Beatles Bridges - What IS A Middle 8?

[@AimeeNolte]

My bad about the Police song. I put up the wrong video clip and it’s NOT the bridge section I meant it to be. Should be “since you’ve gone I’ve been lost without a trace.” Wish I could take it back. Thanks for understanding! Also I just had a weird slip of the brain when I said Peter Martin (a friend of mine) instead of George but I corrected in in the text on the screen as I say it because I noticed while I was editing

[@ArunKonanur]

Thanks for this. I came to the comments on my phone while watching on my TV just to see if anyone else thought this was the case. Great work otherwise!

[@dmwilson34]

Your analysis and excellent musical talent more than makes up for these minor oversights. I loved it so much and it helped m see understand why I love the Beatles music so much.

[@dmwilson34]

Things we aaid today has always been underrated in my opinion. Now i know another reason why.

[@robbedontuesday]

why would there even be a Police song in a Beatles video? You could not find enough examples?

[@olivarionline]

Actually it is correct in a way - the song is kind of A A B A C A B A with a normal bridge that you included and then another one... if the song was a mathematical formula it would have double brackets hehe

[@davem8898]

As a 10 year old in ‘64 I could tell the Beatles were something different and awesome out of the gate. I know nothing about songwriting but I know something great when I hear it. I can’t imagine any group matching these dudes ever again. Especially with the quality and quantity of great songs

[@jhandle4196]

You can thank George Martin for much of the Beatle's musical sophistication.

[@wdfusroy8463]

That was my experience too, only I was just nine when I was BLOWN AWAY by them performing on the Ed Sullivan Show. It sure beat the hell out of the show's more usual fare of the puerile "Popo Gigo"along with Czechoslovakian plate twirlers!!

[@TheJayson8899]

Early Beatles is so often overlooked and dismissed as simple. People who understand music know why they’re so incredible.

[@docsavage8640]

The early stuff has some of the most amazing chord progressions! Especially when compared to what everyone else was doing, at least in pop music

[@jameswarrren2545]

Back in the day, William F. Buckley, Jr. was the nation's most prominent conservative. This is what he wrote about the Beatles in 1964: "The Beatles are not merely awful. They are so unbelievably horrible, so appallingly unmusical, so dogmatically insensitive to the magic of the art, that they qualify as crowned heads of antimusic."

[@dio7184]

Ww can work it out, life is very short is probably my favorite.

[@HAZYWAY]

I'm one of those people,you don't like or understand Beatles songs!😮😮

[@TTFMjock]

Early Beatles at their best were just as good as late Beatles. But they were less consistent. A decent amount of covers and filler.

[@Annnabeeee]

As a musician .. when I finally got my hands on The Beatles Complete Chord Book it was an even further revelation of their genius. It’s incredible as young men who couldn’t read music or had no formal training .. how their ears just “heard” augmented chords or 9th chord and I could go on and on. But for me the real treat of the chord book was to see the actual chords for the middle 8’s. Those exquisite little songs in the middle of an already great song! Thank you for this! :)

[@wolfgangdevries127]

Apparently, you've never heard of George Martin, but don't let that fact spoil your fun 😊

[@MichaelBJn62]

See, I don’t think you’re being fair. Nor are you giving credit to Paul and John for their musical instincts. Both had listened to all sorts of musical genres from the time they were young children, and though George definitely fleshed out a lot of melodies with them, he was also Affirming and nurturing them to go further with their instincts. He helped them increase their musical vocabulary, and they ran with it.

[@harrisbeatsfrankou6304]

100%

[@stevekaspar1396]

Dont give too much credit to Martin. Sure he was there to address some issues...but the boys pretty much came to the sessions with the piano and guitar parts intact ​@wolfgangdevries127

[@wolfgangdevries127]

@@stevekaspar1396 lmao

[@casparuskruger4807]

That D9 chord over "her" going into the bridge in "If I Fell" to me, ranks amongst the very most exciting moments in pop music history.

[@russellcampbell9198]

I agree. I think "If I Fell" is a masterpiece and that unexpected change hits such a sweet spot.

[@dunki-dunki-dawg]

The thing starts of in E flat, steps down in half steps which sound kind of weird but the melody John sings ties it altogether without a single bump, then it pops out in Dmaj. The intro is amazing and the song is gorgeous. I agree the D9 is great and UNEXPECTED.

[@wdfusroy8463]

The change from an A7 chord to the totally unexpected F9 in "Julia" is also wonderful, even if it doesn't lead to a new song section.

[@tomhazelton3070]

Did you not mention John's bridge to "We Can Work It Out"??? That might be their most iconic bridge section ever! And it was George's suggestion to switch to 3/4 time briefly at the end of each line. Those lyrics, the rhythm, the time change! That is one EPIC bridge.

[@roythompson4621]

Completely agree.

[@hw343434]

Without a doubt, totally elevates the song

[@straycat7247]

Initially, my mom - who studied classical piano - wasn't that much impressed by Beatles music. That is, until she heard Yesterday, and sometime later, She's leaving home and Eleanor Rigby. Then she started paying attention to what I played with my group and then a lot of the Beatle records. Eventually she became as much a fan of them as I was. Amazing, eh!

[@stephenhosking7384]

Except, that George and the other Beatles called it "Waltz time"! Reminds me of when "Peter Martin" (giggle...) was recording Please Please Me with them and he suggested that they "change the tempo".. "What?".. "Make it faster boys". As Paul describes the incident they were a bit affronted, but complied, and later admitted that it was the trick which made their first hit, and increased their respect for Martin. They were never "theorists", which only increases ones admiration for the inventiveness of the bridges described here. And, yes, the waltz time in We Can Work it is both startling and it makes the song!

[@peterfitton4529]

This Boy - probably the finest middle 8 in the entire history of popular music. Also possibly the best sung.

[@hw343434]

Amazing performance by John

[@blindpink]

Correct.

[@Scrimjer]

It's pretty similar to Anna

[@da_great_mogul]

I'd say "I don't want to spoil the party" is possibly the best lead and harmony vocals ever recorded in its middle eight.

[@Scrimjer]

@@da_great_mogul baby's in black

[@Kasino80]

Bennet, Neely, Beato, Cornell and Nolte. Incredible how much good education is online for free, by some extremely talented teachers.

[@AimeeNolte]

Try Nahre Sol as well!

[@maricaro8315]

Mike Pachelli is a fave

[@dragonfly.effect]

Dunno his normie name, but 12Tone belongs on this list. Also, I want to second, and third, Aimee's addition of Nahre Sol. Skilled keyboard artist, ever more creative & sophisticated composer/improvisor, and a truly brilliant and inspiring teacher.

[@SurferJoe1]

One of my great memories of my mother (who was totally pre-Elvis and had no regard for the music of my generation)- I was sitting in the basement with my guitar and a sheet music book, looking at the simple chords to "I Should Have Known Better", when Mom walked by and surprised me by scooping it up. She squinted at the page for just a second and said "This is CUTE!" She carried it over to the piano and "I Should Have Known Better" came pounding from her fingers. Amazing. I don't read music. Lennon and McCartney don't read music. But Mom was able to look at some squiggles on a page and perceive their genius.

[@SurferJoe1]

And a real favorite memory- in the last year of her life I was showing "Yellow Submarine" to my nephews (who'd seen it many times and always begged for it) when Mom joined us on the couch, sitting between her young grandchildren. She watched quietly until "It's All Too Much" came up, and I thought "Oh, no...she's not going to be able to handle this..." The psychedelic freak-out was a lot even for me, when I was a small kid. As it ended, Mom said, quietly, "How could I ever have not understood how wonderful they were?"

[@keithpowers494]

@@SurferJoe1 Thanks for sharing.

[@gsparkman]

The bridge in the Cream song, “Badge” was written by George Harrison, so it is almost a Beatles’ bridge. What I love most about it is that George hand wrote the notes on a piece paper for Eric Clapton and scribbled the word “Bridge” at the top. Eric couldn’t read the handwriting and thought it said “Badge,” so that’s what he named the song, as a nod to his pal George for helping him out.

[@tefenstrat]

George's name maybe on the credits for writing the song and I honestly don't even want to take the time to look it up. It was George and Eric who wrote that song... together.

[@gsparkman]

@@tefenstrat My typing was sloppy and I did not mean to write that George wrote the song-Only the bridge. Clapton, as you say wrote the main parts of the song. It’s just amusing that the song got its enigmatic name because Eric couldn’t read George’s printing.

[@MplsTodd]

I know little or nothing about music theory, but I know there’s something amazing about the music of The Beatles! Just pure magic!!

[@jackharriet4814]

Fav fab bridges... Julia - 'Her hair of floating sky is shimmering...' And I Love Her - 'A love like ours...' Hey Jude - 'And any time you feel the pain...' Nowhere Man - 'Nowhere man, don't hurry...' Lucy - 'Cellophane flowers of yellow and green...' Yesterday - 'Why she had to go...' Martha My Dear - 'Take a good look around you...' When I'm 64 - 'Every summer we can rent a cottage...' Two Of Us - 'You and I have memories...' So many more....

[@jake105]

You have the voice of an angel. I got a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye the second you started singing “Somewhere”

[@cliberg]

Me too!

[@georgephillips1263]

I bought every Beatles song "off the press" and know them all intimately. But you are able to get fresh wine from the grapes that have been trod by so many other feet and bring it down so that we can all understand it. You are so talented and have that distinctive voice that expresses the songs so beautifully. I saw The Beatles twice in Belfast way back then. Sorry for being obsequious but The Beatles have been so important to me all my adult life. Many thanks.

[@alrivers8458]

George, You are a Gentleman; You are a Poet; You are so good in using English language to express yourself. Brindo por eso, Salud.!

[@davidhorsley4657]

Yes, same here. When she said Things We Said Today was a little obscure, I thought "there are no obscure Beatles songs!" We know every lyric to every one!

[@donweatherwax9318]

9:59 That little Bach-like instrumental interlude bridge thingamajig on "In My Life" is one of my favorite moments on _Rubber Soul._ Actually, it's one of my favorite moments in the Beatles' whole legendarium. I know that was something George Martin cooked up by himself in the studio, but still. (And I never noticed it reprises the chord sequence from the song. No wonder it fits in so well!) Of course, George did it as a work for hire. (Lennon asked Mr. Producer Man to come up with "something Baroque-sounding", if memory serves.) And technically, Martin actually wrote a middle sixteen; apparently his plan was to just play it twice as fast, to make it fit. I guess to make it "Baroque". (Which would probably have worked on, say, a harpsichord; but a piano is not a harpsichord.) Martin's solution - recording it with the tape at half speed - was such a bloody genius move. It even gave it that lovely harpsichord-like timbre. If Martin really was the one who actually devised that tape-speed trick, he's a clever boffin.

[@augiegirl1]

I replied to a comment on David’s video that the AABA format is also somewhat common in Classical Christian hymns, & I listed some examples. Several of them are different lyrics set to folk melodies, like “The Ash Grove” & “In Babilone”. There are EVEN MORE examples of hymns in AAB format than in AABA. Some of these are: “The Lord’s My Shepherd” set to the tune “Brother James Air”; “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”, set to the French folk tune “Picardy”; “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation“; “Come to Calvary’s Holy Mountain”; “Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing”; “For the Beauty of the Earth”; “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”; & “The First Noel”.

[@harveycan5820]

Fantastic segment! The Beatles set a very high standard for bridges. Bridges provide a fresh change from the AB AB structure, and while they provide relief for the ear they also can ratchet up the tension in the song by extending the lyric themes as the tune crashes back into the verse/chorus. You left out Baby's in Black, one of the most economic bridges, yet one that provides tremendous opportunity for amazing harmonies and a smooth return to the verse. Can I say that you needn't complain about the KZbin restriction on clips - - because you don't need them! You do even better when you get on the piano, overlay some graphics, and sing! You're a superb musician and can totally carry those moments so plunge in! Please do a part 2 of this!

[@monkmchorning]

Bridges by a lot of other writers are often letdowns. It's as if, "OK, this song needs a bridge. This is it, but I know you can't wait to get back to the A part." The Beatles never did that.

[@spyderlogan4992]

'Things We Said Today'...a fantastic chord progression for the middle 8. With the lyrics, it still has an emotional impact for me. Thanks for choosing it, Amy.

[@ebberman7672]

The first half of the Beatles output often eschewed choruses, and had B sections instead. I prefer that form. There's A Place has three sections, and it's a stunner of a song.

[@wdfusroy8463]

That's probably because choruses are more directly derived from traditional folks songs and are generally employed to reiterate and amplify the central point of the generally narrative content of the many verses. Indeed, even today, many songs in the Folk and Rock and Pop genres still use the Verses to Chorus and back to next Verse structure, and only rarely bother to incorporate a clever Bridge section to pass from the Verses to the Chorus.

[@olasride]

I have been arranging Beatle songs in D6 tuning. I'm 77 and I am still astonished at their arrangements, chords, harmonies, riff hooks etc especially compared to the other pop music of the day. Couple that with their wry humor and charisma and it becomes timeless. It's almost as if they invented a whole new genre of music: not rock, not pop, not jazz, not blues.....

[@da_great_mogul]

Yes almost a whole industry

[@PWMoze]

Came here from David Bennett's video. Great content Aimee, I'm always arguing with my band mates whether it is properly named as a 'bridge' or 'middle 8' now I'll know where to send them when I want to shut them up and get on with the rehearsal. Thanks for the clarity!

[@helminenjuha]

Came here from David's channel. The minute you began singing I smashed the subscribe button. What a beautiful voice and phrasing too!

[@andrewrogers1097]

This is the most interesting interpretation of Beatles stuff I've seen. I'd particularly enjoy hearing how they used classical techniques without really knowing it.

[@robriceridge]

What an excellent video for a Beatles fan since day 1.This breakdown made me realize the real brilliance of Ringo matching the tones of his drums to the changing chords perfectly.There's so much to decipher over and over again with the mighty Beatles.

[@thomasevans9566]

“The inside of the tune - the bridge - is the part that makes the outside sound good.” - Thelonious Monk

[@DavidMorley]

The bridge of "I am the Walrus" has been one of my favourite moments since I first heard it probably 50 years ago (my dad was a huge fan). Just an amazing section of music on all levels. Great video btw!

[@dylanlenn7836]

Things We Said Today is goosebump producing as many of the best bridges/middle eights are

[@GerardoJmnz]

Hi Aimee. It’s been quite some time since I posted a comment on your videos but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy them to the fullest. I can’t stress enough the fact that you’re not only a gifted music person but also a great speaker who is very joyful to hear. I’ve been a Beatles fan for half a century and totally convinced they are the best musicians, singers, songwriters, you name it, of the XXth century and beyond. Even for those who don’t recognize a “bridge” or a key change in a song or composition, the way The Beatles did this to their work, makes the difference in the fact their music is so unique and explains why millions and millions of people love them so much. By the way, let me tell you that another great composer is Barry Gibb from The Bee Gees. My favorite Beatles song: Got To Get You Into My Life. I’d love to watch a video from you on this one. Thanks and again, great job girl. ❤

[@Davysprocket213]

I am a fan both of you and young Mr. Bennett. I’m a self-taught musician, who has played music since his youth, in church, and as a semi-professional entertainer. All the theory I know, I learned on my own. Both you and he have improved my knowledge, and inspired me to become a content creator myself. I feel I have something of value to say. God bless you and Mr. Bennett.

[@shipsahoy1793]

It was fun to read your post Davy, I'm in a very similar situation. I think the first time I saw a "music theory" video was with Rick Beato, and I immedistely thought all "players" know this stuff whether they choose to admit it or not, and that many amateurs don't usually understand what I'm talking about, and people from music schools would ask me where I studied lol It takes research and discipline to self teach, but I did have help from knowledgable musicians and learned from listening to their music long before KZbin. I think it's great for people that people like Rick, Amie, Dave, and others are out here trying to get some of the dabblers to step up their game.

[@tennesseered586]

Amiee, you're a new phenomenon, a non-Boomer expert of Boomer music with the chops to speak with authority. Not to mention possessing a beautiful singing voice. This is great stuff you're doing. We Boomers love our music, perhaps more than any other generation. Want to understand Boomers? Study our music, especially The Beatles.

[@jakeDE59]

Great job by you and David, thank you. My "one more" vote would be for You Can't Do That, the "everybody's green" section with the harmony coming in for the first time. Blows me away every time.

[@DavidWilliams-j3c]

I had to smile when I saw this video. A subject dear to my heart. Nobody writes a bridge like they did. And you even mentioned the bridge in "No Reply" and the bridge in "Things We Said Today" two of my favorite examples. I sometimes play those songs for people when I get all excited about this topic. They look at me like I'm nuts. Bravo. You are spot on! Genius writers, genius powerful bridges that totally elevate the songs and even crystalize the meaning of the lyrics Thank you for sharing this.

[@Douglust]

Don’t rush your song demos they sound nice! I am glad you included No Reply which had the most exciting few seconds in their early catalog.

[@Richard-wz7bu]

Great breakdown of the bridges in Beatles' songs. Michelle is a great example. Keep doing what you do. It makes music exciting.

[@ryanschlanser1657]

The bridge to In My Life is so beautiful, I can hear it without being overcome with emotion 🥹🥺

[@frankfrank7921]

"Things We Said Today" though not well known to non-aficionados is one of McCartney's most haunting melodies along with his clever (by rock standards) chromatically (and again hauntingly) getting back to the Am verse with a B7 Bb7 while most would probably do a simple B7 to E7 (which he does mid-bridge to back to the A major). I'm a Lennon fan but Paul was absolutely brilliant.

[@thomas100448]

What’s interesting to me about the bridge in this song is the difference between the recorded version and the live version. On record, “Me I’m just…” sort of flows with the A side, but if you’ve ever heard this played live, they play the B to a rock heavy beat that slams. Took my breath away when I first heard a live version.

[@aceopinions]

Thank You Aimee. Fantastic video and explanations! I now finally understand what a "middle 8", uh..I mean a "bridge" is. I am an obsessed Beatle fan as well. Thank you so much!

[@lauriecook3015]

Ohmigosh this was soooo cool to listen to. I am like your stepdad although I KINDA knew what a bridge is. What a delight to actually learn new things about the Beatles’ genius, and so well explained. I also love the bits of you singing. Thinks so much!

[@SurferJoe1]

The Beatles were absolute Bridge Masters...instead of merely varying from the repetition, they always took the song to a new height, and usually an unexpected one that made the whole experience deeper and richer. My favorite bridge, off the top of my head- ...does "I'm so glad..."...from "I Feel Fine" qualify? If not, I'll go with "Nowhere Man". And again, if it qualifies, the mostly instrumental bridge to "Fool On The Hill" (not the repetition of the melody, the "round and round" one) ...and both bridges in "Because", including the wordless one.

[@donyoung7874]

I love the bridge in Ticket To Ride and George's guitar phrase at the end of it.

[@fnjesusfreak]

Yes, that's the bridge.

[@SurferJoe1]

@@donyoung7874 Great call (but George, or Paul?)

[@donyoung7874]

@@SurferJoe1 I heard it was Paul when I watched a tutorial. I'm not into Beatle minutiae so I thought it was George. It's a tasty part whoever played it.

[@georgestevens1502]

Baby's in Black. "Oh how long will it take 'til she sees the mistake she has made...." Also Don't Bother Me. "And I know she'll always be, the only girl for me."

[@magorzatazapert9955]

Great material, The Beatles have one of the finest bridges of all time in their songs. Thanks to them I found out what the bridge is. My favourite is probably "Well, well, well you're feeling fine" from "Doctor Robert" song.

[@pethel12345]

Glad you mentioned the bridge in No Reply. That is one of the best, most energetic and well played of all. Thanks for a great lesson.

[@lisamarieligreci-newton7804]

I love No Reply :) Beatles for Sale is imo a really underrated album. That 'I Should Have Known Better' is also such a satisfying bridge - I couldn't help but sing along as you just really have to resolve that phrase (I'm not a music theory person) - that part where it jumps during the 'when I ask you to be mine' is just kind of scratches my brain. If we're talking other favorite 'bridges', I've always been partial to 'For No One'...for some reason I always associated it in my head with 'In My Life' as it also has a little musical interlude, and it's almost like a darker take on a nostalgia song. It also ends in kind of a weird place, like there was a chord or key change that should have resolved, but it feels intentional. I' realizing because the song goes like this - AABA (with the B being the 'in her eyes you see nothing'), and then has a shorter version -A (musical interlude) B, and, then again into what sounds like the beginning - AAB...and just stops, leaving you hanging. It's really kind of a clever tricks that evokes the feeling of the song. (So maybe the B part is also kind of a chorus as it repeats a few times, like I said I don't really know music theory)

[@Alan-ii5gs]

Hi, love your channel, I'm a 70 year old guitar player, and was a music major in college. One of the cooler middle 8's I can think of is in Herman's hermits Mrs Brown 🎉 (the "walkin about" bit)

[@wdfusroy8463]

Yes, I've noticed that several HH songs are more complex than most Pop music of the time. I have myself done covers of "Mrs. Brown et. al." I could still find most of the chords by ear, but at the time it was hardly as easy as leaning less complex fare. Does anyone know who actually composed most ot HH's tunes.? Obviously, it wasn't the cute little H himself, and I doubt it was even one of the other mediocre Hs.

[@paulaiello2071]

Terrific video, madly, interesting. It's amazing the complexity of their music, when none of them were trained

[@object764]

Aimee your speaking voice is so musical. Love your channel.

[@netterstyl]

- When you have Nolte or Bennett - one or the other - you're dealing with a rocket launcher of musical knowledge. When you have both of them together, you've got yourself a nuclear weapon. - I can remember exactly where I was when JFK was assassinated, exactly where I was when I first heard of the Twin Towers attack, and exactly where I was when I first heard I Want To Hold Your Hand in February, 1964. Talk about a watershed moment - all the planets aligned at just the right time. The greatest example ever of "you had to have been there." NO ONE can truly appreciate how huge this was if they weren't. - But astonishingly, this wasn't _the_ watershed moment for me. That occurred (we're talking about music here, folks) when I first heard Fire and Rain (again, I can remember exactly where I was). I bought the 45, and played it for SEVEN hours straight. - I saw The Beatles in Atlanta in August, 1965. Talk about diving into the deep end of the pool instead of wading in - that was the FIRST concert I ever attended. Tickets were $5.50, and I sold my ticket stub many years later for $350 to a collector in New York. People after the concert were throwing their programs and ticket stubs down on the ground as they were leaving. If they had only known. Very strange as a youth to see this gorgeous, well-behaved blonde teenager sitting right in front of me faint, and have to be helped by security. But you could actually _hear_ The Beatles over the din - something that they remarked about later. - It's no surprise that my favorite take on Over the Rainbow was done by James Taylor's brother Livingston, from his album of the same name.

[@pattierichards7391]

Here’s something cool I know about the Beatles because I’m old enough to remember when they first showed up. I was a pretty little kid but part of what knocked out my older siblings was that they seemed to have come from out of the woods, completely self-taught, with a musical language all their own. They taught each other chords they found and often had made-up names for them. This made them impossibly fresh because they were so talented. What helped in a weird way was their poverty. Not only did they not have music lessons, but both Paul and Ringo, being left-handed, had to learn their instruments on the more common and less expensive right-handed instruments, which helped give them a different vibe, and especially for Ringo, a different sound.

[@leem1914]

So Brilliant! This is the Clearest Explanation of a Bridge and the Middle 8 I’ve ever seen. Thank You!

[@MusiclyricsByECDaleyC]

You are amazing beautiful lady, as a song writer, you make me think and explore what's possible and beyond, breaking rules when I feel the need for more adventurous endeavors in my creative process! I started writing songs at about 12 years old (1967), and it still excites me to this very day!

[@avatarfin]

What a beautiful voice you have Aimee, and yes the Beatles were and are always the best.

[@bobmckenna5511]

I am glad I watched. I had never heard the "middle 8" - "bridge" so articulated. That explains a lot. American, so I bridged.

[@waluigithemaster6864]

Came here from David's video and as a diehard Beatles fan I like your selections. No reply is one of my absolute favorites, it just sounds so powerful. But another bridge I really love is "This Boy", the harmonies are fantastic.

[@gsparkman]

This video ended way too soon! I was enthralled. I was a pre-teen when the Beatles hit America and still have an affinity for their early songs. I didn’t know music theory or structure, but I was very into music and I knew what I liked. And I could tell that the Beatles were special. There melodies and chord choices (I didn’t know about chords at the time, but did know that several keys on a piano could make a nice sound) were so beyond other songs on the radio at that time -even the worst song on one of their albums was better than most played on radio back then. On top of that they were incredibly prolific; the hits just kept pouring out at an unbelievable rate. It was a very exciting time. The entire Beatles catalog is part of the playlist on my iPhone to this day.

[@bellygunnermusic]

lovely singing on your part.

[@fattmusiek5452]

This has been one of my favorite videos you’ve put out. Thanks! Bridges/“Middle 8’s” are awesome! Thanks for the reminders too, structural exceptions that still fit in the form of the tune, even if it’s not 12 bar blues, per se. Also, at 36 and a music teacher, I have loved The Beatles since I was about 4 years old, when my ma blessed it up and blasted “I Wanna Hold Your Hand.” I didn’t know until many years later how integral the band would be to my own musical life…which started to explode in my head right at the age of 12 1/2 - 13- when the “clique ego” starts setting in . I wasn’t “allowed” in to my friends’ three piece punk band, so I was like “Okay, I’m just gonna start playing all those instruments and record myself.” Fast forward ~24 years later, I’m trying to do what you do- teach, esp. the youth music appreciation, and I’m very proud of this. Thanks for being such an inspiration, Aimee!

[@robiandolo]

Wow, Aimee not only is this a great video, but you have a beautiful voice as well!

[@EixtremeDrummer]

Thanks a lot Aimee, the more I go deep on their songs, the more I love them!

[@paulmatolsy4593]

It is amazing that the Beatles without any knowledge of music theory came up with so many wonderful musical elements. That's what you call natural talent.

[@roythompson4621]

We can work it out is my favourite Beatles middle 8. Genius.

[@livejay9062]

When listening back to the popular radio music I grew up with in the 80's and 90's, and what my parents played me from the 50's and 60's, there are many great verses, and great choruses. But the ones with the great bridges are the songs that truly stand the test of time. The Beatles were top tier at building them.

[@robertgutierrez2019]

The Ballad of John and Yoko is a bridge that I always look forward to performing, simple bridge in a simple song.

[@gpincus4718]

What a wonderful video! Thank you so much. And thanks for reminding me of "Things We Said Today." I haven't thought about that one in a very long time, and it's a truly amazing song.

[@steveloengard5139]

My favourite middle 8 of all time is not Beatles but Carole King: One Fine Day. "You'll come to me when you want to settle down, oh!" The pull back to the chorus is masterful.

[@buddyneher9359]

So cool! I love David's channel...and yours!

[@gersonperez3781]

Watching/listening to this video is like going to a three Michelin star restaurant after s whole life of eating McDonald's. You just made my day happier. Thank you.

[@AimeeNolte]

Thanks so much!

[@luchogofre]

I fell in love when I heard you sing and play... you have a great talent. Cheers from Argentina

[@tomdaoust]

I just subscribed to Nebula because of your Beatles Bridges - What is a Middle 8. You accurately described a limitation of KZbin (I'm addicted to YT). I willingly pay for educational material and your Beatles explanations were terrific. I'm also a committed Beatle fan after watching their American debut on Ed Sullivan live in 1964. I was 11. As a lead singer and rhythm guitar player at 17 I copied every detail of their on-stage act (mike too high, head back, I was Lennon). Thanks again for widening my music horizons with your well-produced videos. I'm looking forward to seeing you on Nebula.

[@AimeeNolte]

I really appreciate that, Tom. Every video that has extra content in it will have a little plus in the corner on the bottom in the thumbnail. Every video that I put on Nebula before I put it on KZbin will have a lightning bolt. And don’t forget to click on the classes tab. That’s where you will find my courses about chords.

[@davelimb9063]

Great video - lots of content - I know (and can sort of play) most of the Beatles numbers. Your perspective on the bridges highlights a key to why their music is so eternally good.

[@Schembre]

Thanks for introducing me to Nebula! You’re my first “follow” on that platform!

[@AimeeNolte]

Thanks so much!

[@thesuncollective1475]

You have a lovely voice, I really dig it

[@CuriousCaine]

Loved the video on many levels. Thank you! Your examples from In My Life got me thinking about the vocals in "You Won't See me." I know, different topic. How these guys who couldn't read music and never studied harmony, could put together such a complex vocal bridge is something for the ages. Contrary motion, forming the triad repeatedly as the parts move. Masterful, and with no formal knowledge.

[@pete-manley]

I’m surprised you’re not at a million subs yet. I’ve loved your channel for years and I’m a bass player! Keep up the great work.

[@NomeDeArte]

Glad to watch another collab with David Bennett, love his content too. Thank you Aimee, best regards from Argentina!

[@johnmc3862]

'We can work it out' had a fantastic bridge. Where it goes from 4/4 to 3/4 timing.

[@johnanthonycafe2993]

Well presented and the piano playing captured the harmonic vocal nuances.

[@bobbystrickland2572]

Marvelous as usual. Aimee. And your version of Over the Rainbow was magical even though you were just playing through it. There was something very special about it. Happy New Year my friend.

[@theboulevardierofbroadway4659]

Great explanations, and I just love your voice (both speaking and singing).

[@DayneReedy]

Thank again, Aimee. Enjoyed this video very much! Learned a lot too. not to mention well presented! ❤️

[@edryba4867]

Dearest Aimee, You choose such GORGEOUS examples of, in this case, bridges, that even people like your Dad, who has had no idea what a bridge (or whatever you’re talking about) IS, he got it right away once you demonstrated one. I’ve completely enjoyed your analyses of these things, ever since I discovered your channel! You have always done such a marvelous job of illustrating exactly what it is you’re talking about. And the fact that you are so easy on the eyes is a definite plus! I started studying music around 60 years ago, and have discovered that when these often otherwise boring facts are presented by a pretty face, it really helps them go down much more easily. Bless you, my dear, for enjoying what you do, here on KZbin. You’re much more fun to look at than Rick Beato, even you both cover much the same material. This is by no means meant as a slight against Rick, as he is absolutely brilliant at what he does. If I may, I’d like to dedicate this blurb to my dear friend, the late Lois Carah. I was VERY lucky in high school in that we had TWO Varsity Band Directors - and Lois was one of them. She taught me to play Tenor Sax in one semester, and in the following semester, I was playing Lead Tenor in the Varsity Band. When I graduated High School, I stayed friends with Lois until, sadly, cancer took her from us some years later. And although I’m not particularly religious, I thank God for having known Lois and her husband Marty. I was lucky enough to have her as a music teacher from my Freshman year until I graduated my Senior year at Redondo Union High School, and though she knew I was a true smart-ass, she loved me anyway, and I loved her right back. It’s just not fair to this world that Lois was among us such a short time. Wherever you are, dear Lois, please know that I love you, as do MANY, MANY PEOPLE! Rest in peace, my dear… and may the Good Lord make living without you as easy as possible for your husband, Marty. He is a truly fine fellow, and certainly did not deserve to have LOIS, the love of his life, torn away from him. Ed

[@mr555harv]

I love your video lessons. You teach me music via the music that I can understand. You are an insightful teacher, and I have played sax for many years. I plan to learn more from your video lessons and Nebula.

[@geneh.smalley-px4kr]

I enjoyed this alot. Aimee is amazing and intelligent in her ways of expressing her interpretation of the Beatles and the bridges that made their songs so incredible. I also agree with her wholeheartedly about the song In My Life. It's just an awesome song in every way. I liked and subscribed.

[@SamuelBoshier]

I'm glad you mentioned No Reply! It's one of my favourite bridges, mostly because of the way they sing "realise" I think lol. I've not seen it praised much, I guess it is fairly generic.

[@seldonsinq]

It’s one of the best. The hand claps add so much energy

[@tonyspada2744]

Hi Aimee! I just discovered you here! I am a Guitarist/Recording Composer of Prog Rock and Fusion Looking forward to diggin here. It's the stuff I geek out over here full time Thank you Lovely voice too btw

[@michaelmenet2712]

Aimee, check out the bridge to "Ticket to Ride." One of their coolest and best. Killer guitar fill to transition back to the last verse. Cool video. Thanks. Cheers.

[@exxekhan]

Great analogies to drive home concepts (turkey dinner, enjambment). Well done!

[@allenf.5907]

Beautifully said "stand the test of time" LOVED watching this and will AGAIN. You've launched me on a "bar quest" now - in the musical sense - counting the # of bars per section. Now I will NEVER refer as a "middle 8" to a B section. Starting with the bridge section (John Lennon part) of "Michelle" and the ten bars in this section/transition, which in fact includes the intro device/enjambment(?) within this and of course the verse is but six bars. "I'm Happy Just to Dance with You" - does something similar with its B -section. The "Yes It Is" B-section - five bars. The Beatles were working more off of feel and how the rhythm of the lyrics felt which you also allude to. The haunting feel of Yesterday comes from its seven verse-bars. This is a search in itself for an analysis. Don't forget Paul McCartney saying that he "likes notes that like each other" in McCartney 321. Enjambment is new to me. When you mention the secondary dominants (the B7's) in "I Should Have Known Better" and "I Want To Hold Your Hand" - I always thought of them more as substitution/borrowed chords as they don't properly fit the key YET they offer that perfect surprise and lift. Cranberry sauce.

[@michaeleaster1815]

this is awesome... For The Beatles and the combo with David. thank you!

[@5150show]

Fantastic, had to sub . Cheers from New Zealand

[@ericrakestraw664]

Enjambment (15:52) means the same thing as an elision between two phrases in instrumental music. I remember that from my form and analysis classes in college.

[@AbsitInvidea]

Two other artist/songwriters come to mind among the undoubtedly many were Gilbert O'Sullivan and John Denver. These came to me quickly since I am a boomer and, like many boomers, love their music. Gilbert's bridges were especially cool as they often were quite different than the parts of the song they bridged. Truly like a different mini song stuck in the middle of a larger one. John's flowed a bit more smoothly, but were very beautiful ways for a song to catch it's breath. Think of 'Back Home Again' or 'Shanghai Breezes'. Do a KZbin search; listen. You'll know when they kick in.

[@scottski51]

More damn information here in 10 min than 9/10ths of the review/reaction to music videos I see. Thank you!

[@kavepbr]

You have a great entertaining show. Thank you.

[@esmerd1959]

Aimee, thanks for your channel. I love the passion you put on each video when trying to covey what you want us to learn. I would like you to make a video on some aspects of the Bee Gees songs and the way they composed them. I've always noticed they like to make use of irregular time signatures in their songs. Thanks again.

[@AimeeNolte]

Great comment. Thank you. I’ve been wanting to make a video about them but I hadn’t had a good thing to focus on. Odd meters could be it. Would you mind letting me know some of your favorites?

[@esmerd1959]

@@AimeeNolte, Well, favorites I have a bunch, but it's mainly on some of their more unknown or obscure songs where they make use of this unequal meter thing. Like in the songs BABY AS YOU TURN AWAY, HE'S A LIAR, SEARCH - FIND or LIFE STORY (sung by Barbra Streisand). They also like to make unsual changes during their some of their songs. I'm thinking in LOVE ME (Yvonne Elliman) or AIN'T NOTHING GONNA KEEP ME AWAY (T. DeSario). I'm sure there are many other examples that escape my mind right now. I hope you have the time and patience to dedicate a video to their music and the way they composed.

[@Photologistic]

10:30 I like your approach/interpretation here, as this is something they sped up in production, and I’ve found I can’t really duplicate it very well because of the funky timing of the original recording

[@brentmann2988]

Great video, Aimee -- super fun and educational! "Over the Rainbow" is the perfect choice to explain the concept of a bridge. "Our Lips Are Sealed" by the Go-Go's is another song with a beautiful, clearly defined bridge. Jane Wiedlin momentarily takes over the lead vocals from Belinda Carlisle and sings "hush my darling, don't you cry..."

[@stewartsnape2936]

Great lesson and explanation of Middle 8s , bridges keys chords

[@philippares1867]

Great work Aimee, got me humming other great bridges. Checked out your video on Dolly and Kenny’s Islands in the stream, which also has a great bridge. I found myself singing ‘Heartbreaker’ by Dionne Warwick coming out of the ‘Islands’ bridge. I thought it was Bacharach, turns out it was the Bee Gees as well! They would have fitted in nicely in the Brill building.

[@fourscoreandmore]

So glad you mentioned Things We Said Today. Such a neat bridge

[@thierryploum5923]

I listened to David Bennett"s middle 8 video, and yours, and both were wonderful. (it was great to hear you play and sing those song fragments, btw) I loved those songs when they came out at the time, and in the last few years have been listening more and more to programmes explaining their musical structures, and rediscovering the magic of their songs! (I'd not come across your programmes before, and really enjoyed your analysis and presentation of your material. I'm a non-musician in a musical family (my brother and one sister sang on their guitars; he later switched to choir singing in two choirs; my mother had been an opera singer...) I'll be looking out for them now. Emily Autumn, who has a very interesting catalogue of songs, sang her own variation on the Lucy theme (it seems), "Miss Lucy had some leeches", full of these (school yard) enjambments (be warned!) linking one verse to the next: both dark and funny. I was not familiar with that style of writing nor such school yard songs. I was tempted to include Flanders and Swann's "Have some Madeira M'dear", which incorporate three not-quite-enjambments (they're zeugmas), so that doesn't count (but are immense fun, in passing)...

[@thierryploum5923]

(Sorry: Emilie Autumn)

[@EddieReischl]

They were good with bridges from the beginning. "From Me to You" and "I'll Get You" are examples for me where the bridge is what really makes the song great. I also appreciate the mention of "If I Fell", which to me is their most underrated song, probably because they wrote it early, before they had started doing more complex arrangements. That song has so many good things going on in it (the intro key change, the bridge, the rest of the song).

[@AppleCorp3]

I’ll Get You has such a good bridge. One or two choice chords too.

[@SteveHopper-ot4ge]

Hi Aimee, just found your videos recently. Enjoying your content and your style. Superb 👌. Then I just heard you sing. Oh my life. Such a beautiful voice. I'd love to hear you sing some slow Jazz. Loving your videos 🎉

[@AimeeNolte]

Glad to have you here, Steve! I just released a new single if you’re interested! 🙌🏼