Songs By The Beatles – Top Ten

As I alluded to last week, I recently watched the movie Yesterday, which inspired me to create my top ten songs by The Beatles. As with all of my Top Ten lists, this list is based on my personal preferences.

10. “I Saw Her Standing There”

One of The Beatles early iconic songs, “I Saw Her Standing There” was one of their breakout songs in the US. A catchy tune with iconic vocal harmonies about infatuation at first sight, this song helped establish The Beatles early teen pop icon status. It’s a song that’s hard to listen to without smiling.

9. “Revolution”

One of The Beatles best known politically charged songs, “Revolution” is at least as relevant now as it was 50 years ago. Criticizing violent overthrow of the status quo, the lyrics call out the hypocrisy of violent protests to overthrow the government and condemns political upheaval to replace democracy with socialism. It’s quite a statement to their artistry that even the heavy distortion on Harrison’s lead guitar is seen as a commentary on their views on violence.

8. “A Hard Day’s Night”

The title track to the movie of the same name, “A Hard Day’s Night” is a song that we can all relate to. As The Beatles were dealing with the whirlwind of finding sudden fame, and even with the exhaustion of the hustle to be worldwide superstars, ultimately they longed for the comfort and security of family and home. Who hasn’t felt this way after a long work day or week?

7. “Eleanor Rigby”

The Beatles lyrics were literarily poignant, and few of their songs show this as much as “Eleanor Rigby.” It explores the irony that so often in life, people face loneliness while there are others right there also going through the same experience.

6. “In My Life”

When it comes to The Beatles love songs, “In My Life” is considered one of the most powerful. The thing about this song is that it isn’t necessarily a romantic relationship; the nature of the relationship is never made explicit. All that we know, is that through every thing in his life that he’s loved, the relationship with this person is the one that means the most to him.

5. “Let It Be”

A sign of the time it was released in, as one of The Beatles last singles, “Let It Be” is about letting life move on. It is about finding peace and comfort that everything is going to turn out how it is supposed to be.

4. “She Loves You”

“She Loves You” was one of the most important songs in The Beatles success. It was a breakthrough single in the UK, and became part of a one-two punch in starting the British Invasion in the US, along with “I Want To Hold Your Hand.” It proved their ability to write a catchy tune, as well as capturing the hearts of young ladies the world over.

3. “Yesterday”

“Yesterday” is a somber song looking back at a time when things were easier than what they are now, reflecting back on a failed relationship. It drives home the hopelessness that some people feel after losing the best relationship of their lives. As much as “In My Life” is about celebrating a relationship, “Yesterday” is about mourning the loss of one.

2. “Help!”

I feel like this song almost forms a bookend to my choice for number one on this list. While that song is much more wistful than this one, they share a theme.

“Help!” was an early song of reminiscing, looking back at the days of youthful, brash confidence. The upbeat tempo is in contrast to the lyrics, the lyricist admitting that he can’t go on by himself. It is about looking to someone else to help make it through a hard time.

1. “The Long And Winding Road”

“The Long And Winding Road” is a song that held no meaning for me the first time I heard it. And really, I think that is the intent of this song. It isn’t going to hold much meaning for a young person (as I was in my early teens when I first heard it.) It’s only when you are older and you rediscover this song that you find the meaning in it.

Many people have interpreted it to have different meanings. Some hear it as a song of finding your way back to true love, some see it as the road to God, and some see it as that path between adult you and your inner child, which is currently my preferred interpretation. Though I am not sure at which end of the road present me is and which end my inner child is.

I hope you’ve enjoyed taking a look at my ten favorite songs by The Beatles, and I hope this inspires you to look deeper into their catalogue. And if you have a favorite I didn’t mention, feel free to discuss it in the comments.

Housekeeping: I’ve repaired all of the broken links across the site. Mostly the links to Amazon on my previous Top Ten lists, as well as a few broken image links on Heroic Tale: Heroes Only In Their Own Minds.

Teaser: Be sure to come back next time, when we’ll talk about giving of yourself.