#music, An Oldie Goldie for the Weekend: «Eleanor Rigby»

«Ah… look at all the lonely people, where do they all come from, all the lonely people, where do they all belong.»

And so sings Paul McCartney in the phenomenal Beatles song, «Eleanor Rigby«. The song is from the album Revolver, and was launched as a double A side single with «Yellow Submarine» in 1966. Revolver was recorded after The Beatles had enjoyed several years topping the pops with smash hits. They had learned how to be hit-makers and then, beginning with the 1965 Rubber Soul album, they were becoming artist in their own right. Their musical abilities were guiding them towards creating artistic expressions in their song. Their albums became filled with fuller and richer songs. They had moved on from the songs that had catapulted them to their amazing success. Now they had to vindicate themselves as artists. And they certainly did.

Eleanor Rigby is a song about alienation, solitude, and the sadness that often accompanies old age. Mature themes for a young songwriter. But Paul McCartney was a genius at a young age and he mastered it. The song also speaks of the levity and lightness of convictions, rites, duties. Ultimately the song is a masterpiece. It tells a story and the story reflects the life of many around the world.

I love this song. It ranks with me among my favourite Beatles songs like «In My Life«, «Fool On The Hill» and «Nowhere Man«, all masterpieces among masterpieces.

SOME INTERESTING FACTS RELATED TO ELEANOR RIGBY

On Stanley Street in Liverpool one can find a statue of a woman seated on a bench, it is the work of Tommy Steele, the entertainer. It says: «Dedicated to All the Lonely People«.

The song is credited to Lennon/McCartney but it was mostly written by Paul. He presented the song to the lads and they all contributed ideas. For example: George Harrison contributed with, «Ah, look at all the lonely people«, the hook. Ringo came up with «writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear» and thought «Father McCartney» (the original name Paul had given the priest in the song) should be darning his socks. And a friend, Pete Shotton, advised Paul to change the name to McKenzie, lest someone should mistake him for Paul’s own father.

The song breaks from the pattern, style, lyrics and music of Paul’s previous songs. It is a social commentary and almost a narrative, like a play or a novel of things that happen in cities and towns to «all the lonely people…«

First I will ask you to listen to this special arrangement by George Martin from this phenomenal album…

And the original recording from Revolver

CHEERS