Song meanings by artist

The Beatles: every song, explained.

18 The Beatles songs in the archive, from 1965–1987: what each one is about, who wrote it and what it did on the charts. Each entry opens the full explanation.

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Songs explained

1965–1987

Years covered

Rock

Main genre here

18 songs

Sorted by year

The Beatles In My LifeDiscover the introspective beauty of 'In My Life' by The Beatles. Explore its poignant themes, lyrical depth, and lasting impact on music and culture. 1965 The Beatles Lucy in the Sky with DiamondsDoes 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' spell LSD? What Lennon actually said, the nursery drawing by his son Julian that started it, the real Lucy, and the BBC… 1967 The Beatles Strawberry Fields ForeverExplore The Beatles' psychedelic masterpiece 'Strawberry Fields Forever.' Delve into John Lennon's nostalgic lyrics, its groundbreaking production, innovative… 1967 The Beatles BlackbirdDive into the profound themes of hope and freedom, historical context, and musical composition of The Beatles' 'Blackbird.' Explore its lyrics, cultural… 1968 The Beatles Hey JudeWhat 'Hey Jude' means: Paul McCartney wrote it for five-year-old Julian Lennon during his parents' break-up. The Jules-to-Jude change, the four-minute coda… 1968 The Beatles Let It BeUncover the profound meaning, historical context, and musical genius behind The Beatles' timeless classic, 'Let It Be.' Explore its lyrics, chart success, and… 1970 The Beatles Now and ThenDelve into the poignant history and emotional resonance of The Beatles' final song, 'Now and Then.' Explore its decades-long journey, lyrical themes, and the… 1987 The Beatles A Day in the LifeDiscover the meaning, themes, and cultural context behind “A Day in the Life” by The Beatles. The Beatles A Hard Day's NightDive into the joyous energy, clever wordplay, and cultural significance of 'A Hard Day's Night' by The Beatles. Discover its lyrics, themes, and lasting impact. The Beatles Come TogetherDive into the surreal world of 'Come Together' by The Beatles. Unravel its cryptic lyrics, historical significance, and enduring impact on music culture. The Beatles Eleanor RigbyDelve into the poignant narrative of loneliness in The Beatles' 'Eleanor Rigby.' Explore its stark lyrics, innovative string octet arrangement, and profound… The Beatles HelpDive into the iconic song 'Help!' by The Beatles, exploring its themes of vulnerability, the pressures of fame, and its lasting cultural significance. The Beatles I Saw Her Standing ThereDive into the meaning and legacy of The Beatles's iconic track 'I Saw Her Standing There'. Discover its lyrics, historical context, chart success, and cultural… The Beatles I Want to Hold Your HandDelve into the infectious energy and cultural impact of The Beatles' 'I Want to Hold Your Hand.' Explore its lyrics, historical context, chart dominance, and… The Beatles Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)Discover the meaning, themes, and cultural context behind “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” by The Beatles. The Beatles She Loves YouDiscover the meaning, themes, and cultural context behind “She Loves You” by The Beatles. The Beatles While My Guitar Gently WeepsDive into the meaning and legacy of The Beatles's iconic track 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps'. Discover its lyrics, historical context, chart success, and… The Beatles YesterdayUncover the melancholic beauty of The Beatles' 'Yesterday.' Explore Paul McCartney's iconic solo performance, its themes of lost love, and its status as one of…

More artists in Rock and Folk & Country

By number of songs explained

21 songs explained Bruce Springsteen Badlands · The River · Streets of Minneapolis 13 songs explained ABBA Waterloo · Mamma Mia · Dancing Queen 12 songs explained The Rolling Stones I Can't Get No Satisfaction · Paint It Black · Wild Horses 11 songs explained Michael Jackson Thriller · Beat It · Dirty Diana

About these entries

Every The Beatles entry sets out what the song is about and where that reading comes from: writing credits, interviews, the record's own history. Where a popular interpretation is wrong, the entry says so and shows the evidence. Missing a song? Suggest it.