The Beatles were a cultural phenomenon that revolutionized the music world and influenced generations of artists. Their story is filled with fascinating moments and little-known trivia, from their early days in Liverpool to their transformative years as global icons.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to their music, these 10 interesting facts about The Beatles songs will offer you a fresh glimpse into the lives and creativity of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Get ready to explore some surprising aspects of the band that continue to captivate audiences around the world.
1. The Beatles’ Only Live Performance of a George Harrison Song: “If I Needed Someone”
George Harrison’s “If I Needed Someone” was the only song he wrote that The Beatles performed live in concert. It was played at every concert during their 1966 tour, including their final show at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park on August 29, 1966.
This track reflects Harrison’s distinctive style, blending Indian influences with a jangle-pop sound inspired by The Byrds. Its inclusion in their live set highlighted Harrison’s growing role as a songwriter. Although The Beatles stopped touring after 1966, Harrison’s influence grew on later albums, leading to some of his most celebrated contributions.
2. Paul McCartney Composed the Majority of “Love Me Do” Between 1958 and 1959
“Love Me Do” was primarily written by Paul McCartney in 1958–1959, during his teenage years. While skipping school at age 16, McCartney crafted most of the song’s structure. John Lennon contributed to the Middle Eight.
In those early days, Paul and John often jotted down song ideas in a school notebook, dreaming of becoming famous musicians. They titled each piece “Another Lennon–McCartney Original.”
This collaboration was crucial in establishing their songwriting partnership. “Love Me Do” became The Beatles’ first single in 1962, marking the start of their rise to stardom and setting the stage for their future success.
3. The Beatles’ First Song Written by All Four Members Was “Flying”
“Flying,” from the 1967 Magical Mystery Tour album, is the first song credited to all four members of The Beatles: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.
Recorded in September 1967, the track features mellotron, guitars, bass, maracas, and drums. Originally titled “Aerial Tour Instrumental,” it included tape loops created by Lennon and Starr. The final version was trimmed to two minutes and seventeen seconds and appeared alongside aerial footage in the Magical Mystery Tour film.
Despite mixed reviews, “Flying” stands out for its experimental nature, illustrating The Beatles’ willingness to explore new musical territories and work together as a cohesive unit.
4. “Her Majesty” Is the Shortest Beatles Song Released on an Album
“Her Majesty,” from the 1969 album Abbey Road, is the shortest Beatles song released on an album, running just 23 seconds. Originally part of the album’s famous medley, it was removed by Paul McCartney, but engineer John Kurlander included it at the end of the master tape after McCartney requested its removal.
This brief, acoustic track was left in the final album version, appearing as a hidden bonus after a brief silence following “The End.” Its unexpected placement adds a whimsical touch to the album’s conclusion, highlighting McCartney’s playful side and The Beatles’ willingness to experiment with album formats.
The song features a playful musing about Queen Elizabeth II and the singer’s plan to “make her mine someday.” Some observers consider “Her Majesty” the first example of a hidden track.
5. “Come Together” Was Originally Written as a Campaign Slogan for Timothy Leary
John Lennon initially wrote “Come Together” as a campaign slogan for counterculture guru Timothy Leary’s California gubernatorial campaign in 1969. Leary was running against Ronald Reagan and asked Lennon for a slogan that captured the essence of his platform.
The song’s original intent was to inspire unity and action among Leary’s supporters, emphasizing the counterculture values of the time. However, Leary’s campaign ended abruptly after he was imprisoned on marijuana possession charges.
John Lennon reworked the song with The Beatles for their Abbey Road album. It evolved into a bluesy track with cryptic lyrics and a memorable bassline. Despite its origins, “Come Together” became one of The Beatles’ iconic songs
6. “Yesterday” Is the Most Covered Song in Recorded Music History
The Beatles’ song “Yesterday,” written by Paul McCartney, holds the record as the most covered song in recorded music, with over 2,200 artists recording their versions. Released in 1965 on the album Help!, the song is known for its melancholic melody and introspective lyrics.
McCartney famously woke up with the tune in his head and initially used placeholder lyrics, “Scrambled eggs, oh my baby, how I love your legs,“ until he could develop the proper words. The simplicity and emotional depth of “Yesterday” have attracted artists across genres, leading to countless interpretations.
7. The Beatles’ Hit “Penny Lane” Led to Disappearing Street Signs in Liverpool
After The Beatles released the song “Penny Lane” in 1967, the street signs for the actual Penny Lane in Liverpool began to vanish frequently. Fans eager to own a piece of Beatles history regularly stole the signs as souvenirs.
The song’s popularity turned Penny Lane into a landmark, causing local authorities to face the challenge of constantly replacing the signs. To solve this problem, the town painted “Penny Lane” directly onto buildings, making it harder for fans to remove.
8. “Julia” Is the Only Beatles Song John Lennon Recorded Alone
“Julia,” a track on The Beatles’ White Album, is unique in that John Lennon recorded it without assistance from the rest of the group. The song is a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Julia Lennon, who died in 1958 at age 44. It also references his wife, Yoko Ono.
The intimate recording features Lennon on acoustic guitar and vocals, creating a tender and reflective atmosphere. The lyrics express his longing and love, making it one of the most personal songs in The Beatles’ catalog.
9. “The End” Features Ringo Starr’s Only Drum Solo on a Beatles Album
“The End,” a track from The Beatles’ Abbey Road album, is notable for featuring Ringo Starr’s only drum solo on any Beatles album. Despite being known for his steady and reliable drumming, Starr was generally reluctant to perform solos, preferring to support the band’s overall sound.
Recorded in 1969, “The End” showcases a rare moment where Starr steps into the spotlight, delivering a dynamic and memorable solo that highlights his skill and creativity. This drum solo is part of a medley that concludes Abbey Road, adding a powerful and energetic touch to the album’s finale.
“The End” earned a spot at number 7 on Q magazine’s “The 20 Greatest Guitar Tracks” list in 2007, marking it as a standout piece in The Beatles’ catalog.
10. “Hey Jude” Was Written by Paul McCartney for John Lennon’s Son
“Hey Jude,” one of The Beatles’ most beloved songs, was written by Paul McCartney for John Lennon’s son, Julian. Originally titled “Hey Jules,” the song was meant to comfort Julian during his parents’ divorce.
McCartney wrote the song in 1968 while driving to visit the Lennon family. He intended to support and encourage Julian, who was experiencing a difficult time. Over time, the title evolved into “Hey Jude,” which McCartney felt was more fitting.
“Hey Jude” has sold approximately eight million copies and is frequently included on music critics’ lists of the greatest songs ever.
