I have long been a fan of John, Paul, George, and Ringo, and as a toddler I often sang along wildly and naively to such psychedelic gems as “Yellow Submarine” and “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”(though any die-hard Beatles fan will argue that “Lucy” does not, in fact, spell out LSD). The Beatles’ legacy continues today, and they are lauded not only as a super group of the 1960s, but also as idealistic revolutionaries justly championing for peace, equality, and love in the face of adversity.
Numerous, contrived lists have been compiled detailing the “top” Beatles songs of all time – spanning from the poppy love songs of the Ed Sullivan era to the intricate symphonic detailing of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. I have decided to join these masses; however, I feel that it is imperative to put a bit of a twist on things. Many people fail to realize that the fight for love often teeters on the brink of heartache. Thus, I present to you a unique compilation of my top ten “break up” songs by the Beatles:
1. “Anna (Go To Him),” although originally written and performed by Arthur Alexander, was released on the Beatles’ debut album, Please Please Me, in 1963. It features John Lennon as the main vocalist, initially mourning a lost love interest, but finally letting go by telling her to “give back her ring” and “go to him” (with “him” referencing the other man).
2. “This Boy,” which was composed and performed by John Lennon, is a Beatles original released in 1963 as the B-side to the famous “I Want to Hold Your Hand” single. Today, it can be found on the compilation album The Beatles: Past Masters, Volume One. It features harmonies reminiscent of Smokey Robinson, as well as a poignant Lennon solo, pleading with his lost love to reconsider her decision to be with the boy who “won’t be happy ’til he’s seen her cry.”
3. “I’ll Follow the Sun”is bittersweet ballad composed and performed by Paul McCartney on 1964’s Beatles for Sale. The lyrics tell the story of an individual who feels unappreciated by his significant other. Although unwilling to leave, he knows that the time has come to move forward and “follow the sun.”
4. “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” is one of my favorite Lennon songs. Performed in the style of Bob Dylan, the lyrics hold many interpretations in the wide world of Beatles fandom, but mainly center on lost love (“If she’s gone I can’t go on…”) and moving forward (reprised in the chorus). It can be found on the Beatles’ 1965 soundtrack, Help!
5. “Yesterday,” according to the Guinness Book of World Records, has the most cover versions of any song ever written – in excess of 3,000. However, it was originally composed and performed by Paul McCartney, and also appears on the Help! soundtrack. Yet again, the lyrics focus on a lost love interest (“Why she had to go I don’t know, she wouldn’t say…”), and the desire to return to the carefree life of “yesterday.”
6. “For No One” was released in 1966 on the Beatles’ seventh album, Revolver. It is yet another melancholy McCartney ballad detailing the end of a failed relationship, yet, in my opinion, is much darker and deeper than his rendition of “Yesterday.”
7. “And Your Bird Can Sing,” which also appears on Revolver, possesses an upbeat guitar riff and tight harmonies that disguise some rather unpleasant emotions. Although Lennon often dismissed this song as a “throwaway,” it has always been one of my favorites.
8. “With A Little Help From My Friends” is an upbeat song released as the second track of 1967’s ground-breaking Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (I think the title of the album says it all). Personally, I can’t imagine getting through a break up without a little help from my friends.
9. “Hey Jude” was released as the A-side of the Beatles’ “Revolution” single in 1968. Today, this McCartney staple can be found on the compilation album The Beatles: Past Masters, Volume Two. Taking into consideration that it was written about divorce (John Lennon’s divorce from his first wife, Cynthia, to be specific), it is probably the ultimate Beatles break up song.
10. “Across the Universe,” a ballad with Eastern overtones, was written by John Lennon and released on the Beatle’s 1969 album, Let It Be. Although it does not expressly pertain to heartache, it is a powerful song with beautiful, positive lyrics that are perfect for the mending heart.
This list is obviously not all-inclusive. Excluding compilation albums, the Beatles released 22 singles, 13 EPs, and 12 LPs in the United Kingdom, as well as an additional 33 singles, 3 EPs, and 17 LPs in the United States, through a span of 7 years. In other words, that’s a lot of music to narrow down to just 10! However, the next time you find yourself in a relationship bind, hopefully this short playlist will provide you with some much-needed, timeless British comfort.
Sources:
The Internet Beatles Album
Wikipedia
