When Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr played their first gig together in Liverpool in 1962, they never could have guessed their legacy would be imprinted in the brains of millions of people. The Beatles have had an immeasurable impact on music, thanks to their catchy melodies and universally relatable lyrics. Their songs have influenced countless pop singers, rock bands, and experimental artists, and they continue to be covered and sampled by musicians to this day.
Although many of the early Beatles songs were incredibly simple, the writing duo of Lennon and McCartney hit on all-encompassing truths about love and life. Their later albums, which increasingly included the songwriting of George and Ringo, added a fresh perspective to the beloved band’s repertoire. When the Beatles moved into concept albums with Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in 1967, their songs took on a psychedelic tone, but they didn’t lose any of the heart and vulnerability that attracted so many fans to their music. In fact, their ability to incorporate more experimental music styles gave them the space to explore more complex lyrical themes, and these later albums have a depth that makes them even more moving. These 26 Beatles lyrics are a small sample of the emotional wisdom the musical icons brought to every album and performance throughout their legendary career.
I found that love was more“If I Fell,” A Hard Day’s Night, 1964
Than just holding hands
I don't care too much for money, money can't buy me love“Can’t Buy Me Love,” A Hard Day’s Night, 1964
Tomorrow may rain so I'll follow the sun“I’ll Follow the Sun,” Beatles for Sale, 1964
When I was younger, so much younger than todayI never needed anybody's help in any way“Help!,” Help!, 1965
But now these days are gone, I'm not so self assured
Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors
Life is very short and there's no timeFor fussing and fighting, my friend“We Can Work It Out,” Rubber Soul, 1965
There are places I'll rememberAll my life though some have changed.“In My Life,” Rubber Soul, 1965
Some forever not for better.
Some have gone and some remain.
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall.
Some are dead and some are living.
In my life, I've loved them all
All the lonely people, where do they all come from?All the lonely people, where do they all belong?“Eleanor Rigby,” Revolver, 1966
Keeping an eye on the world going by my windowTaking my time“I’m Only Sleeping,” Revolver, 1966
I get by with a little help from my friends“With a Little Help From My Friends,” Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967
I've got to admit it's getting better,A little better all the time“Getting Better,” Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967
And the time will come when you see we're all oneAnd life flows on within you and without you“Within You Without You," Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967
There's nothing you can do that can't be done.Nothing you can sing that can't be sung“All You Need Is Love,” Magical Mystery Tour, 1967
Nothing you can do, but you can learn how to be you in timeIt's easy“All You Need Is Love,” Magical Mystery Tour, 1967
All you need is love
Living is easy with eyes closedMisunderstanding all you see“Strawberry Fields Forever,” Magical Mystery Tour, 1967
It's getting hard to be someone, but it all works out
I don't know why nobody told youHow to unfold your love“While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” The Beatles (The White Album), 1968
All your lifeYou were only waiting for this moment to arise“Blackbird,” The Beatles (The White Album), 1968
The sun is up, the sky is blueIt's beautiful, and so are you“Dear Prudence,” The Beatles (The White Album), 1968
Remember to let her into your heartThen you can start to make it better.“Hey Jude,” Hey Jude, 1968
Well you know that it's a fool who plays it coolBy making his world a little colder“Hey Jude,” Hey Jude, 1968
Here comes the sun, and I sayIt's all right“Here Comes the Sun,” Abbey Road, 1969
And in the endThe love you take“The End,” Abbey Road, 1969
Is equal to the love you make
One thing I can tell you is you got to be free“Come Together,” Abbey Road, 1969
You and I have memoriesLonger than the road that stretches out ahead“Two of Us,” Let It Be, 1970
And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light that shines on meShine on 'til tomorrow, let it be.“Let It Be,” Let It Be, 1970
Limitless undying love which shines around me like aMillion suns, it calls me on and on,“Across the Universe,” Let It Be, 1970
Across the universe
The long and winding road that leads to your doorWill never disappear“The Long and Winding Road,” Let It Be, 1970
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