Comparing John’s demo to the final Beatles track

[@annoschreier1860]

I think Ringo's drumming is what makes it into a Beatles song. He still has this magical ability of playing a simple 4/4 beat with this unmistakable Beatles feel.

[@danijelujcic8644]

A human metronome :-)

[@glawnow1959]

Best drumming I've heard from Ringo in years. Those fills!

[@jasonwil]

Four humble musicians who worked for what was best for the song and not their egos

[@monteirolobato6830]

Indeed. I wonder, however, if they mixed the rhythm just a little too loud.

[@TudorsTrainz]

Ringo is also a good narrator.

[@cydtaylor]

They are not releasing a new John Lennon song... so to me it's like John bringing a song into the studio and the boys all working on it, and I love that.

[@mrjacobhorton]

exactly

[@luciferseven1426]

It says Beatles

[@mattemal6054]

It really feels like a Lennon/McCartney collaboration like the old days

[@nickooo82]

The new part they added is in tribute to George, a guitar solo written by Paul but in the way George would do it. Fits perfectly

[@Alicewonders828]

I totally agree.

[@Kermit_T_Frog]

Paul didn't ruin it, but he sure didn't improve it.

[@Sesamox]

Also, it reminds me a lot of that prechorus that was removed.

[@denisehales1060]

As a devoted Beatles fan who always hoped they would get back together, when John was murdered it was the realisation that that would never happen. Then with George passing too it was heartbreaking. When I heard this song and saw the video I cried - it had happened, the Beatles together again. It touched my heart. From when I was 13 years of age, the Beatles were my life and now here I am at 73 listening to a 'new' Beatles record. I can't explain just how that makes me feel, I'm crying again now just typing this. Thank you Paul and Ringo for finishing this record for us. The Beatles together again - thank you.

[@kennethlockerbie6601]

Me too almost exactly

[@1fiorentina]

There was another song done in a similar way in the late 90s

[@denisehales1060]

@@1fiorentina they first started to work on this song in 1999 or thereabouts, but technology wasn't good enough to finish it.

[@bobbystereo936]

They did get back together after the death of John for George Harrison's all those years ago song in 1981.

[@denisehales1060]

@@bobbystereo936 yes but that wasn't all the Beatles was it, John was missing so not the same at all.

[@dougeighteen9827]

John and Paul, writing together, while still apart. A perfect ending tribute the the band I’ve loved since I was ten!

[@garethde-witt6433]

I never liked them even as a child I’m now in my 60’s still can’t stand them. Awful songs and this one is probably the worst.

[@gj4312]

​@@garethde-witt6433 when?

[@M8Nobody.]

@@garethde-witt6433Damm, where it comes from that hate? childhood?

[@henk.design]

​@@garethde-witt6433 I'm thoroughly surprised you're watching this particular video! What brought you here? You must've had a rough time embarking on all the Beatles in your younger years :D No need to be a fan to appreciate their craft, but I sense you dislike popular music for being 'cheap'? Just curious, everyones entitled to their opinion!

[@dougeighteen9827]

@@garethde-witt6433 wow, NEVER heard anyone in my 70 years with an opinion like that. You must be a redneck.

[@johnsonken96]

John singing “ and I..” and Paul finishing it with “will love you” is just so touching.

[@robbedontuesday]

Paul made it just "another silly love song".

[@Bicycle-Bill]

@@robbedontuesdaywhat’s wrong with that… I’d like to know!

[@robbedontuesday]

@@Bicycle-Bill LOL... if you know, you know...

[@joef2468]

@@robbedontuesdaywrong

[@shnpio]

@@robbedontuesdayyes it just sounds like an average McCartney song he really missed the vibe of the original demo especially in the piano it sounds so boring

[@toblexson5020]

I think the 3/4 change at the end is very poetic. Throughout the song, you're hearing all the Beatles, and then after Lennon stops singing, we lose a beat.

[@MysticHeather]

Omg i didn’t even think about that, great observation… we’ve lost two beat(les) overall but John was the first and that’s incredibly poignant

[@toblexson5020]

@@MysticHeather I was thinking that they could have gone further and dropped down to 2/2, but trying to cement the 2/2 feel without throwing the ending off might have been too much. I have the feeling that they wanted to keep this simple.

[@lindabailey7668]

I think it’s brilliant. Wonderful Then and Now Beatles song 🩷

[@csgowoes6319]

Good catch. Jackson's Get Back and now this, it just gets me in the feels so badly even though I was only born after the Beatles had already broken up. It reminds me so powerfully of the mortality of us all and how even the greatest people and the greatest times fade away one day. Soon all the Beatles will be gone, soon you and I will be gone... Poignant ain't the word.

[@livvy94]

oh my god you're going to make me cry in bed all over again

[@keeganmet257]

John's original version is so unique and ethereal, I love it.

[@julkitan3017]

I agree, this original version song, including all those solo demos of John on the piano at home are really a treasure.

[@annakermode6646]

Could not agree more ❤

[@sergiomora7660]

It vibes like a Thom Yorke song

[@keeganmet257]

very true@@sergiomora7660

[@klaxoncow]

@@sergiomora7660 Well, I mean, due to how the passage of time works, it's really the other way around. But I know what you mean.

[@tennesseenana4838]

I was a teenager when the Beatles came on the Ed Sullivan show and took over the US. Hearing these videos of their 'final' song brings back memories beyond memories. I'm so very glad Paul and Ringo, as well as who knows how many other talented people, made this happen for all of us. THANK YOU

[@SpacenSpooks]

Arguably the only time us Brits ever conquered you guys 😅

[@MrGman2804]

I agree. All of the music The Beatles made was a gift to the world, and this is one more gift, perhaps the last. It is a treasure.

[@Alicewonders828]

Paul is a Master and the final version is gold. If anyone knows how it should be finished it's Paul who composed with John.

[@abelmcguire1951]

Who knows how close John would have finished it the same, knowing how John writes.

[@EGULL97]

Was a Lennon. We got a Lennon McCartney. McCartney changes to Lennon songs made the most successful songwriting configuration ever. Paul has committed no sin. Made me cry more than once already.

[@Williamottelucas]

And I expect that listeners vary in wanting 40:60 through 60:40 (with apologies to George!)

[@AxePlays-hc5dj]

@greggb777 Saving This

[@natalyamartirosyan]

Thank you! I’m so confused that people diminish Paul’s contribution and influence onto John’s music. That is just complete oblivion to the force that was their duo. The song is made with an unwavering piety and love for the Beatles and John, and Paul couldn’t do otherwise.

[@davidb2206]

Rightly said. Spot on.

[@hgostos]

Couldn't agree more.

[@JayForeman]

I spent the whole song waiting for the “I don’t want to lose you” section, which I think was far more beautiful and interesting than the chorus we got. If it was up to me, I’d have used “I don’t want to lose you” as the chorus, and ditched the “now and then I miss you” section. But I’m not in the Beatles, so it’s not up to me. It’s up to Paul McCartney. And I imagine the lyrics “now and then I miss you” might have been quite meaningful for him. And they work very well in the context of this song in 2023.

[@Kermit_T_Frog]

His idea of using it for the bridge was better. In fact, I thought that might have been what McCartney did. I wouldn't want John's falsetto, though. When did John EVER do that when with the Beatles?

[@paoloc.8055]

And besides, that section would've probably been too high to sing for an elderly Paul

[@jamesconnors4297]

I think they ditched the “I don’t want to lose you” bit as this confirms the song was written for yoko

[@georgevanek6093]

​@@glue1820Link?

[@marcanthony8465]

​@@jamesconnors4297yes!

[@nairbas392]

Such a shame about the cut “I don’t want to lose you” section. Those chord changes and melody’s were gorgeous

[@crobinso2010]

It was my second favorite part. Would have been nice to make it a Middle 8 to keep it.

[@matiasbarrios9365]

I always felt it delayed the chorus and didnt fit the rest of the lyrics, but I cant stop singing it now 🤷

[@JakePicci]

I agree, I love that part, although I can see why. The lyrics weren't finished at that part (particularly at the end of that section), and John's voice doesn't quite hit the notes he was going for. So I feel like Paul and Ringo weren't able to include that section because it would require one of them singing that section with new lyrics at the end and neither of them could hit those notes. I saw someone else mention it would have been cool if Paul's slide solo played the melody of that section, and I think that would have been a perfect compromise that would have sounded beautiful.

[@wasawizard]

I just uploaded a 2012 remix vs official 2023 and how it removed that line...

[@wasawizard]

The lyrics weren't finished in either Free As A Bird as well, but Paul wrote something great and covered it. I wish he had done the same with Now and Then. But maybe it was hard enough on his vocals to do a backing track? He doesn't sadly sound like even 1994 Paul anymore :( But God Bless him for this great mix either way. @@JakePicci

[@delvin6101]

like i said before hearing johns vocals from then and pauls vocals from now just adds an extra artistic meaning to what is now and then, it was beautifully done

[@bohoobah9518]

i get the same feeling from free as a bird!

[@mikah4051]

To hear them together one last time means the world to me.

[@kzbjdx]

To me, even though Paul and Ringo changed a little of the song and the tempo, it's like when the Beatles were in the 60's, John would try something and Paul would add something to it, just as John would add something to Paul's song. It's John and Paul working with each other again. I love the new Beatles song!! ❤

[@tomsacadden]

You’ve nailed it my friend

[@davidhart7792]

Bang on my friend.

[@bonniet5613]

Yes, this is a love song to their bandmates ❦ ❧❤ ❥ ❣❥ ❤❦ ❧

[@indianajb1953]

Well said!

[@soullimbo]

The main difference is that John is sadly not here to counter/approve any proposed changes....You can like the song, you can dislike it, I don't care...but IT IS NOT a Beatles song. It is a Lennon song that Mac and Ringo , maybe they were bored, have turned into their hobby for a short period of time.

[@JonManos]

"I don't wanna lose you" was always the part of John's demo that would pop into my head whenever I would think of this song. I kept waiting for it on first listen & it never came.

[@mocplaysgame]

true

[@stefaandeleeck4380]

I had exactly the same experience. It was that part of the demo that always stuck in my head. It is the best part of the song and I wondered what they were going to do with it. But to my surprise they just skipped it...

[@PhantasmSt]

literally

[@leafbelly]

That's exactly it. When I would listen to his demo, or fan-made versions, that's the part that always became an "earworm."

[@danijelujcic8644]

Guitar solo comes kind of close. Better than nothing, I guess :-)

[@13Pacheco13]

The changes is what makes it a Beatles song, otherwise it would just be a John's song. It's very common for them to build upon each other original ideas and take parts out in their final compositions. I was very pleasantly surprised, it's catchy, it's sentimental and not overly complicated just for the sake of it.

[@deborahjenkins3877]

💯

[@seankennedy18]

I love it and I'm so thankful for it. An unexpected gift, none of us ever thought we'd receive.

[@paulupfront]

Frankly, this song and ultimately the stunning production, has for me, brought alive the Beatles' magic once again. I love it.

[@nopakistani401]

the song suck tho😅

[@dwaynemcallister7231]

Yes almost like a message from the other side, very unexpected and touching

[@bb1111116]

I had no problems with the Beatles version of the song. It was deeply moving. The demo version is also very good. (Original version of my comment which is not accurate. See edit below.) John wrote on the cassette tape “For Paul” (which Yoko gave to Paul). John knew that Paul would eventually give his input about those songs. (Edit; it has correctly been pointed out to me that officially it is unknown, whether John wrote the cassette label or whether it was written by Yoko.) There are multiple choices pulling at Paul, Ringo and Giles to be true to the demo but also to incorporate new things. I think the balance was right for a Beatles song which is still clearly written by John.

[@fnjesusfreak]

I feel like John had Paul in mind when creating the song...and Paul wanted to finish it as a sort of response.

[@lightningstrikes7314]

​@@fnjesusfreakHe could have respected the demo more-McCartney simply binned a whole section full of beautiful/chords/melodies/words because he lacked the acumen to make it work.

[@alexnoel7361]

​@@lightningstrikes7314with al due respect I don't agree. That's what they all were doing all Beatles career. They used to be influenced back and forward by themselves. And that's precisely what this new realese is a real Beatles song ...and it's superb. Honestly, made me cry of happiness....I love it. I love them

[@maxg1836]

@@lightningstrikes7314 lacked the acumen? 😂 ok random internet person who is so conceited they think they know better than Paul McCartney 😂 fucking bloke

[@annette2326]

My childhood. Gonna go cry now.

[@GJSolo]

I am so glad they didn't add in a bunch of extra stuff. It just sounds like a really good Beatles song, and not as much like a finale piece from a musical where they try to sneak in a piece of every song. I feel like this was as close to the original writing process as they could have gotten and I'm here for it

[@maxg1836]

Totally agree. they took out the part that just made the least sense. It’s gorgeous but it’s more of a Lennon thing… not a Beatle thing

[@TracyBeakerMemories]

⁠Agree with you both completely. The aim wasn’t to be as faithful to the demo as possible (and thus be simply producing a Lennon song). It was to create a new song by The Beatles!

[@whosyourbuddy33]

Love, love, love this song! It’s a beautiful and wistful ballad. Haunting…I’m amazed at what they did with it. However, Paul missed a monumental chance to keep the gorgeous key change. Really having a hard time with that…it could, and should’ve been a bit longer by adding that piece. Overall though, just brilliant. Nobody can do songs like these…..

[@jonathanlgill]

Is it that faithful? The strings are really present on the official release. The Beatles had several strings songs, of course, but usually not on piano ballads.

[@paulknight9998]

You are nothing but little McCartney fanboys trying to rationalize why he sabotaged a great Lennon tune.

[@AndrewFullerton]

Even though I love the melody of the "I dont want to lose you" section, I understand why they cut it. If Paul wasnt feeling comfortable with doing the lead vocals on a section (worried he sounds too told, worried that would be a step too far towards turning a Lennon song into a McCartney song, etc) they would have to use what few intelligable lyrics John had there, and those lyrics don't particularly work with the current meaning of the song. They could have adapted it into an instrumental section, but that would be changing it so substantially that what remains is little more than an easter egg for hardcore fans. We're inclined to take every note John wrote as immaculate and sacred, but to him (and the rest of the Beatles), it was a work in progress with no obligation to leave anything untouched.

[@zarzee8925]

Really well said

[@c.7610]

💯

[@aviadilo]

Exactlly. I think the new version is pretty good. The original bridge wouldn't have worked.

[@luisdis6180]

Exactly. That's in fact what make Beatles magic and the difference with Real Love or the 90s song, in wich Paul can't change harmony or tempo etc.

[@apollomemories7399]

John would meddle about with his demos all the time. For instance, he tried out Real Love in various forms at least six times.

[@MysticHeather]

For me, it’s about as perfect as it can get, I adore it, it feels like the Beatles. It’s more poignant than anything I’ve heard maybe ever… I would appreciate having a scaled down version or part where I could just hear John and his piano bc there’s something about how isolated those two elements are in johns demo that just reaches down into my soul but all in all it’s one of the most precious pieces of music I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing/witnessing in my life and I’m incredibly grateful for it.

[@Remour]

It makes me incredibly sad that this will be the last single produced by the band, I really wish Lennon didn’t get killed, there’s no other band right now making music that touches the heart as much as them..

[@jrsindone]

I think they removed the “I don’t want to lose you” section for several reasons, let me count em down: 1) Paul McCartney - Back during the Anthology recordings, Paul wanted Lennon's demos turned into Beatles songs to be upbeat and strictly about the theme of love. That's how he looks back and thinks about the Beatles. He says this in the Beatles Anthology at the end of the series: "I'm really glad that most of the songs dealt with love, peace, understanding". I think he heard the pre-chorus with "use you and abuse you" and thought it was too downbeat and somber. He also simplified it because the Beatles were experts in verse, chorus, verse, chorus. The added new bridge is also similar to what they did with "Real Love" 2) Geroge Harrison - During the Anthology recordings, George was fond of "Real Love" and "Free As a Bird" but regarded "Now And Then" as "utter rubbish". For decades a lot of people thought it was because of the low-quality mains hum tape recording, and not being able to separate out John's vocals from the piano. But now I'm starting to think it was actually because George didn't like the dour parts either, and because the tempo was slower, and most likely they didn't want to adjust the pitch as they did with "Real Love". So they just said, screw it. 3) The lyrics - The words Lennon sings in the “I don’t want to lose you” section is "use you and abuse you". I'm pretty sure, given Lennon's strained relationship with his first wife Cynthia, where he was accused of physically abusing her, that maybe it was not the best line to leave in a Beatles song. With "Free As A Bird" Paul added new lyrics to replace muddled ones, but this time around he just doesn't have the vocal range. So out of convenience they probably just removed it. 4) It didn't sound "Beatle-y" enough - As I explained in my first bullet point about how McCartney felt about the Beatles' legacy, they most likely wanted the song to fall in the classic Beatles pop/rock song structure. So to do that, verse, chorus, verse, chorus was utilized. I've been listening to Lennon's "Now and Then" for the better part of the last 20 years. I love Lennon's original demo, and also love the fan edits people have made over the years. When Paul announced they were going to release it after using the AI "MAL" program, I was excited but also cautious, because I know in their older age, Paul and Ringo don't have the same passion they did for, let's say the Anthology project where they still had something to prove. Although I'm glad they released it, I do wish they spent more time on it, left in the “I don’t want to lose you” section, but just chose new lyrics to slap over it. I'm sure with AI they could have also adjusted Paul's voice to make it sound more as he did when he was in the Beatles for the new lyrics. Just my two cents.

[@oteliogarcia1562]

Agreed with #3. Not just Cynthia but Julian, too.

[@joolzb17471]

Paul’s harmony sounds awful IMO, I wish there was a version without as its jagged an out of place.

[@will2741]

All solid reasoning, but they still made the wrong choice. It makes Free as a Bird and Real Love sound like Strawberry Fields by comparison

[@ComeOnIsSuchAJoy]

The alleged 'Anthology' version has been on the bootleg circuit for years, and kept that section of the song intact. As a result, I think I prefer it more (though the sampling of "Sun King" at the end makes it feel a bit 'of the time').

[@DAODEA]

I take all of your points. I do want to point out that many Beatles songs don’t have choruses at all. A shocking number of them. John and Paul always had one foot in tin pan alley. So many of their songs are AABA variant songs and contain no chorus whatsoever (verse/bridge with no chorus).

[@reecechambers3467]

I absolutely love the lyrics and what they've come to mean because of the release of the song, it's like they're saying goodbye to each other across the times. It's so meaningful in so many ways

[@RobynHurley-zp9sh]

I agree

[@indianajb1953]

I agree! Great point!

[@jaxteller312]

John demo is so heart touching...i wished they would release that as a b side

[@nigefal]

That would have been a great idea. They missed a trick there.

[@owenthebrit]

How do you do a ‘B’ side without printing it on a 45 single. Maybe I’m missing something… but when was the last ‘B’ side. Not trying be be controversial… but just wondering ?

[@mdlouie]

@@owenthebrit from wikipedia: "some artists and labels continue to employ the terms A-side and B-side metaphorically to describe the type of content a particular release features, with B-side sometimes representing a "bonus" track or other material."

[@andrewgodsell7830]

I would have preferred Now and Then without the addition of strings so we could hear more Beatles.

[@jorjaghera9128]

Here's my two cents. A Beatle fan from the beginning due to my mom who knew something special when she saw it which resulted in her waking my brother and me up to see them on Ed Sullivan. It's, quite simply, The Beatles. It's Ringo and Paul's labor of love to finish a song initially worked on during the Anthology albums. I truly believe both Paul and Ringo did their due diligence to ensure the song was, in fact, John's last contribution to what was the best band ever. Admittedly, at first listen, I winced. However, I had a marathon last night and listened to it, at the very least, 20 if not more times. I'm no expert--just a fan since 1964. I've loved them, hated them (for breaking up) and finally realized the breakup was necessary for all concerned. When Free As A Bird was released, I cried buckets. And then there was Real Love .... and today, Now and Then. A poignant moment and last offering of music from what I feel was the best band ever. Again, just my two cents. ❤

[@buncho64]

I listened to the original song earlier in the week and thought that it was too post Beatles John Lennon sounding to work as a Beatles song, but I think that speeding it up and removing the pre chorus was the only way to turn it into a Beatles song. I also love the new bridge part. Before I heard the new version I was worried, but I am very happy with the final version and it does grow on you. Personally, I would love them to clean up John’s voice on ‘Free as a bird’ now.

[@AlbertonBeastmaster]

I was hoping that there would be a re-issue of Free as a Bird too. It would be amazing to hear John's vocal on it properly.

[@13donstalos]

I agree with your last comment. Would love to see them clean up Free as a Bird and Real Love

[@Markyboy291266]

I loved every single second of it, how good is it to hear new Beatles material after all this time, it’s like finding a lost song that they’d written but never recorded from then, loved it and something to treasure, brought happy tears to my eyes ❤

[@s7r49]

that i dont want to lose you part is fantastic . feels so raw and emotional. i wish they kept that

[@mr80s81]

I liked it quite a bit, but I agree they played it safe, it left out a lot of possibilities and a lot of potential experimentation, but overall very heartfelt and sweet. I would love if they had made a remaster of the demo itself, just John's voice and piano as like a little bonus track, it'd be a nice way to honor it by giving it too us in its most clean and pure version.

[@andreipalamarchouk2342]

Yes, I agree with you, including it as the B-side would have been smart

[@CurtisD01]

this is exactly what I was thinking aswell to give us a remaster of the demo with this would be so nice cause ngl I do like the echo like ghost sound to it but a nice cleared up version with more equalized sounds of the voice to piano would be good

[@cjay2]

And not compressed to hell, like it is currently. It's all the same volume level. Giles doesn't know when to stop screwing with things.

[@gettinhungrig2]

@@CurtisD01 And it's got John playing piano as well which sounds pretty bloody good to me.

[@Mortlerickle123]

​@cjay2 the voice on the demo would have been too loud in sections and too quiet in others, and kinda weak after it was brought out from the piano so probably the only way to make it work tbh

[@MrTonyFury]

I love that they changed some things up. It makes it a true Beatles song, not just a John Lennon song. What a song and what a music video!

[@armondtanz]

They shulda done 2 versions, 1 as a complete jam and then one just tidying up the original and adding sprinkles. The slower version does sound more haunting, which was johns classic trademark.

[@stillaliveplus1forme]

I think this song could have been a masterpiece but instead it’s just a good song that isn’t in the Beatles top 25 sadly. Cutting the section was unforgivable

[@SpacenSpooks]

I like this version, but would have preferred the far more haunting John Lennon version tbh@@armondtanz

[@MatthewElvey]

Appreciate that perspective. I was having a hard time with it when I heard and watched it for the first time, and no less so after watching this video, but this perspective, plus @kzbjdx's helps me warm to it. Still hard to hear without the “I don’t want to lose you...” though. Doesn't feel like something I'll be excited to hear again soon.

[@vulc1]

Why do you say 'change up' when you could simply say 'change'?

[@TheKrcookie]

Its grown on me as I've listened to it more and more. I do really like it and hearing John sing "I miss you" across time gets me right in the heart. While I think it could've been "weirder" I think its a poignant end that pays tribute to both John and George

[@jmkrieger67]

the ways demos evolve in the studio is always fascinating - thanks for taking this analysis on!

[@mrjacobhorton]

For me it's perfect, they did what they always did. One of them brought a song to the other 3, like i do in my band, and together they worked on it and it became a BEATLES SONG. The 'i don't want to lose you' part was nice, but they took it down a different direction, as always Paul advised John advised Paul, as it should be. Paul, finishing off his friend and writing partners song, like they always did with each-other, whilst saying goodbye. Perfect

[@mebamme]

I kinda wish the song would start off minimal and build up over time (e.g. drums not kicking in until later), so that it would seem less like every Beatle is competing for attention at the same time. I understand that it's reasonable for a "final Beatles song" to feel grand and use everyone's potential, but it might have been cool to single out each Beatle a little more and go from quiet to massive over time. It would have worked as a "final"-feeling track, too - think A Day in The Life!

[@Turtledove2009]

Was sort of envisioning that too, rather hoping that it would a reach a climax like a Day in The Life. Oh well. I'm still glad that they worked on it.

[@juancarlosgonzalezmartinez8793]

Right,...as in hey Jude...they could have left John's voice much cleaner at the beginning...plus it was perfectly possible to start at 80 bpm and gradually increase the speed up to 88 bpm .

[@jerrymorrow1023]

It's really a John solo track.

[@chrislrenaud]

If you listen in and around George’s acoustic guitar you can hear some leakage from an earlier Ringo drum part that was much more Sgr. Peppery.

[@tonysmith4602]

I agree. I thought the acoustic guitar playing at the beginning was too much. But it's still a great song and amazing to hear Lennon's voice.

[@Marian87]

I think these changes are fine because this is a Beatles a version of a John Lenon demo. They rarely came into the studio with a finished song that the other members didn't add their touches to. Though it would be nice to also have finished version of these demos in John's style.

[@theUnicornOfPower]

I feel grateful that we have this song. It makes me happy to know that a Beatles single was released during my lifetime. I was very young when "Free as a Bird" and "Real Love" came out, so I wasn't really aware of what was happening. But now, I can truly appreciate the magical moment.

[@maryannlockwood7806]

I agree. I was just dating my future husband when the anthology was released. I was 27. Now I’m in my mid 50s & I’m still very thankful for whatever I can get. I was only two years old when they broke up so to me this is like unbelievable.😊😢

[@akadros310]

I am in my 50s born something like 2 weeks after Let it Be was released. So Even though I am older than you, I have only had the same three new songs released in my lifetime. I wish this one was being released with another Anthology like series instead of the Red and Blue albums rereleases. Owning all their albums, I just have no need for best of compilations especially with the Beatles when nearly every song they recorded was great.

[@danielcalvocamacho4538]

I like it a lot. Paul and Ringo did their best, with the technology available and considering now they are half the band. Glad they released this new, last Beatle song!

[@IsaacWale2004]

John's original demo nearly makes me cry and I can't exactly explain why.

[@DarthRevan182]

They did a lot to evoke the feelings from older Beatles songs already. Worked really well

[@johnentwistle952]

lennon's demo has great potential to be another introspective song like "look at me" maybe arranged in the minimal raw style of the white album.. but listening to this i think it got pretty lost. so I stick with the demo.

[@user-kt4km9df3f]

I think the fact that we got a final Beatles song, with the 2 remaining Beatles still alive and were able to come together one last time for a song using parts they recorded from 1995 and 2022 is something magical. We can say that the Beatles got together one last time and we were all a witness to it in history.

[@prettyshinyspaghetti8332]

I feel like the "I don't wanna lose you" bit could've been used as a bridge before the final verse, sorta like the "I'm in love for the first time" in Don't Let Me Down which originally was the verse in Lennon's original demo. It added an emotional urgency, which could've been the same case here

[@zingpulse4138]

Full “I don’t want to lose you” Extended Version here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGLKZWmXfL6noKs

[@elbapo7]

I agree completely. It's a great part

[@apollomemories7399]

Coulda, woulda, shoulda. The track had to be around a certain length so the throw in "everything and the kitchen sink" concept was kicked out to touch. It had to be edited and it was, very successfully.

[@ericlee303]

In my opinion the song is perfect. I never listen to The Beatles but this is one of the best songs I've ever heard. John's demo is just that, a demo, a collection of ideas that probably would work but don't have to if you find something better. I would not change this song one bit, not even a single note

[@PineVinyl]

This is a great service you’ve done, answered all my questions and made me appreciate it more

[@Derekstefan]

As a Beatles fan, I found it very emotional and I think the song played to that. Such a lovely song and I am sure there will be fan made versions of this that will include more Beatles elements. I'm more than happy for this to be the final song.

[@Just-Tony]

"Now and then, I miss you" is probably exactly how most Beatles fans feel when John or George cross our mind, and while it could be just put down to coincidence or people reading into it or whatever, I think it's just another example of the "magic" of The Beatles that goes beyond coincidence... I'm not religious or spiritual or anything like that, but I've always thought there was just something almost supernatural happening when those four particular people got together to make music.

[@Gfp1995]

Forget about the fans, imagine how Paul and Ringo feel making this song in the modern day

[@dwaynemcallister7231]

Good point@@Gfp1995

[@ManubibiWalsh]

This is why I choose to interpret this song both as a message from the Beatles to each other (and especially from John to Paul but also from Paul to John), and also as a message from the fans and collaborators to the Beatles.

[@PeterGrenader]

The final production is a touching tribute to their lost brothers and a technical marvel that it even exists.

[@khristophertanase3324]

I had tears in my eyes when I first heard this. Couldn't agree more!

[@SunnyMills]

Ahh… This breakdown is too cool, I appreciate you making this video so much. I cry every time I hear this song. The Beatles are just so special.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thanks 😊

[@sewage1510]

Is it really that difficult to comprehend why Paul felt the tempo needed to be increased just a bit? It was the perfect production decision, especially when considering what they composed for the arrangement. Drums, bass, rhythm guitars, orchestra, vocal harmonies... when you put all those components together it is a no-brainer that the tempo needed to be just a bit faster in order to give the needed energy for it to work with that style of arrangement. The whole point was that the song needed to represent the *Beatles* as an ensemble and not John Lennon as the solo performer and I think it was absolutely pitch perfect. So, so happy Paul and Ringo decided to gift the world with one last timeless treasure.

[@livvy94]

Well-said! That's so interesting!

[@indianajb1953]

I agree.!

[@mikepapahotel]

You nailed it! 😊👌🏻

[@Rudenbehr]

I disagree

[@mundasmusic48]

Yes I disagree too! This song could have just stayed piano and strings and had that slow emotional tempo

[@kingb4381]

The Eleanor Rigby backing vocals are found on in the second half of both choruses and Here, There & Everywhere is found in the first half of the second chorus. All three backing vocals are found in the bridge. An easy way to distinguish the vocals are the sounds being sung. The "Oooos" come from Here, There & Everywhere. The loud and sharp "Aaahs" come from Eleanor Rigby. And the softer, more breathy "Aaahs" come from Becasue.

[@PierreStJohn]

The craziest thing of all is that the song was originally called I Don't Wanna Lose You, and that was just the section they took out. It is even said that one of the reasons George didn't want to finish it was because Paul wanted to rebuild it. In addition to everything, on the cassettes where John recorded the demos he said "to Paul". This is very strange. In my opinion, the arrangement was quite simple and far from as artistic and creative as Free as a Bird was, for example.

[@liquemascis]

And George would have been right.

[@Hellyeahray21]

The pre chorus was arguably the best part of the song.. shame Paul didn't see it but what is done is done

[@pepper0075]

George refused to work on it because the audio quality was way too poor

[@robbedontuesday]

@@Hellyeahray21 Paul is himself a shame.

[@otxrumi3725]

@@robbedontuesdaysays the scrub on youtube who has accomplished jack shit 😂😂

[@sunking2001]

Either way it is a beautiful touching song. So far...the world seems to see it that way. The finished product is already considered to be a masterpiece. As a 70 yo true Beatles fan...the song has reached deep within my soul...created some tears...and gave me newer overall appreciation for the "greatest band that will ever be"...and I witnessed it from the very beginning! It doesn't get any better than that!

[@brisiplays3899]

I often times find myself singing the final version aloud, and I think that is because something about it just has that catchiness to it. It sticks with you.

[@cdprince768]

I think they tried to preserve some of John's original vision while updating it to a contemporary sound. I'm not too bothered by whatever choices they made, because I wasn't expecting vintage Beatles; just a respectful tribute to their lost brother and a final goodbye to the world.

[@gorgolyt]

Not sure I'd describe applying classic Beatles production to a song from 1977 counts as modernising it.

[@dannygibor]

I think @cdprince768 was referring to the modern sound that you hear and not to the arrangement. It's The Beatles but the istruments and sound production is totally 2023.

[@FranciscoRomero-r5j]

Brothers

[@tbird81]

It's just a cash grab.

[@FranciscoRomero-r5j]

@@tbird81 because they need money sooooo bad 😆

[@uovocosmico]

Beatles always loved changing time in their records. I mean, John would have approved

[@leafbelly]

I honestly wish people would quit saying this. We have no idea what John would've thought. As a matter of fact, John hated almost everything he did. lol

[@brucetowell3432]

Many of Johns best tunes had multiple changes of time signature, Paul of course had a few but not nearly as many as John. Of course the master of time changes was the late great Burt Bacharach!!!

[@strikerbowls791]

​@@leafbelly Paul confirmed John would approve this

[@purplehaze1274]

Speeding up the song was the right choice, removing the pre chorus was not, it should have been the used as the bridge.

[@tripleg2513]

@@purplehaze1274 It was just so unfinished and didn't really fit the context of the song. The lyrics felt more filler to me than the rest of it. I don't think they could have made it sound coherent with how unfinished it was. I think they made the right choice in changing it. It's not the first time something like this has happened during production.

[@philipkudrna5643]

Rick Beato speaks in his analysis of now and then about the fact that only now AI has allowed them to single out John Lennon‘s voice from the Piano track. So it‘s a 50 year old cassette recording of John’s voice, a thirty year old George Harrison Guitar Solo and a „modern“ (even AI) contribution, using current contributions of Ringo and Paul arranged by the Son of the original Beatles arranger. And I think that is what makes this song special, apart from the fact that it has some capstone touch to it (similar to Johnny Cash‘s „Hurt“).

[@scottread]

Yeah, but Rick also said in reference to this track that "some things are best left undone", so while he's often spot on, he isn't immune from saying daft things from time to time too.

[@robbedontuesday]

@@scottread I have to agree with Rick on this one.

[@apollomemories7399]

Actually a 45 year old vocal and a rhythm guitar only from George, as Paul played the new slide. Perhaps you've missed the fact that Giles Martin has been involved with every Beatle release since 2015, as he's remxed everything released since then. His father, in fact, did very little arranging and spent 95% of time on overseeing production. Johnny Cash didn't write "Hurt" and was given it to sing by his producer at the end of several years of recording dozens of other songs all written by other people. Cash didn't even know the song Hurt at all. Quite how you consider it a capstone is odd as it appeared on Volume 4 of his American Recordings series and superceded by the posthumous American V: A Hundred Highways. And this new Beatles track is also "posthumous". There's no correlation here whatsoever with Cash's Hurt.

[@noahsimulated6124]

@@apollomemories7399everyone that isnt a nerd considers hurt cash’s last song regardless of whether it was or not

[@apollomemories7399]

@@noahsimulated6124 This "everyone" that you wish to speak on behalf of are utterly clueless. Well done on highligting your standards of accuracy at remedial level. Read my post again, s l o w l y and try and work out what it was that I'd said.

[@mikem922]

David I just have to say a big thanks for setting out the changes in such detail. It was utterly fascinating as some of this may otherwise go unnoticed by many including me.

[@TheStudio-it2bf]

Beautiful...I started playing the guitar at 12, learning Beatles songs. Thank you, Paul, Ringo and John.

[@thesuncollective1475]

It's bitter sweet. To hear another Beatles song but also a reminder of what we lost.

[@zingpulse4138]

The “I don’t want to lose you” pulls the verse forward from a fateful melancholy to a an actionable plea both in chord structure and words. The new bridge is great but this pre chorus should have been used at least once. I'm walking around humming the song and I automatically go into the “I don’t want to lose you” even though I've already heard the new version more than the demo. When A.I. improves enough an new extended cut is in order at around the 3:33 mark then the outro as it is.

[@mikelord9860]

I have a feeling that the pre-chorus was what bogged down the surviving 3 back in '95/'96, to where they could have thought it would be more trouble than it's worth.

[@hevytheghost5233]

One of the greatest Beatles songs to date. A legendary tribute.

[@alexbwillismusic]

Thanks for this awesome post. It brought chills to me the first time I heard Now and Then and it still does. I was lucky enough to be around to hear new Beatles songs when they were first released in the 60s. I have a very clear memory of hearing A Day In The Life for the first time and being completely blown away. I think it is very cool that everybody living in 2024 has a chance like that to hear a new Beatles song for the first time.

[@miken8368]

Glad someone made a video about the lost pre-chorus and tempo!! The pre-chorus tied the song together better.

[@robtgoldstein]

The Beatles frequently changed the tempo of the way their songs were originally written. What they did with Now and Then makes it a beautiful Beatles song.

[@paulbadoo9326]

They took out the best part. That meandering pre chorus is IMHO what made the song actually work. It's as if in Lucy in the sky with diamonds they took out the "cellophane flowers" section and went straight into the chorus.

[@avrilpierssene]

I think the new version is brilliant with the more upbeat tempo just the right pace, the changes in key so rich and varied contributing to the mood with its intermittent reference to the pain of loss contrasting with the gratitude of something gained, the familiar strong Ringo beat on the drums keeping it moving, the varied texture of the different instruments giving it depth, but above all else, the clear sound of John's beautiful voice brought back to life, reminding us of that wonderful Beatles sound. I was living in Liverpool the year that the Beatles split up and it's incredible to hear that unique sound once again over half a century later. Well done, the Beatles!

[@tamas_fims]

Now and then I miss you..the delivery of that gives me goosebumps it's easily the most beautiful part of the song.

[@mikewalsh1402]

All I know is, to take a demo by John, to the finished music video, is nothing short of amazing!

[@romster8469]

i think they didn't like the lyric "abuse you" that's why they scrapped the whole section

[@alanwebbguitar]

An absolutely incredible analysis between the demo and the final version of the song!

[@janicechobaniuk4632]

I didn't know but it is very interesting to know about that insert of other Beatle harmonies. I always find your infor and comments very thoughtful and informative.

[@ТаЛя-й8е]

thanks. the final version is bitter-sweetly beautiful

[@izzybellx]

I think this song is brilliantly finished by the three remaining members of The Beatles. It was adapted to be a farewell ballad by them and it was the perfect tribute to John and George, and the perfect choice to end an exceptional Era. 😔 Thank you John, Paul, George and Ringo for the music. You are and will always be in our hearts. 🧡

[@MysticHeather]

I fully agree 💜

[@Michael_Jopling]

​@jaredbaratta8589George Harrison worked on it 90s as well. Has his guitar parts on the song.

[@captaincrunch5201]

I'd always thought that the Beatles comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. John and George are now sadly departed of course. So who are these remaining three members?

[@bassmanpedro1]

@@captaincrunch5201 As Michael_Jopling has already said, George played the guitar parts in the '90s. When they produced Real Love and Free as a Bird, it wasn't possible at that time to separate John's vocal from the piano on Now and Then. It is now, so Paul and Ringo have used George's guitar parts from then to create what you hear now in the final production. Therefore, three members not just two.

[@maximtrickett]

I appreciate the desire to want to have more Beatles motifs present within the song like a mellotron or some sitar or brass etc (especially considering this song acts as a kind of victory lap for the band and could've been a kind of overture). But there was also definitely a danger of it just becoming a hodgepodge of too many ideas from too many songwriters writing decades apart from one another. I also understand the desire to keep the mournful tone of John's demo, and I think I prefer it over the tone of the new version, but I also think that by that point in his career John wasn't writing 'Beatles songs' anymore, and clearly they had to make an effort to make the song sound 'more Beatles' than what John had actually recorded. I think it was essentially an impossible task to make it the perfect 'final Beatles song' (most artists aren't able to give themselves a fitting send-off when all their members are alive and active in the industry!), but they did a good job with it and I will listen to 'Now and Then', um, now and then. Although I wish everything in the mix had a bit more space to breathe - it seems a bit soupy at points. Maybe we will get alternate mixes in the coming weeks/months. Who knows.

[@mikepeligro]

Yes indeed. The mix sounds soupy and too busy. I preferred a mix that's a bit sparse yet dynamic

[@harrydance1969]

By dropping the line “ I’m losing you/I don’t want to lose you” (it’s original title) changes the fundamental meaning of the line “now and then I miss you”. He is IN a relationship but feels his partner is becoming estranged and he misses their previous intimacy which makes the lyric “now and then I miss you” a very powerful lyric. It has now become a twee past tense sentiment. All that said the “new” song is powerful and takes you on a journey.

[@NickSBailey]

Paul McCartney has always been very twee and the contrast to John's cynicism and sarcasm was always a good balance but as you say that's been lost here, I can see why they changed it, not a bad effort definitely could have been worse

[@MrWarmas]

Its so good what they did as a final chapter , gracias por la explicacion

[@blancalezama409]

Thank you!! You are music knowledgeable and clever.... I know little of music, but I have loved the Beatles the major part of my life, I am 73. I can't but to be greteful and happy for this happening....

[@fnjesusfreak]

Honestly, to those ranting about the bridge... it was an unfinished song, and unfinished songs do go through changes.

[@ri-engameplay6915]

2:46 i always heard him say "That i love you"

[@RobyMBeki]

I think that it's the exact thing he said. ❤😊

[@iamyearning]

David, don't you think the chord progression during the solo is actually adapted from the "bridge"? Although it's transposed to C, the first ten bars follow the identical progression of ii-I-ii-I-iii. From here, there are some McCartney-esque modulations, but the progression eventually lands as well on the same concluding chord. If you listen carefully, you can also hear nods to the bridge's melody in the string section - for example, try to catch "I don't want to lose you" around the 2:38 mark.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Nice observations! Very well spotted. The fact the chords have been brought into the same key of the verse though does remove a lot of the character and charm of what John originally wrote but it is really cool to see how they have still woven in a few elements from that missing section. 😊

[@hisham_hm]

@@DavidBennettPiano I felt that the transposition used in the slide guitar solo section was very reminiscent of the one from Real Love. I feel weird using this descripiton, but it has a.... "90s Beatles" vibe to it. :)

[@MrTheBaron]

I did try humming "I don't wanna lose you" to the chords of the solo, and it sorta fits.

[@tockita]

Thank you for pointing this out!! I can enjoy the song even more than I already did!

[@chetruane]

i added the bridge back in! videos on my channel :)

[@lunchboxes1098]

They made the change so they can uplift his voice and piano. They don’t make changes for no reason. What ever they do it’s for a good reason. It’s amazing!

[@guuskok4920]

Thank you David for this wonderful analysis and yes you're quite accurate in this. Glad somebody put up these comments.

[@mr.madventures]

This song has definitely split everyone. It took a few listens to start enjoying the new song. But the music video makes it work all the way. It really makes you think about how valuable life is. The Beatles and their music will live on way beyond time. Music is indeed universal. These projects allow all 4 Beatles to get together in the best way possible and contribute with each other again. Even if it's just for a little while. ❤️

[@joeland87]

I think it’s perfect. I feel like the “I don’t want to lose you.” Pre chorus section belongs to a completely different song. And with only Paul and Ringo left to finish it, I feel like what they did was all they could do to keep it a Beatles song. Any more arrangements or added instruments and it would have been all Paul and a splash of the others.

Bingo!!!!👍

[@jotwee63]

Exactly!

[@robertbritton5962]

We are very lucky to hear this new recording, and the inputs from Paul, George & Ringo, plus the strings, enhance it for me. Thank you Paul for your perseverance in delivering Now & Then. I never thought I would hear it completed, in my lifetime. Fab.

[@ashergladstone1]

At about 2:37 in the song, during the new bridge/solo section, very subtly in the mix, a piano plays the "I don't want to lose you" melody from the demo pre-chorus.

[@gumbycat5226]

One of the best things about Now and Then is the outro. Missing the first pre-chorus means we don't get the connection to All I Really Want To Do, which no doubt was intentional on John's behalf.

[@R4rd]

Even in the 60's, the Beatles would endlessly add, change and remove parts to and from recordings in order to make the perfect song. I bet if John had come up with this demo somewhere in the 60's, odds are the pre-chorus might still have been removed before release if Paul for example had felt that way. So to me, it's a classic full-on Beatles song in every sense of the word.

[@joaquinsandoval5370]

exactly. For example, I'm Looking Through You had a whole section removed and a new one added if you compare the anthology version to the official release at the time. It's a very Beatles thing to happen.

[@mikehenson819]

I heard this first thing this morning, and I found it absolutely beautiful. I love what they did and frankly think John and George would be very pleased as well. It was the perfect opus to complete their body of work and lives. It brought me to tears. And that was far more than I expected.

[@elfhaiku]

I found your video very interesting, having listened to the final version of Now and Then a number of times. Understanding the creative decisions they made to produce the song in it's current form makes it even more meaningful to me. Thank you!

[@Thomasringpetersen]

The 3/4 move in the end is used in so many Beatles songs so for me it Feels soothing to end it all with that❤

[@multimusic_yt]

Paul's additional of "will love you" in that part just gives a whole different meaning to the song in a very positive way

[@IfUfindthisURlost]

I thought that line was pretty much already there in the demo. No great stretch.

[@tbird81]

He's always sappy and boring.

[@Ratelzwatel]

Yes, the "finished" version omits one of the three sections of Lennon's sketch. I don't wanna lose you, oh no, no, no Abuse you or confuse you Oh no, no, no, sweet darlin' But if you have to go away If you have to go, doo doo doo... It's just... gone! And I can't unhear it!

[@zedxxx9]

@Ratelzwatel - Have you heard this cover version that includes the missing section? kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmrOfpqKm5Kdqpo ? Very well done in my opinion, and from 12 years ago.

[@rlsfrny]

It doesn't fit. It's nice, but it just doesn't fit. It reduces the song to a plaintive yearning for Yoko. What Paul and Ringo completed is a universal tribute to their lost mates, John and George. Much deeper, much more poignant.

[@zedxxx9]

@@rlsfrny -- It fits musically, and maybe John was also yearning for Paul and the Beatles days.... and it doesn't even matter who the words were directed towards. The official version of the song lacks the magic that that the cover version has, both because of the missing section and the fact that the cover artists made more of an attempt to make it sound Beatlesque. Great Rickenbacker bass licks, for example.

[@hisham_hm]

Love the bpm change: it's Ringo's stamp on the song! Honestly, bpm changes, dropping sections, etc. it's all those things that make it a band effort.

[@lordsirnoelmanchester3592]

That's how music evolve over the years it has come with different flavor to it to sustain from the changing times.

[@monicawylie3985]

I literally shed tears hearing this the first time. It was even more beautiful and touching than the twos songs released during the 90s from their Anthology

[@gustavorincon1640]

This song is very good I think, I don't understand some of the comments since this was their choice and it fits just right, no wasted notes, no disrespect, the arrangements are very good and service the song, the parts left out didn't work together and I suspect that was the issue with this track from the beginning. But you can feel the lyrics and the sentimental value they had. It is what it is and I'm glad it exist

[@robbedontuesday]

They actually did not need to chose anything. They totally desacrated John's song... It is a dull and disrespectful manipulation, like Paul always did and keeps on doing.

[@spoddie]

@@robbedontuesday If it was so great why wasn't it on Double Fantasy?

[@robbedontuesday]

@@spoddie why should it? We cannot ask John now...

[@spoddie]

@@robbedontuesday Then stop being offended on behalf of John.

[@robbedontuesday]

@@spoddie offended? Just stating the facts. You are offended and cannot handle the truth. That is why you attack me instead of exposing your opinions.