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 throughout their legendary career.
I found that love was more / Than just holding hands.“If I Fell,” 1964
I don't care too much for money / Money can't buy me love.“Can’t Buy Me Love,” 1964
For tomorrow may rain, so / I'll follow the sun.“I’ll Follow the Sun,” 1964
When I was younger, so much younger than today / I never needed anybody's help in any way / 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.“Help!,” 1965
Life is very short and there's no time / For fussing and fighting, my friend.“We Can Work It Out,” 1965
There are places I'll remember / All my life, though some have changed / 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.“In My Life,” 1965
All the lonely people / Where do they all come from? / All the lonely people / Where do they all belong?“Eleanor Rigby,” 1966
Keeping an eye on the world going by my window / Taking my time.“I’m Only Sleeping,” 1966
I get by with a little help from my friends.“With a Little Help From My Friends,” 1967
I've got to admit it's getting better / A little better all the time.“Getting Better,” 1967
And the time will come when you see we're all one / And life flows on within you and without you.“Within You Without You," 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,” 1967
Nothing you can do, but you can learn how to be you in time / It's easy / All you need is love.“All You Need Is Love,” 1967
Living is easy with eyes closed / Misunderstanding all you see / It's getting hard to be someone, but it all works out.“Strawberry Fields Forever,” 1967
I don't know why nobody told you / How to unfold your love.“While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” 1968
All your life / You were only waiting for this moment to arise.“Blackbird,” 1968
The sun is up, the sky is blue / It's beautiful, and so are you.“Dear Prudence,” 1968
Remember to let her into your heart / Then you can start to make it better.“Hey Jude,” 1968
For well you know that it's a fool who plays it cool / By making his world a little colder.“Hey Jude,” 1968
Here comes the sun / And I say, "It's alright."“Here Comes the Sun,” 1969
And in the end / The love you take / Is equal to the love you make.“The End,” 1969
One thing I can tell you is you got to be free.“Come Together,” 1969
You and I have memories / Longer than the road that stretches out ahead.“Two of Us,” 1970
And when the night is cloudy / There is still a light that shines on me / Shine until tomorrow / Let it be.“Let It Be,” 1970
Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns / It calls me on and on across the universe.“Across the Universe,” 1970
The long and winding road that leads to your door / Will never disappear.“The Long and Winding Road,” 1970
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