Most Beautiful Beatles' Songs

The most beautiful Beatles songs in no particular order...

1. Across the Universe (1970)

One of John Lennon's last songs written as a Beatle, this song was penned following his irritation with Cynthia, who had been maundering on about something in bed. Hence the line: 'Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup.' Poor Cynthia was probably bemoaning the fact their marriage was nearing its end.

One of the most psychedelic Beatles songs, it features the refrain 'Jai Guru Deva Om', a mantra which is meant to help you attain higher consciousness. Lennon said that this was one of his favourite compositions mainly because it was 'like a poem'. 

2. No Reply (1965)

Mostly written by Lennon again, this is about having a unfaithful girlfriend who pretends not to be home. By most accounts, it wasn't written from his direct experiences, but was inspired by the song 'Silhouettes' by the Rays.

3. In My Life (1965)

Hard to believe but this was written when John Lennon was only 24-years old. Or perhaps, it's not so hard to believe: may be you can only be that sentimental when you're young. In any case, I think this is one of the most beautiful Beatles songs by far (if not, the most). It's nostalgic, wistful, thoughtful and paints a real picture.

According to some sources, it was written about Stuart Sutcliffe- John's friend who died in 1962. You could easily imagine this being played at the end of anyone's life.

When he sings, 'In my life I love you more,' you can't help think it's about his friends, which makes it more moving somehow. This was very much pre-Yoko.

Sutcliffe died of a brain haemorrhage aged 21 

4. Here Comes the Sun (1969)

One of the most positive and uplifting Beatles songs, and definitely my favourite of George's. Someone once commented that when The Beatles rallied for Abbey Road, it was like ' a glorious sunset mistaken for dawn'. This song certainly reflects that idea, including the imagery of the sun.

                                                      

The song was written during a very difficult time for George, when he'd actually temporarily quit the band. He had also been arrested for possessing pot and had his tonsils removed. Well, they do say it comes in threes... It's therefore surprising he managed to write a song so life affirming. Even the recording was difficult: John had to be absent due to recovering from a car crash. 

The track was reportedly written in Eric Clapton's garden. 

5. I've Just Seen a Face (1965)

'Falling, yes, I am falling...'

                                               

I love the chorus of this one. Although it's extremely upbeat, it's also got a stunningly beautiful melody. It's possible one my favourite of Paul's, and apparently also one that he's most proud of.

6. For No one (1966)

One of Paul's saddest songs, about a girl's who's fallen out of love.

'A love that should have lasted years.'

Unfortunately, like most of Paul's songs, it probably wasn't written based on experience. As we all know, the original lyrics for Yesterday were, 'Scrambled eggs, oh baby how I love your legs'...
However, it was reputably written after an argument with Jane Asher when they were on a skiing holiday. The song's original title was the poignant, 'Why did it die?'

7. I'll Follow the Sun (1964)

Again, primarily written by Paul, this is considered a cult favourite. I especially love the lyrics on this one.

8. Blackbird (1968)

'Black bird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly.'

Yup, this was written by Paul again (I really should have mixed these up more). Although it might sound like just a beautiful refrain about the most popular songbird, it's actually about race relations in the U.S.A! According to Paul it was written in reaction to the Civil Rights Movement. However, some people think Paul only decided this later on, to add profundity to the lyrics. 

9. While My Guitar Gently Weeps (1968)

Another entry of George's, this ranked no.136 on the Rolling Stone's top 500 songs of all time. It was based on the Eastern idea of everything being linked to everything else. The butterfly effect, as it were. 

10. I'm So Tired (1968)

Written by John towards the end of the Beatles career, this reflects the weariness they were starting to feel. In particular, it captured Lennon's fragile state of mind. At this point he was away India, and starting to fall in love with Yoko Ono.

This was the song which led to the 'Paul is dead' conspiracy which has been floating around for years...

11. Let it Be

                                                  

One of the biggest things that cemented the bond between Lennon and McCartney was the fact they both lost their mothers at a young age. While John's mother was hit by a car when he was 15, Paul's tragically passed away from an embolism when he was just 14.

Both Paul and John lost their mothers as teenagers.

This song is largely inspired by his mother (Mary) who is name checked in the lyrics, although it's easy to think he was referring to something biblical instead. Featuring on the last ever Beatles album, it was played at Linda McCartney's funeral in 1998.

12. Nowhere Man

This one has Lennon stamped all over it, who once referred to himself as 'the laziest man in England'. He said he wrote this after thinking of himself, 'sitting there, doing nothing and going nowhere'. It just goes to show you can be internationally famous and successful, and still feel like that. On his days off, John famously like to loll around in bed, which is reflected in one of my favourite Beatles' songs, 'I'm only Sleeping'. 

I don't know if everyone would refer to this song as 'beautiful', but I personally think the lyrics are very poignant. 

13. Because (1969)

Probably the most 60's sounding song they ever did (other than Tomorrow Never Knows), John was inspired to write this after hearing Yoko play Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. He asked if the chords could be played backwards and then decided to write the song around them.

14. Girl (1965)

One of my favourite Beatles song, this one is surprisingly little known and underrated. Although Cynthia thought the song was about her, Lennon said it was about 'a dream girl'. The beauty of it is rather undermined by the chanting of 'tit, tit, tit' on the backing vocals! However, it's still one of the most melodic and gorgeous of John Lennon songs. 

15. Something (1969)

This one's abit too Clapton-esque to me, but I still appreciate it's a pretty song. Again, although his girlfriend (Patti) thought it was about her, George Harrison said he had no one particular in mind. If anything, it was originally intended to be about the Lord Krishna. Who'd be a Beatles' girlfriend, eh?!

16. You've got to hide your love away (1965)

Written by Lennon, this song was written during what he called his 'Dylan period'. Despite much speculation, he never discussed the inspiration behind the song.