think
Independent Spirit, Independent Insurance: Why Your Business Needs an Independent Agent
Ditch the Captive Agent! Why Independent Insurance Agents are Your Business’s Best Superhero
Beyond the Funeral: 9 Reasons Why You Need More Life Insurance Than You Think
Life Insurance: Not Just for Buryin’! Unexpected Costs You Never Knew Were Covered
New Car, New Coverage? Navigating the Wild World of Auto Insurance
New Car? Don’t Get Stuck on the Side of the Road with Bad Insurance!
Renters Insurance: Your Secret Weapon Against Disaster (and Burglars!)
Beyond Broken Leases: Why Renters Insurance is Your Best Friend (and How to Get a Great Deal)
Flappers, Flights & Fizzy Fridays: The Roaring Twenties You Never Knew
Dive into the 1920s beyond the speakeasies! Explore the decade’s social shifts, technological marvels, and surprising connections to modern times.
Bundle Up and Save! The Ins and Outs of Business Insurance
Unsure about business insurance? Don’t be! Learn how bundling different coverages protects your company and puts money back in your pocket.
Life Insurance Myths Busted: Unveiling the Simple Truths Behind Financial Security
Considering life insurance but confused by the myths? We clear the air on common misconceptions and show you how to get simple, affordable coverage.
Buckle Up for Savings: How Car Safety Ratings Save You Money
Crash Test Your Cash Flow: How Car Safety Ratings Impact Insurance Rates
Pool Paradise or Premium Pain? The Splashing Truth About Pool Insurance
Dive into Savings: How Pools Affect Homeowners Insurance (and How to Stay Afloat)