Lyr Req: songs by The Beatles

Subject: RE: Examples of Beatles Lyrics
From: PoppaGator
Date: 28 Oct 04 - 11:37 PM

For lyrics only, how 'bout "In My Life"? That's the first to come to my mind, a John Lennon masterpiece covered by many other artists. (I think Judy Collins was the first.)

McCartney's "Yesterday" is the single most-covered song of all time, and his "Michelle" is right up there, but I'm not sure whether either of these sentimental ballads would be all that impressive when the lyrics are read without the music. People sure like the songs, though, and request 'em all the time.

I don't agree that the Beatles' early years were "better" musically than later. I think they continued to develop & get better in every respect. They did become increasingly *separate* songwriting personalities with time -- the Lennon-McCartney partnership was "in-name-only" after the first few years (as soon as they achieved international fame, actually), and George Harrison emerged very gradually as a significant songwriter on his own.

I am continually more and more impressed by George's work; every one of his songs is completely diferent from any other, of his or anyone's.

In fact, George's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" might hold up to scrutiny from a lyrics-only point of view, I don't know; it's hard for me to separate the lyrics from the music, especially since the song is *about* its own instrumental sound.

Subject: RE: Examples of Beatles Lyrics
From: Blissfully Ignorant
Date: 28 Oct 04 - 11:03 PM

Oopsies, forgot to mention, if you type 'beatles lyrics' into a search engine, it'll come up with hundreds if not thousands of pages for your perusal! Good luck ! :0)

Subject: RE: Examples of Beatles Lyrics
From: Blissfully Ignorant
Date: 28 Oct 04 - 11:02 PM

For lyrics, I would recommend The Ballad of John and Yoko, Get Back, and Come Together, although personally i also love their earlier, more simplistic stuff :0) You might want to try Some of John Lennon's solo material as well.

I think with the Beatles, what's attractive is not the music or lyrics in isolation, but, as you said, a 'sound'. It might be an idea to buy a 'best of' compilation, 'The Beatles/ 1967-1970' would be A good one to get, i think. It's got a blue cover with a picture of the band looking down off a balcony. It has all the songs i mentioned above, andf some other crackers like 'Don't Let Me Down' on it. Either that or get a Beatles loving friend to make a tape up for you, and listen to it in the car or something, it might just grow on you if you don't force it :0)

Subject: RE: Examples of Beatles Lyrics
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 28 Oct 04 - 10:36 PM

Well, (for a start)for good lyrics you're looking in the wrong period. They're greatest lyrical period was 66-68 IMO, and they're greatest musical period was between 63-65. As you see they crossed briefly...

Subject: Examples of Beatles Lyrics
From: Ebbie
Date: 28 Oct 04 - 10:33 PM

OK, here's the deal. When the Beatles hit these shores I was too aged to be anything but appalled at the lyrics of their first half dozen songs. So I just quit listening. And I still have not developed any appreciation for their 'sound'.

I keep hearing devotees enthusing over the Beatles' musicanship, their lyric writing ability, the way they forever have changed music as we know it.

So. Post some of the lyrics of some of the songs that you think capture their talent. Show me what is so great about them.

She loves you, yah, yah, yah...I wanna hol' your h-a-n-d...