BEATLES: And Your Bird Can Sing - Lennon vs Frank Sinatra

[@greggoodwin3908]

As a Beatleologist, id never heard this view and thought it was Jagger-Faithfull but hadnt put the timeline together but now convinced it was Sinatra. Lennon was a fanatic on reading all the press etc. On both sides of Atlantic and guarded Beatles fanatically. The April 66 Sinatra article was just days after Maureen Cleave interview on "Jesus" statement and how Lennon thought at time. Funny how Mia Farrow moved into Lennons orbit in India and the Dakota/Rosemary's Baby connection as well. Some kind of Karma Konnection. Spot on detective work.

[@williamwallace2325]

What? Maureen Dowd didn't graduate from high school until 1969.

[@kevmac1230]

I always loved ,"And your bird can sing". The guitars are pretty ground breaking,mixed as smoothly as they are.The vocals,lead and especially the harmonies really speak to me.I always thought it is about a girl that got away and John saying "look at what you gave up".

[@ConwayBob]

I've loved that song since the first time I heard it in 1966, and yes, I always thought it was about a girl who blew her chance with John. But yes, it could indeed have been about Sinatra.

[@Greg-io1ip]

Sinatra such a horrible criminal and like Trumpedo: a fragile ego bitter runt full of revenge he would lash randomly. Sinatra didn't want to have gay sex with Roy Cohn, but those were Roy Cohn's terms to get the Mafia protection and propaganda help. Trump was of course very experienced from all boy boarding school all puberty long group showers and group bunks no females around anywhere. And his romance with David Geovanis at Wharton, so unlike SINatra's gay loyalty oath activities, Trump relished Roy topping him. But both Trump and SINatra were pathetic products of Roy Cohn's. Alan Dershowitz, Antonin Scalia, Roger Stone, Barry Diller, Barry Goldwater, Sinatra, Trump, etc etc. Lots of garbage dudes in Roy Cohn's tutelage.

[@potterwalker4823]

John said it was about Mick Jaggers girlfriend (aka bird) who Jagger kept saying “ she can sing”.

[@marshwetland3808]

@@potterwalker4823 The video explains why that isn't a strong argument, though.

[@jamesbush3665]

It was 1966 and I woke up on a Saturday morning and turned the Black and White television on to watch the Beatles cartoon show when suddenly the intro music was "And your Bird can Sing" which had not even been released in the US at that time --Even tho' I was already in High School, I had yet to experiment with LSD which for me was 3 years later, but the effect of hearing that song to my 13 year old mind was exactly like taking LSD for the first time as I stumbled out the back door never be the same person afterwards -- This is an exact and unaggerated version of the impact that song had on me

[@Ace_Klaatu]

Remember, Frank’s daughter (bird) Nancy had a #1 single in January of 66. Which I’m sure brought in plenty of “Green”backs. And she was a swinger.

[@zetmoon]

For me, being a big Beatles ànd Sinatra fan, this revelation is truly astounding and funny.

[@edmundcharles5278]

Each generation exists culturally within its respective time and values, musically this was merely a time of the Greatest Generation passing the musical torch to their children the Baby Boomers! Due to modernity it id an inevitable process and reality. The Boomer music and wrote more realistic and world encompassing music, but it also lacked romance, complex structure (ala classical), and R&R vocals were terrible and often not clear/ understandable or articulate.

[@harryeast121]

To me, this song is addressed to Macca. Paul had recently acquired his house in St John's Wood. He was still the bachelor Beatle living in the big city with a theatrical girlfriend from well connected middle class parents. He had direct access to high brow art and culture and to everything happening on the London scene, including avant garde John Cage style performances that involved musicians and audiences "playing" household objects, radiators and anything else as musical instruments. John was out of it in Weybridge, in the stockbroker belt next to a golf course, with a rather more ordinary wife and son set up. As he said himself, he felt like a nowhere man living in his nowhere land. Paul would regularly go out to him for their 3 hour writing sessions, and would no doubt enthuse to him (unthinkingly) about the latest developments on the London scene and the new roles that Jane had landed etc etc... And John felt left out and also slightly vulnerable and resentful of their changing and contrasting circumstances. Paul was happy, firmly at the centre of things and thriving as a Beatle and as a rapidly maturing elite young man about town. John was inwardly struggling and even Paul, his best mate, didn't seem to notice. I've always thought that this is what this song is about. Its an example of that distinctive brand of Lennon "aggressive vulnerability", this time directed at Paul. Deep down, though, it also reflected the love he still had for his mate. If Paul's new glittering life in London with Jane came crashing down around him...if he looked in John's direction, he'd still be round. He'd still be there for him.

[@sirlawrence9161]

Does seem the likeliest scenario, or something close to.

[@billymorris8819]

I agree with this viewpoint. John writing was influenced by his personal life and relationships. The phrase she don’t get me. There never has been much written about Jane, especially anything on her relationship with John. As far as Sinatra goes his angle was hardly ever competitive. Once Beatlemania hit for the world to take notice they were off to superstar and legends status. Sinatra‘s comments hardly hold any weight. Also their genre of music differed, and the only competition they had was the album sales. Frank was just probably jealous of them as well of other popular singers that commanded the spotlight.

[@macgp44]

Hmmm... I don't think John would have written lyrics that are quite clearly critical of Paul's girlfriend at that time. I think Paul would have recognized it straight away. And Hargreaves mentions John and Paul were laughing through one of the recordings of this song, like they were BOTH in on a joke, not that it was a joke on one of the dynamic duo. Someone needs to get McCartney to give his thoughts on it.

[@Rugmunchersauce3]

This interpretation works really well too. It could easily have been about Paul AND Frank AND Mick and something else completely all at the same time.🙂

[@jake105]

Yes, Yes Yes. I love your deep dive into it. I totally agree.

[@gtrdoc911]

As a long time Beatles fan I had no idea this song was about Frankie boy. Your sleuthing is impeccable and I completely agree with your hypothesis. A third definition of “swing” of course is the style of long, short rhythm favoured by the cool cats of jazz and we all know Sinatra could do that.

[@davidhopeman9622]

My bird eats cats

[@crungefactory]

@@davidhopeman9622C-

[@beatleographer_10-51]

As many years as I have been watching YT videos, I am just now discovering you. I love your video... you have a new subscriber!

[@williamneillgross3926]

I was 8 years old back then and I remember thinking that this song was about Sinatra. A Beatles fan would note any criticism about them, anSinatra was very critical of RocknRoll in general and the Beatles specifically. To hear this song with the line "And your bird can swing" it was obvious even to an 8 year old. Sinatra was using the words swing, swingin' ring-a-ding-ding, swing-a-ding-ding, swing this, swing that; basically swinging was what Frank preached. I still love Sinatra's music but when he slagged the Beatles, he appeared to be a big square, the direct opposite of swinging, baby.

[@davidborrowdale8196]

Shakespeare:"To be or not to be." Sartre:To do or not to do." Sinatra:"Do be do be do"

[@crungefactory]

Ah the crystal clear memories from when one was 8. Lol. No.

[@williamneillgross3926]

I would attribute it to Lennon's ability to get his meaning across lyrically rather than to memory, just to be clear. He used easily understandable references to anyone around at the time. It wasn't a song about drugh usage, he wasn't trying to hide the meaning of this song over concerns of being banned on the radio @@crungefactory

[@sublime_]

I thought the laughing on the anthology version was down to them being absurdly high

[@meechneek]

Same here. It sounds as if they were totally stoned 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jackcole1331]

They said they never recorded in the studio while high, being sober for all recordings apart from when John accidentally took acid during a recording session in 67, thinking it was an upper

[@bobsoldrecords1503]

If you listen to the outtake, they clearly have bad cases of cottonmouth from smoking cannabis. The lip smacking is clearly heard. I've smoked enough weed to know what that sounds like

[@bobsoldrecords1503]

Chris Thomas had said they were off their faces when they recorded Helter Skelter and Obladi Oblada. They usually smoked in the canteen in Abbey Road when they were recording from Beatles For Sale, to the end of their recording career.

[@atroyz]

@@jackcole1331I think they did sometimes record high. But they claimed they didn’t record while on “stronger” drugs.

[@JackRascal]

Nice breakdown... all the way through I kept thinking "Wasn't it about Peter Fonda?", then realised I'd got it mixed up with She Said She Said.

[@ezeewrap66]

Thanks for the deep dive. The rivalry and enmity between Sinatra and Lennon really encapsulates the cultural transition of the mid-60s. You telling of these events makes that time live again.

[@hiroehayes593]

This was the theme song to the Beatles cartoon TV show. Because of this, Ive heard this song a thousand times 😊

[@cidDraGonFly]

Only Lennon could call this song a "Throw away" Beatles song. Unbelievable!

[@ericleiter6179]

You did an excellent job here! Fantastic detective work with convincing research...thank you for such an interesting an enjoyable deep dive into this great song.I never knew about the intense rivalry between the old school/Sinatra and the fresh Beatles. Lennon wrote sometimes in a kind of abstract free association style...a bit like Dylan, but more colorful imo, and so it may be possible that Cynthia's gift coincided with the timing of him reading the Esquire article and thus the spark that birthed this song, (and perhaps he found Mia a hot bird too), but you make an excellent case for Sinatra being the main target...you are becoming a formidable force in Beatles musicology, may I suggest a topic for your next dive??? The Charles Manson/Beatles connection in the White Album; the Helter Skelter book only scratches the surface, check out the old book called "The Family" by Ed Sanders for more and the famous Lennon Rolling Stone interview, plus the Manson interviews with Tom Snyder and Geraldo...either way, please keep it up

[@JamesHargreavesGuitar]

Thanks so much, more to come 👍👍👍

[@Slinkygal]

I didn't know what a pompous a.. Sinatra was towards the Beatles. Your Sinatra theory makes sense.

[@caesarborgia4012]

​@@JamesHargreavesGuitari really want the pov from a specialist of the fab four to this question. For me, not even talking about the backwards but just the normal records, are you agreeing to the fact that word games are very subtle in many cases.... by exemple in the song named by our mate, helter skelter, at the end, ringo screams "i got blisters on my fingers" but do you hear another double sens? Please and thanks for answering and for your videos.

[@mj.l]

@@Slinkygalsinatra was a massive arsehole, to be fair

[@vulpo]

Many people today do not understand the culture war that was going on in the 1960s. At the time it was referred to as the "Generation Gap." It was real, it was deep, and it was visceral. Many members of the Sinatra generation absolutely detested rock-&-roll and especially the Beatles. They would often make disparaging remarks and jokes about the younger generation's music and culture. The Beatles, as the leaders and most recognizable symbols of that culture took the brunt of it. Many in the younger generation felt a similar disdain toward the older generation of Sinatra. This was summed up in a common saying, "Don't trust anyone over 30." It wasn't just music, hair, slang and fashion, either. It was to varying degrees, the Vietnam War, the Draft, drugs, sex, mores, religion, politics, and spirituality. You can still find artifacts of this mutual disdain in the popular media of the era. The "gap" mostly disappeared in the 1970s. After the Manson killings and several other such incidents, the youth culture lost much of its veneer of innocence. Several other factors eased the antagonism: ending of the military draft, ending the Vietnam War, society's broad adoption of much of the youth fashion, and the younger generation getting older and having children of their own. By the 1980s, it was all forgotten. But in 1966 it would have been at its peak.

[@TheFragilityOfIdeas]

This is brilliant analysis! Gotta hand it to Lennon again! The Sinatra-wig element brought a sly smirk to my face.

[@jacquolen1952]

I am 71 and a big Beatles fan since 1964. Always liked And Your Bird Can Sing, especially the dual guitar breaks. It was obviously a song critical of someone but in my mind I made it a generic put down. Always knew the British slang “bird” was a girl, but he Sinatra slang was new to me. I think you hit the nail on the head with this one. It makes more sense of all the lyrics and allows for Lennon’s talent to give them double meaning. Good job!

[@farrellmcnulty909]

Whoever thought that "bird" was used by Sinatra as made-up slang for his...todger?

[@JuddLofthouse]

James yet again you knocked it out of the park with this one 👌👌👌

[@LeonardAaron]

I think we can't really blame Paul for keeping SOME things under his hat. The public demanded and still demands to know absolutely everything about The Beatles; not just about their music, but their loves, their hates and in this case their laughs, perhaps at Sinatra's expense. If it IS true that the song is a dig at Sinatra, and J&P shared many laughs about it, those laughs may be a memory between two great friends, one of them tragically not with us that he wants and deserves to keep to himself.

[@macgp44]

First time visitor to this channel. Very impressive detective work, Mr. Hargreaves! I've always loved this song, but mostly for the music. The lyrics were rather opaque to me. It's clearly critical of someone the singer thinks is arrogant, or foolish, or both, but never had any idea who it might refer to. Now I'm confident that it is indeed about Sinatra.

[@ZorrodeLaMancha]

Brilliant, fascinating, and very entertaining as usual! Thank you for this & all of your work!

[@zsatsfm]

Well done James, excellent research and presentation. I've been a Beatles fan for years and, until now, believed the story that this song was about Mick and Marianne, although the lyrics didn't make too much sense. But your explanation totally fits. This will give me a new appreciation for this song...and I still love Sinatra too.

[@Rugmunchersauce3]

I like your interpretation of this brilliant song and I don't disagree with you. I like how it can bé applied to anyone though, as well. I played it to my ex-wife when we were splitting up; she was always claiming that she knew me better than even myself did, but while she may have known me well she still didn't understand me which I was really upset about. I won't go on about it...but she is also called Cynthia and I still love her but she still doesn't understand me, she never will. So I played her "And Your Bird Can Sing" and "Hey Bulldog" (amongst many others) emphasizing the lyric "You think you know me but you haven't got a clue". She never got the subtle messages. 😔 . I miss John Lennon. Hé was a brilliant, funny, witty bloke, a genius to me. And I love the other 3 too. Thanks for posting this video. It cheers me up. 🌞

[@SteveHancock-b7z]

I think the bird is Ronnie Spector, and the song is directed toward Phil Spector, famous producer. According to the book Be My Baby, by Ronnie Spector (chapter 7, pages 68-83), the Ronettes met the Beatles in January 1964 in London, George and John went on a couple of double dates (social outing) with Ronnie and her sister Estelle. According to Ronnie, Phil Spector was jealous and didn’t want Ronnie to be alone with them. When the Beatles arrived in New York in February 1964, the Ronettes joined the Beatles in their hotel suite. John wanted to sleep with Ronnie. John got her alone and but she politely resisted his advances. She claims in her book that she was a virgin at the time. In 1966, the Ronettes were supposed to join the Beatles on the ‘66 tour. Ronnie was not allowed to go. Someone stood in for her. According to Ronnie, she never slept with John. I’m not sure if it was known Ronnie would not be on the tour when John wrote the song. So for my theory the verses: And your bird can sing - Ronnie Spector was Phil’s bird and she could definitely sing And your bird is green - Ronnie claiming to be a virgin still in February 1964 And your bird can swing - John planting a seed for Phil, playing mind games, for Phil to wonder if maybe John did sleep with her after all So I feel like there is a jealous vibe to the song…John kind of saying I didn’t get to sleep with your bird, but you don’t get to produce The Beatles, the most famous act in the world. And it would follow that if I am correct and the song was about Phil and Ronnie, it would be awkward to admit it later when Phil Spector finished producing the Let It Be album, and was producing much of John’s solo work at the time he was being asked about the meanings of his songs.

[@ogam5]

......FAIR points - especially that LAST.....

[@robsimmonite2034]

Really enjoyed this very interesting piece thanks for sharing

[@ryanmatney9013]

Spector also wore wigs.

[@martinry0427]

Very well done sir! I’ll never listen to this song the same way again

[@farrellmcnulty909]

Hello, James, this was such a great video. I was laughing as I heard about Lennon's swipes about Sinatra and there was one I was hoping to hear about which didn't come up. It was on George's Dark Horse album at the start of Far East Man in which he mumbles "this is Frank Sinatra...we luv ya, Frank..." and the rest is unintelligible - I'd love to apply A.I. to the rest of that phrase to hear what he was saying all that time ago. I love this and other videos and other ways to keep the excitement in Beatle-fandom. I used to go to fests for many years but they became corporatized and boring, not to mention outrageously priced. So I value these sorts of videos very highly. Thanks for a great clip to wake up to. And Your Bird Can Sing has always been one of my favorites and I'm listening to IT ALL before I go out on errands - the early versions, including giggling and disgusting mouth noises 🤣. This stuff is comedy gold.

[@binxbolling]

I think the song is saying to a one-time friend, when you're done with your ego trip, I'll still be here for you.

[@ogam5]

.....in WHICH case JL might've actually ADMIRED Sinatra, then? I could SEE that.....

[@binxbolling]

@@ogam5 I don't think it was written about Sinatra.

[@radiationsnowman]

i'm 100% convinced that the BEATLES' SONG: "AND YOUR BIRD CAN SING" is definitely about Frank Sinatra for sure!! GREAT DETECTIVE WORK SIR! CHEERS!

[@vowelsounds6312]

John’s latent childhood animosity toward his parents underscores every relationship he had. What Lennon did to Cynthia and Julian and to Pete Best, Stu Sutcliff, then to Paul, George, and Ringo… then even Yoko and then Mae Pang…. not to mention the Stones, Elvis, and Frank all goes back to his neglect / abandonment by mom and especially dad and perpetually unresolved psychological issues. John Lennon lived and died essentially a “pissed person” angrily singing about something he sadly never knew… as in… well… you know… that crazy little thing… called… (free as a ???) Bird?

[@Mandrake591]

Entertaining show, but I’ve been reading about The Beatles for over forty years now, never heard of any of them admiring Sinatra when they were growing up, they mention artists like Little Richard, Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent, etc. In fact, John was actually quoted at one point saying “Sinatra never did it for me.” Paul is probably the exception, having sent him his composition titled “Suicide.” Nice of Frank to sing Happy Birthday to Maureen. It’s also very possible the lyrics are about more than one bird. Or most likely stoned/tripped out nonsense from Mr Lennon.

[@subanakatz4943]

this makes a lot of sense to me. I know Sinatra hated the Beatles & the new wave of rock 'n roll that everyone was drawn to. Before the Beatles, a lot of music involved singers performing with a large orchestra. Much of it was directed at older people since they had jobs & money of their own & could afford to buy albums. But after the Beatles that seemed to change. The new artists didn't require large orchestras or arrangements & could be produced without the large price tag. Plus recording labels began to see that if something was really good, younger people would find a way to buy it! Suddenly the purchasing power was with the young people, not their parents. Back then, I didn't care much for Sinatra. He seemed like another old guy who was trying to exist in a world that had changed. But now I love him! He was a very talented man & I often enjoy listening to him sing.

[@rick4electric]

I never got the feeling that the song was being specific about anyone, although you make a great case that it was. I always took it more generally. I think it applies to many people who fit that arrogant philosophy of life. I think also that the people that it does fit, hated Lennon in return for calling them out! Regan and Bush come to mind who tried to get him deported and who I believe we're responsible for his death!

[@schizoidman601]

Fantastic, James. This totally makes sense

[@josephmartino9958]

Always enjoyed the happy crescendo double guitar intro interspersing in and out of the song's fly away lyrics...

[@dougshelton260]

I never thought much about this song: Lennon loved word-play, and frequently wrote songs that didn't really mean anything.

[@Rugmunchersauce3]

That's true, hé even said so himself, but even his lyrics that don't neccessarily mean anything are so brilliant, the way they paint pictures and can mean several things at the same time, if you want them to, without actually meaning anything concrète. They can say, or imply, so much and also sound so good at the same time as just being words that conveniently rhyme.

[@dougshelton260]

Well said. "I Am the Walrus" is a great example. I am a big fan of e.e. cummings for the same reason. That's the way I like to construct poety, as well The way the words flow is more important to me than any meaning. @@Rugmunchersauce3

[@simonsimon325]

The trouble with this sort of thing is that as listeners we assume that every line of every song has deep and specific meaning, and that every bit is about a specific event/person. But if you listen to the clip of George writing Something with John giving him tips, you realise most of it isn't as deep and meaningful as the attachment we form with it afterwards, and to the writer is more just whatever scans and sounds good. It may have been inspired by a specific person or thing, but every line... nah, it's too pat.

[@bobtaylor170]

Yeah, it's supported a lot of hacks in good style to dissect and diagnose cultural phenomena. And anyone who takes The Beatles seriously as lyricists has missed the whole point to begin with.

[@mj.l]

just because somebody wrote a song, it doesn't necessarily mean they understand - or intended - what the means to most listeners. john could argue til he's blue in the face that 'lucy in the sky' wasn't about LSD, but to most people that is how it is understood

[@simonsimon325]

John Lennon was probably too honest for his own good in interviews, but I feel that's one time he used his loaf a bit more. My guess is he didn't want to deal with a potential shitstorm about promoting drug use, so he straight up lied. And it's probably a lot easier to lie convincingly to people who keep taking what you say out of context to cause a sensation cuz there income depends on such things.

[@sorelbaez1281]

Hey man! Went to listen! And designated driver gave me full Oasis vibes!! I loved it 😁

[@MassiveCatLittleLegs]

I love the song interpretation videos. Keep 'em coming!

[@savethelighthouse]

This is a very convincing argument. The Sinatra/Beatles rivalry was real among fans at the time also. This was even reflected in furniture. Sinatra fans were the WWII generation furnishing their spacious living rooms with a huge Hi-Fi cabinet console with a big platter record player for albums. Teens, however, bought 45 rpm singles and played their own music on table-top players they could take with them wherever they went. Rock 'n Roll was the music you heard in picnic groves and on the beaches because it came from portable record players and transistor radios carried by the youth. Sinatra fans only played his albums indoors.

[@annetterohla8932]

Putting the record player on a tabletop,what a novel idea!We just sat around on the floor with the fold up record player in the middle,so we could change the little plastic adapters to the disc holes on the 45's for the center rod on the turntable,after listening to LP's.What a hoot.

[@kaljic1]

Excellent analysis!

[@nickpaulhemsley]

Perhaps “prized possessions” wasn’t the original lyric and “possessions” was instead a certain word that rhymes with “direction”…

[@smitcher]

Very good James, had never thought much about that song and it's origins but can't really argue with anything that you have said...

[@JamesHargreavesGuitar]

Cheers Smitcher! I'm loving having another band that people are into deep-dives on hahahaha Definitely more Beatles content to come hopefully

[@williebrianjones6905]

Hi, kudos, very intelligent and entertaining spot. That Sinatra Esquire cover portrait is hysterical. Fabs and Frank are my two faves. Male vocalist of the year? I think they surprisingly got that one right..Our Beatles were new, Frank older and long out of favor. Good Year was a masterpiece. Topping the mid 60's pop charts was maybe the most astonishing feat in popular music. I remember kids scoffing but rarely was the channel changed. Good Year was like a drug. Deservedly Yesterday has had a deservedly phenomenal afterlife and good year went the way of great hit songs, I'm glad Frank got the nod. I don't think the Fabs, particularly Paul needed many minutes to get over the slight.

[@sublime_]

Great vid again Jamesy! Love it 🤣

[@JamesHargreavesGuitar]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@leonardsl6667]

I recall John saying in an interview that he wrote "Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out" for Sinatra to sing and was disappointed about getting turned down. That would have been the mid-70s. Sorry, I don't have a source for this. Also, Dean Martin was very proud of having beaten the Beatles first with his "Everybody Loves Somebody," and held it over Sinatra's head. The secret was in adding the drum kit to the orchestra, they believed, and so "Strangers In The Night" added one, too. (No source for this one either, alas.)

[@andrewsantasine2629]

Absolutely amazing analysis!🙏

[@benvandusen8112]

To add to your theory about Frank Sinatra, which I think is brilliant and heard here for the first time (I'm 70), on the outtake of the song, what might have really cracked Paul up was when John said, "When your bike is broken...", instead of the correct lyric. Coincidentally, "Bike" was (and still is?) an American brand of jock strap. So yeah, they are already laughing it up about John's inside joke when John piles on and Paul busts a gut over it. Sinatra evidently did have custom underwear (British 'pants') made to help house his 'bird'.

[@chadpittman3025]

I always watch all your ads because I want u to get paid for having a great channel.... success to u😊

[@rogerbianchini2982]

Knowing Lennon's style, why couldn't a combination of these theories be the case? This verse I was thinking about Cynthia, that verse about the Stones and Marianne Faithful, & finally, and maybe ultimately as you suggest, Frank (& his bird) ...

[@_lennard_lp]

This theory is very convincing and doesn't leave any questions (at least for me). Great job! I still find it weird, that Sinatra calls his [____] bird...

[@themarinman8339]

Favourite Beatles song

[@spaceengineer1452]

But whats the point if no one knows what the lyrics are referring to ? Frank hated Strangers in the Night btw, hated it..

[@casperguylkn]

George Harrison mentions Frank Sinatra in the intro to the Song 'Far East Man' on the Dark Horse album.

[@dhawker]

John Lennon said in an interview that this song was aimed at Phil Spector, not any of the three you mentioned. Lennon had a conversation with Spector, who bragged about his conquests "Seven wonders" and his bird was "green" (inexperienced). Spector said he wanted to produce The Beatles but Lennon felt he wasn't listening to him/understanding him/ getting him...yet. When Spector ultimately "gets it". "I'll be 'round". Listen to the lyrics again with an ear to Phil Spector. Not a fan theory. Lennon said it.

[@Kiln99]

Rubbish lol . Apart from a solitary chance meeting on a plane going to a US tour in 1964 John had no relationship with Phil Spector till late 1969 at the earliest.

[@Mandrake591]

What’s your source? It doesn’t ring true.

[@markbrown7103]

I don’t think Frank Sinatra would slap John Lennon in the face to begin with in front of his wife. John Lennon was pretty much of a radical, and was a pretty tough man. I would say he would slap Frank Sinatra in the face in front of his wife. But the song Bird can sing I think you’re right on with that one. You’re right, we will never know the truth, and Les Paul tells us. I really enjoyed this video and I learned a lot from yet. Thanks so much have a great day. I will currently watch your videos and will subscribe to your channel. Thanks so much..👍🏼👍🏼😁🎸😎

[@timrobson402]

Very good as usual. The laughing version though is - I think from Mark Lewisome's book attributed to the fact that they were both stoned out of their heads...

[@OobuJoobu]

Interestingly, in Elliot Mintz’s new book about his relationship with John and Yoko, he says a line from a Frank Sinatra interview in Playboy may have inspired Whatever Gets You Through The Night.

[@mikeramsay5964]

Well thought out explanation. And as my English Literature professors said, if you can justify it, it works. It still may be wrong, but maybe not.

[@robertmurphy440]

Very informative post , thanks for taking the time to arrange all events in a time line...later on george ,patty and frank in 1969 would dinner together...Patty's mother loved Frank's music

[@michaelward9880]

I think the Sinatra theory makes the most sense. As far as I know, Frank never wrote his own music. Lennon did. Although both men were musical illiterate (unable to ŵrite or read musical notation), Lennon and McCartney were able to get their musical ideas across to George Martin. As far as lyrics go, Lennon was definitely was one of the beat ever. Plus, The Beatles played their own instruments. Frank did none of this. However, Frank's genius was his interpretation of other people's songs. They were both great artists with egos to match.

[@MankyFrilla]

You went deep there son.. I love it jamesy boy! 👊🏼⚡🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@rineric3214]

I TOTALLY agree! Thank you! I always wondered what that song was about. The dual guitar leads are what I liked. The best Beatle instrumental of all (except maybe Nowhere Man). So, what is "Doctor Robert" all about?

[@rocktober1327]

John say's in an interview that the song was inspired by Mc Jagger introducing Maryann Faithful to him and Jagger said this is my new bird and she can sing to, it's on you tube.

[@twest344]

As an american born in 1973, I am familiar with the use of "bird" to mean "girl" or "girlfriend", I had never heard it used to represent someone's genitals. I am most familiar with the way my father used it, which could refer to anybody, male or female, who was a little strange or different, e.g. "s/he is a strange bird".

[@madeleinew9730]

In Australia we called it a budgie smuggler

[@Catman1116]

The Sinatra connection is interesting. And you do a great job putting it together. But I prefer the Cynthia connection as the inspiration. Some of the things you say, like Cynthia wouldn’t brag about seeing everything, or being weighed down by possessions, comes from the popular belief she was a down to earth, humble person. Which she appears to be. But when John was in a nasty mood, I’m sure he wouldn’t be above accusing her of living off him and enjoying his fruits of success. And her bird can sing? Well, that would be John. And the cage would be the prison of his marriage. He often claimed she did not understand him. “But you can’t see me.” Fits in perfectly with how John would think Yoko sees him, but Cynthia does not. Look at the lyrics from Lennon’s point of view back then, not how we see things today.

[@areamusicale]

Right! I know why he calls it "bird". It is the same slang in Italian (uccello), and his parent were Italians (if I'm not wrong). BTW, I thought the song was about Roger McGuinn ....

[@JoeBlow-fp5ng]

Your best video yet.

[@anthonyvaldez6892]

This post reminds me of a interview with John Lennon when he once was quoted as saying that he couldn't wait to read the reviews of his songs so he could find out what they were about.😅

[@richardburke6902]

When I finally got to hear “and your Bird can sing“ which was years after I had memorized the entire Revolver album, I felt some resentment towards capitol records for leaving it out of the initial release of “revolver“ in the US. Also, listening to the narrator/presenter, I hear another example of a Brit saying “different to” instead of “different from”. I’ll never understand that usage.

[@kengilbert2620]

Perhaps this is mentioned already but I think it is wrong to pin an entire song on just one subject matter. Individual lines/verses/chorus can very well be about different people and events in John's life, so the whole song isn't just about one person. John (and others) are well known for piecing these together into one song.

[@DJANTONIVS]

Great info. I enjoyed it thoroughly. 😊

[@PaulGTerry]

Great research and insight - thanks! (subbed)

[@roberthubal6278]

Outrageously Great observation ‼️

[@potterwalker4823]

Lennon was quoted as saying that the song was about Mick Jagger and his nonstop talk about his bird, Marianne Faithfull, and how she could sing and sing and sing and sing anything, and he got tired of it. So he ended up with this song .those are direct quotes from him. Yes,He was friends with the Stones and interacted a lot and whether he was private or open about her being involved just doesn’t matter. Some very interesting semi classical guitar writing and playing .

[@jefflikeusual20]

Really funny to hear about the bird slang. I heard bubbles from trailer park boys say that and I always wondered it’s origin.

[@5hillings]

Given the connections and influence Sinatra had in New York, is it possible that sinatra had a hand in making it difficult for John and Yoko moving to New York, due to this feud.. Just a thought..🤔

[@johnmc3862]

That was Elvis!

[@5hillings]

@johnmc3862 what? Elvis tried to stop Lennon coming to New York?

[@johncarroll6602]

Yes - you have raised the political angle which explains why John never revealed the meaning of the song. He wanted to live in the USA - Sinatra and Elvis were close to Richard Nixon. But even after his immigration woes lessened... he wanted to live in New York. And it was not safe in those days to live in New York and disrespect Frank Sinatra in the public eye.

[@johncarroll6602]

This also explains why he dismissed the song as awful whenever asked about it in interviews. JOHN DID NOT WANT TO HAVE FRANK SINATRA OR FRANK'S GOMBARI THINKING THEY WERE IN A VENDETTA WITH JOHN LENNON!!!

[@5hillings]

Thanks for the insight. It was just a thought, very interesting to know there was actually something in it..

[@farrellmcnulty909]

On the subject of this song, I have to ask you, and I'm going to write to Andrew at Parlogram Auctions on this, too - on the US Yesterday & Today, I could swear I hear a loud cymbal clash at 0:50, just after the first chorus ends. Have you ever heard it, or am I just hallucinating? It's easy if you try.

[@Lou.B]

GREAT breakdown!

[@ballhawk387]

I agree that the Sinatra theory adds up best, as far as the lyrics go, with a play on Byrds for the music. Could it also have incorporated all of these interpretations, and perhaps even other more obscure references?

[@SkatingBearStudios]

Wonderful analysis.

[@Paul-dw2cl]

is that version of ‘And Your Bird Can Sing’ on Anthology 2 is the same one you spoke of on Revolver Deluxe ?

[@owenmartin3307]

Can you do a video on elephant stone - took 2 years to write and record.

[@GustavoSantos-cx6uj]

I only knew two theories about the song. The Jagger & Marianne one and another related to Phil and Ronnie Spector that I believe makes no sense at all. Apparently John was not very fond of Sinatra but I always believed that he wrote Good Night inspired by him. The arrangement of the song and the way Ringo sings on it have a Sinatra vibe, I can easily imagine he singing it.

[@dlovas]

This is a really fun theory. I love it! Also, Man and His Music beating Revolver is another proof that those awards have always been a joke.

[@axandio]

The anthology 2 version was: "Released on: 1996-03-18"

[@ogam5]

.....THINK you meant, 19SIXTY6-03-18.....

[@axandio]

Okay so maybe I read the reference wrong, it was RELEASED on Anthology in 96, my eyes wanted to see 66. Great point.

[@axandio]

It was just a copy/paste from the youtube credits.

[@meechneek]

Thank you James, you made my day today 🍻. I watched most of your movies about Oasis, they are all brilliant, but I would never expect that. I also never realised that it must be the only song on Revolver about which the lads never said a word. I must say i am hugely impressed with your analysis, brilliant 👌 It sounds very convincing, and it also shows how great minds The Beatles were, especially Lennon and McCartney. Thank you for that one 🍻

[@JamesHargreavesGuitar]

Cheers, glad you enjoyed 👍👍

[@meechneek]

@@JamesHargreavesGuitar I always do, mate. All your meticulously researched stories about Oasis are always very interesting and entertaining, and so are the genesies of Noel's songs, great work! Keep it up, 🍻🍻🍻🍻👍👏👌

[@JamesHargreavesGuitar]

will do 🎸🎸🎸

[@MichaelWarchol]

Most underrated of all the Beatle songs. It’s sound is almost timeless. This could have been a hit for the The Replacements or even REM. It’s really that modern sounding.

[@michaelward9880]

Absolutely! One of Lennon's best and one of my personal favorites.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

Underrated overused.

[@bumsharvest5493]

You sir, are brilliant. Good job!

[@davidjames579]

The Beatles met Mia Farrow during their visit to the Retreat in India. That must have been interesting.

[@robyk]

Great video interesting an enjoyable... Thank you

[@binxbolling]

I always thought it was about Dylan and the Byrds, who sang several of Dylan's songs.

[@nuwavedave]

Frank Sinatra?? In America during the 1960s, "Bird" was a very common slang term for one's privates, as in "How's your bird?". Popular talk show host Steve Allen used the phrase all the time. Aside from that, Frank recorded his own version of "Something", so where's the alleged disdain for The Fabs? People are going to see what they want. That's how all the "Paul Is Dead" clues got started.

[@PaperBanjo64]

Maybe the press or his manager claimed that to wind the old people up to make them want to watch his TV special.

[@gmb858]

Your theory is well argued and supported. I was a busy teenager in the 60's and regarded Sinatra and his sharkskin suits like he was a gangster clown. I didn't realize the rivalry was that intense, nor that the Grammy Awards were so competitive between them. We knew it took too long for the Grammys to give the Beatles any recognition and couldn't figure out why they were focused on the old fuddy-duddy Frank Sinatra. He was a guy who had never been higher than a night of swilling martinis and was about as cool as a stick in the mud. To me, Sinatra's "music" is contrived and "too cool for school." If that is hip... I'd rather take another bong hit and scratch up his LP.

[@skinovtheperineum1208]

Marijuana: WEED with ROOTS in HELL

[@arthursteven5601]

Keep taking your medication 💊 👌

[@alistairwallace77]

I’m not disagreeing with your analysis, but I’ve always chalked up the laughter on the “Anthology” outtake to them being really stoned. Of course, the one conclusion does not prohibit the possibility of the other ;)

[@willdwyer6782]

Message to Frank about Mia. She's an amazing singer. Check out her tear jerking performance as Peter Pan in '76. John was infatuated with her when they met but she grew up in Hollywood and knew him better than he knew himself when it came to relationships just by listening to his sob story dumped boyfriend songs.

[@frankborawski]

Brilliant analysis. I think you are correct.

[@ironhammer4095]

By the way, best bass ever on "And your bird can sing". I think your thesis is a plausible one.

[@TheWaterboarders]

I can imagine a MadMen scene where John Lennon and Frank Sinatra meet in a lift with John saying to Frank after writing And Your Bird Can Sing, "I thought of you last night" with Frank Sinatra replying, "Really. I never think about you at all".

[@TheStrongBoyz19]

It's funny you talked about this topic as I'm actually wearing my Revolver shirt. lol

[@SomeonesOpinion]

I've got a revolver shirt too, not on me right now though

[@JamesHargreavesGuitar]

And I was just listening to my Revolver vinyl

[@TheStrongBoyz19]

Both that album and Sgt. Pepper's are my favourite albums of all time.

[@caesarborgia4012]

And i m putting bullets in my revolver just now ! 😅 no don’t worry it's always loaded..!

[@garthkolbeck8674]

I always thought "you don't get me" meant he was going already, you can't get me, you aren't going to have me... I'm leaving... you don't get to have me...