The Beatles - In My Life

It is difficult to get bored of the Beatles, but if their work ever feels too familiar, then grab some headphones, increase the volume and focus on the individual instrumentation. There are so many hidden delights, especially the integral core of drums and bass. "In My Life" is a good case in point.

One of the Lennon's proudest achievements in the Beatles, "In My Life", began life in 1965 as a childhood travelogue, recalling the bus journeys from his home, invoking sites such as Penny Lane, Church Road and the Liverpool overhead railway. Considering it too boring (no one could ever make Penny Lane exciting), he transformed it into a more generic and universal  nostalgic lament for former haunts ("Some have gone, and some remain") and old acquaintances or lovers ("Some are dead, and some are living").

However there is a twist, this not a simple longing for childhood (like "Goin' Back"), but actually a glorious exultant of a new love. Lennon is testifying that the new lover is the most important ever ("There is no one compares with you"). He is not downplaying the fond memories but extolling the new ("In my life, I'll love you more").

Lennon wrote all the lyrics, and stated that McCartney only helped with the melody in the middle. Paul disputed this, and recalls devising the whole melody in the style of Smokey Robinson.  

Recorded in just one session in 18 June 1965 with three takes, producer George Martin subsequently overlaid a piano in the prepared gap a few days later. The piano solo is the most distinctive part, recorded at half speed and then sped up, to give a florid baroque sound, reminiscent of a harpsichord. 

Then there is the drumming - Ringo was never flashy or overpowering, and here his syncopated pattern is subtle, and repeated cymbals sweet and effective. Starr may be scorned by some, but never from a fellow drummers (ask Dave Grohl).

McCartney's bass completes the foundations, allowing the other two guitars to flourish. Lennon's double-tracked vocals are impressive, especially the falsetto part, and richly complemented by Paul and George in their magical three part harmonies or backing vocals.

 

Typical of many of the Beatles early classics, a memorable thought is delivered in under two and a half minutes, and was "just" an album track on "Rubber Soul". Most  recognised its greatness though,  with covers from a multitude of  varied artists like Judy Collins, Bonnie Tyler, Johnny Cash, Sean Connery and Ed Sheeran. Even George Harrison included it as the only Beatles song in his 1974 US tour, but amended the key lyric to "I love God more".

"In My Life"  is concisely written, recorded superbly in a minimal timescale, and fully highlights their musical talents. A gun to my head, forced to choose just one Beatles song, this would be my pick.

Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBcdt6DsLQA

Hear Next -  "Rubber Soul" is an excellent place to start, as their craft matures.



** The book of "Song from a Quarantine" is now available  on all Amazon sites in paperback and ebook formats.