The Beatles - Michelle (REACTION)

[@Verlopil]

I was a 4 year old girl when this was released. My name is Michelle. My older sister played it for me and told me Paul wrote it for me and was singing to me. I asked her to teach me French so I could talk to him. She taught me some but alas, I never got to talk to Paul. But I still feel kind of special when I hear this song. (And my sister is wonderful.)

[@netuno60]

How wonderful life is when love is underlining all our relationships. Your sister was especially good for you.

[@edithdriver2094]

Sweet as ❤

[@olly8]

Yes, your sister IS wonderful ❤

[@albertscanlon2005]

Thanks..lovely story

[@kimberly3131]

Thanks for sharing. That story is food for my heart and soul

[@franklaforte7873]

I'm an old man now ..and let me tell you ..This songs never gets old ..

[@joelliebler5690]

Love this song!❤

[@PeterPrism]

Never

[@Scarlet3241]

Michele is not a rock song. It’s a ballad. 🕊❤️🎼

[@docsavage8640]

The two aren't mutually exclusive forms.

[@bradsullivan2495]

The wife of Paul McCartney's friend was a French teacher who worked with him to make sure his use of French words sounded legit.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

The funny thing is that "Michelle, ma belle, sont des mots qui vont très bien ensemble" is much harder to say than just "je t'aime."

[@maxrnb01]

It’s hard to overstate how amazing The Beatles were at this stage in their career.

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

Agreed. Each song was a mini-movie. Different style, instruments, production, etc, of unmatched quality. They were miraculous.

[@direnova6284]

This was the first song I ever asked who was singing it, I was three years old and when my mum said " The Beatles" I was astonished that beetles could sing.

[@wendyryder2708]

LOL!

[@docsavage8640]

@direnova6284 would be a great story if it were true

[@direnova6284]

@@docsavage8640 Why are you calling me a liar? Why would I make that up? Why are you spreading negativity? Do you have any friends?

[@LisaMichelle01]

My mother named me after this song ❤ Michelle “ma belle” means “my beautiful” The words he sings in French are the same in English “these are words that go together well”

[@stuBdoc]

Sont les mots qui vont tres bien ensemble

[@LisaMichelle01]

@@stuBdoc Oui! “These are words that go together well, together well”.. Mon français n'est pas le meilleur lol

[@sourisvoleur4854]

@@stuBdoc When he could have just said "je t'aime." 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@michaelgray4964]

One of their absolute best. S tier in every way. A stone classic.

[@artharrison9586]

This one was widely admired, even by the classic songwriters and crooners from the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s, as being a near perfect love song. There’s a good reason that we’re still listening to the Beatles.

[@mr.snicker-doodles7081]

Masterpiece, as a friend of mine used to say "There is nothing you can add or take away that would make it better'

[@cynergy4]

Yep, The Beatles were special

[@nthdegree1269]

It's amazing how the Beatles could write these two minute pieces and put all this melody and feeling into it. It's like creating mansions out of tiny bungalows. Inside of 2 minutes you only have so much time to develop musical ideas so your melodies have to be top-notch and strong ...some other examples are In my life or Yesterday-two minute miracle melodies, that they seemingly could do at the drop of a hat.

[@patrickdutton6056]

It’s amazing how I never lose my love for the Beatles …it’s amazing music

[@oldskool4612]

What a special song this is. My wife and I named our daughter after it. She has grown up to be a beautiful young woman with a heart of gold. Excellent reaction gentlemen ❤

[@RadCenter]

Another beautiful McCartney bass line!

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

This masterpiece continued McCartney upping his game and his legacy with timeless melody, lyrics, composition, and his amazing voice--listen to how he is precisely on key, pure tone with little vibrato to hide mistakes. He knocks me out.

[@WinstonWolfe21]

Rubber soul such a great timeless record just a couple weak songs like what goes on or if I needed someone arguably

[@paullacroix527]

Timeless classic by The Beatles ( Paul). Used to make the young girls cry. Great stuff guys, later...

[@micheles1887]

I was 9 years old when this song came out My name is Michele. I wanted that 45 record so bad that my Dad went to several stores and finally found it. It was sold out everywhere else!

[@1967PONTIACGTO]

great story to read on Father's Day!

[@docsavage8640]

@micheles1887 what country was this in? It wasn't a 45 in the U.S. or U.K.

[@CANEsPappa]

Beautiful…Paul at his best. And those backing vocals - angelic:)

[@davidpeters44]

Perfectly crafted song.

[@Friend_Of_The_Muse]

1:44 Che confirming the first line of the song. "Michelle..My belle...these are words that go together well...my Michelle." Yes they do.

[@MicheleJane]

I'll never forget getting the Rubber Soul album in 1965 and hearing this song. My name is Michele, and being a Beatle fanatic like my sisters, I was smitten when this song played. My sisters were jealous I'm sure.😄. Great album. Know it by heart.

[@ginapurpura1182]

Beatles do it again! This one is swoon-worthy!

[@raecoyote]

Gorgeous 🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@backbeat44]

In his book The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, Paul wrote that John Lennon, who was older and in art college, used to take him to school parties. He remembered going to one distinct party and sitting in the corner with his black polo-neck sweater on, trying to look “interesting” to the older crowd around him. He played a French-sounding tune with his acoustic guitar and made guttural noises. Paul half hoped that someone would think he was French, possibly even “a French intellectual.” That’s where the basis for The Beatles’ “Michelle” came from, Paul’s memory of playing a faux French song. Later, in The Beatles, Paul and John were looking for new song ideas. John remembered Paul’s faux French tunes. He said to Paul, “Remember that daft French thing you used to do at parties?” Paul also thinks he must have been influenced by Édith Piaf’s “Milord,” a 1959 hit. Paul calls “Milord” out of the left field because you weren’t sure what genre it was. On top of Michelle being an unusual rock song, The Beatles’ “Michelle” also uses a couple of naughty chords. One of them is used in “Milord.” It’s an “old trick” of slowing down during the tune. Paul wrote that he must have had a memory of that in “the hopper.”

[@Boatzilla2]

Great story. Thanks. Now, I need to read that book.

[@philippamalherbe4111]

I close my eyes and this song wraps itself around me like a warm hug...the melody, the harmonies and the lyrics are outstanding and Paul's vocals and the instrumentation are the cherries on top. One of my favourites!

[@vickiguyer3807]

Beautifully said.

[@EvanWeber1234]

A true classic!!! ❤❤❤

[@jpmnewyork]

"Is he speaking another language" was a classic delayed reaction.

[@Reddogg57-w5k]

Aloha gentleman. RUBBER SOUL what can you say wow. That's why that's album of the year 1965 66. Peace and love

[@jamesscura7122]

The REAL King of Pop. Look up his statistics. Incredible.

[@ReJoyce456]

✨Oh, The Angst of The Heart❕✨💖✨❤️‍🔥✨💖✨🥰

[@324cmac]

Beautiful and classy.

[@ML-un1oi]

Beautiful song! Thanks, fellas, for the reaction ❤😊

[@stuBdoc]

The only words in English he knew that she'll understand are "I love you". She could understand the French. Still one of the most beautiful love songs, or any kind of song, ever written.

[@michaelgoldberg7127]

Thanks for the boost to start my day!! Paul sang this song at the White House for Michelle Obama. Watched this reaction 5X. A TOTALLY ICONIC LOVE SONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@emeryjones634]

You mean Michael Obama.

[@robertwiles8106]

Michelle came from a song fragment Paul had been kicking around since at least back in Hamburg, that John requested he flesh out because the band was badly starved for material going into the Rubber Soul sessions (Wait is even a throwaway Help! outtake they dusted off).

[@PauTay942]

great tune, just fng great tune.

[@phillipharrison7283]

Classic!!! Cheers

[@cherrypickerguitars]

Love the Blue Jays hat! Tres bien ensemble!

[@choos6919]

Gorgeous. Yes. My favourite Beatles song.

[@visarr]

My sister would play this song on the piano back in the day.

[@johnthegreek5836]

It’s always nice to hear a Beatles song, thanks

[@Jude_196]

OHHHHH - I LOVE THIS SONG!!! THANKS, GUYS!! HUGS!!!

[@jenniferfoster1692]

I was born in the mid-60s to parents in their late teens. Of course they were huge Beatles fans, so these songs are some of my deepest memories. Definitely this one included. I think La must've taken French at school at some point? He always recognizes when there's some French in a song. ☺

[@coffee-xg6my]

Classic McCartney!!!! He always had a great feel for creating melodies reminiscent of dreamy old-world Victorian era European romance. That's what this song always makes me think of.

[@Edawgg1983]

The Beatles were pretty good linguists. "Son les mots qui veux tres assemble" (excuse please any misspelling the French) means in English "these are words that go together well". They also did translations of She Loves You and I Want To Hold Your Hand into German. Incredible songwriting and really intelligent guys. Things like this is why I don't believe people give them the credit they deserve, despite being undeniably the greatest ever.

[@wpl8275]

Stripped down and simple but such a beautiful song both lyrically and musically. Great vocals and backing vocals.

[@thomastimlin1724]

You cannot "strip down" what is already there, perfection. Too many instruments on this kind of song can totally destroy the intended effect. Many times simple songs are deceptive, very hard to play because of the needed discipline not to speed up, [tempo is everything for the right effect], and being able to avoid getting out of tune.The backing harmonies are flawless.

[@danmayberry1185]

Bet every Michelle in the world after 1965 has had 'Michelle, ma belle' sung to them at some point.

[@michaelgoldberg7127]

It just doesn't get any better!!!! I could listen to this song all day long!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Vidlook]

These Beatles reactions are him. Can't wait for the next one!

[@1967PONTIACGTO]

One of the songs that made Rubber Soul the new standard in music.. and it was only 1965

[@frankfroml.a.4104]

My mother played this album non-stop when I was a kid and this ("Michelle") was her favorite. I always thought "Rubber Soul" was their finest album.

[@JBHogan]

This was an amazing transitional album - to Revolver and then to Magical Mystery Tour, if I recall correctly. My favorite cut is "I'm Looking Through You."

[@tzcomp]

Imagine sitting there in 1965 listening to this album for the first time and then over and over for 10 more times that same night. The whole world changed at once for a thirteen year old kid (me). And then they kept on coming with Revolver, Sgt Pepper etc.

[@susiedawson3349]

Great review. Thanks La and Che!

[@danclark745]

keep it rolling, you're starting this summer on a roll.

[@charlottedixon6628]

Beautiful words and feelings..❤🙂

[@RazzleDazz72]

Beautiful

[@celinelg700]

" Michelle ma belle, sont deux mots qui vont très bien ensemble" . I m French. When I was a little girl who didnt know a word of english, I loved this song for only these words!😅

[@Lwize]

This song was massive.

[@ubilo]

Rubber Soul is one of the greatest albums ever.

[@SSArcher11]

Paul sang this for Michelle Obama when he was hosted at the White House. You should catch the entire event, featuring several famous musical performers.

[@jmelio1]

This one was a hit with our parents at the time 😁

[@MichaelBrown-x1q]

People can call some of the Beatles songs simple. May be true. But it is the notes, words and way they play them that's makes them brilliant! Cause every song makes you feel something!

[@falcon215]

Gorgeous song. No one writes stuff like this.

[@tackysum]

Nice reaction. I appreciate the impressive musical knowledge you guys demonstrate in your reactions.

[@tedmohr6353]

Harmonies are great along Ringos drums

[@TeresaMount-t9o]

I had this album I must have played it a million times. I have a picture of myself holding it lol. Great times , thank you

[@robertkees6048]

How can any one band be this brilliant.

[@timkeough2695]

No. group wrote or performed with the high level of quality that The Beatles did

[@Kathmak]

You guys are the best 👌.

[@Watchman70]

He's saying "these are words that go together well" in French. lol! Brilliant!

[@ShiddyFinkelstein]

To me it sounds like music you'd hear in a cabaret in Paris in the 1950s. I could almost hear Maurice Chevalier singing this to some young coquette in a film. Very cinematic.

[@kimberly3131]

Loving this whole album review as you go song by song. I have listened to it so many times myself. It's like every song has it's own personality and I have loved meeting ( all those years ago) and getting to know each one. The album and all of it's songs are very dear to me and I wouldn't really change a thing. Though sometimes I wish it could on and on, but that might change the whole dynamic. Guess I'll just have to play it again. Hope I'm making sense. It's the middle of the night and this train of thought just occurred to me about why Rubber Soul is so close to my heart.

[@had64198]

Love this record❤

[@JamieBuckingham369]

Hold up! Hold up!! Hold up!!! - Shout out to the hat repping my beloved Blue Jays! NOW the music - this is The Beatles flexing - you're right fella's it is great song writing, and a big reason why Rubber Soul matured rock n roll quickly. Rock n roll isn't always guitar/drums hitting heavy, there is art to rock n roll. This song proves it, and it's only 1965. It is beautiful, smooth, silky, flowing - the guitar work and bass are fabulous and ahead of its time. And those harmonies - a terrific love song. Play this song on piano or guitar and sing it to a girl of love interest...she'll cream in her jeans.

[@jimmoore8951]

What- no love for La's Kings cap? And yeah the music pretty good too

[@JamieBuckingham369]

@@jimmoore8951 For sure! ..Kings employee as an assistant coach, the National Canadian basketball team's head coach, Jordi Fernandez - as a Canadian, lots of love! ..but lets be honest here, not only did Che wear a Blue Jays cap, but the old school one! The baby blue with that logo from the late 70's, is dirty. The kid knows style!

[@tonytony5380]

A couple of years earlier they released 2 of their singles in English and German They can be found on past masters vol 1 Which is all their singles (they didn't add their singles to the albums until late 60s and even then they were recorded differently Past Masters vol 1 & 2 are must listen

[@walterkirk9210]

I love the reaction guys, as always! For the first time, this song made me think of Django Reinhardt today, known for his jazz and gypsy jazz styled guitar playing.

[@revaflowers3115]

My second daughter was named Michelle after this song.

[@Tuesdays_Gone]

My parents got my middle name from this song. It was released a couple of years before I was born. It really is beautiful.

[@sheilathailand1903]

Love the Rubber Soul album! ❤

[@richardwinslow3890]

This song is the reason I named my first daughter Michelle…may she rest in peace 💔

[@mledbetter]

I have not watched this yet, but my name is Michelle. I love this song no matter how many times people sing this to me.

[@lisarainbow9703]

I wonder how many girl babies born in the 70's were named after this fantastic song...🤔

[@LisaMichelle01]

🙋🏻‍♀️ 1970

[@strathman7501]

@@LisaMichelle01 December 1965!

[@barriehull7076]

"Wooden Heart" is a pop song recorded by Elvis Presley. He sings some words in German. The composition is based on a German folk song.

[@bobdelp2023]

BACK TO RUBBER SOUL! 😊

[@John_Chu]

The acoustic guitar part was Paul. He was trying to play fingerstyle like Chet Atkins in “Trambone.” They listened to everything and tried to learn new ways of making music. That’s why they were so brilliant.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Here is the line up: referring to the guitar solo, that was obviously an electric guitar...played by George Harrison. The backing track contained McCartney’s Epiphone Texan acoustic guitar, George Harrison playing John Lennon’s Framus 12-string acoustic guitar, and Ringo Starr’s drumming. Each of the guitars on the rhythm track was capoed at the fifth fret. The recording was then given a reduction mix to free up extra tracks for overdubs. [They had only 4 tracks back then]. In the evening Lennon filled track two with his Ramírez acoustic guitar, on which he played the descending notes in the song’s introduction and transitions, plus a bass guitar part by McCartney, and an electric guitar solo played by Harrison. On track three were Lennon, McCartney and Harrison’s harmony vocals, and onto the final track McCartney recorded his lead vocals.

[@James-c8s9z]

Just as fresh in 2024...

[@jacqueline4514]

I have a crystal clear memory of sitting in the backseat of my parent’s beetle with my sister Michelle who was about 4 at the time, I was 10; this song came on the radio, so I started singing it to her and she lost her mind; thought I was making fun of her, she was crying and yelling. Can’t hear the song and not think of that 😂

[@tjrivers]

❤

[@gregcable3250]

You might enjoy when he sang at the White House and to Michelle Obama in the front row, with apologies at the beginning to the President, who seated beside her.

[@wendyt7958]

tres bien ensemble!

[@thomasmcgivney4519]

Fella's, go to "A Hard Days Night" for pure song writing craft and execution.

[@sigil5772]

The acoustic guitar is, I think, Paul playing, and what makes it so interesting is that there are some really complex, jazzy chords in there mixed with very plain open 5ths, like he's trying to cram as much in as possible but somehow falling short - which is kind of the message of the song.

[@terenzo50]

Earlier on they rerecorded two of their songs in German for that market.

[@dbclassic8733]

Love this but hanging for more TSRTS live Zep 😉

[@rickclark8657]

If you remember back in the day, Dougie Fresh sampled this in his song “the show” and was forced to remove the french lyric

[@Michael-Philip]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@sleapycell7819]

❤❤

[@waynemoon5359]

Spot on reaction. BTW. No disrespect here but I think you missed "She Said, She Said" off the Revolver Album. Fantastic John song with great guitar work by him and George.

[@johnprice6066]

Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh referenced this song in "The Show"... 😁