Though The Beatles were bona fide rock stars, their sound
also had a pop element. Moreover, their cultural impact firmly puts them in
crossover territory. However you want to characterize their sound, they
emboldened every instrumental with top-notch lyricism. Take “In My Life”, for
example. Seldom has a song been as simply beautiful and poetic as this one.
This folk song gained major popularity in the 1960s. When we
look back on this era, this track defined the culture. It might not be today’s
bubblegum pop, but it effectively crossed over into the pop realm when it was
released. More than just sonic appeal, though, this track is relatable, too.
With this ballad, Joni Mitchell penned one of the most stunning and universal
tracks ever.
“Tears and fears and feeling proud / To say ‘I love you’
right out loud / Dreams and schemes and circus crowds / I’ve looked at life
that way,” the lyrics read. This song is pure poetry, teaching us all about
life in a more poignant way than most of us can muster.
“Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles
Circling back to The Beatles, we have “Eleanor Rigby”.
“Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice / In the church where a wedding has been /
Lives in a dream / Waits at the window, wearing the face / That she keeps in a
jar by the door / Who is it for,” the lyrics read. This tender track says a lot
about our own lives through its characters. It’s one of Paul McCartney’s most
poetic tracks, cementing The Beatles’ legacy as a powerfully narrative band.
“All the lonely people / Where do they all come from? / All
the lonely people / Where do they all belong,” the chorus continues. This song
has unforgettable imagery that sticks in our minds long after it ends, like any
great bit of poetry.