Hip Hop Fan's First Listen of "Blackbird" By The Beatles (Reaction)

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[@stevevasell429]

Yes! Great reaction. As a Beatles fan going back to watching them on the Ed Sullivan show on tv in 1964 to the present day, i love seeing your astute analyses. For a Lennon experience check out " Tomorrow Never Knows ".

[@woverby1963]

Absolutely, Tomorrow never knows is a mind blower, a must listen.

[@Kos0818]

But McCartney has a lot to do with the backdrop which makes it even more innovative and psychedelic so it’s both of there’s not just Lennon’s song.

[@slipnslide9308]

One thing to remember the Beatles did everything before any of them were 30 yrs old.

[@jonm1114]

As other commenters have pointed out, McCartney can do "dark" when he wants to. If you want to hear a real heartbreaker, listen to "For No One". It is credited to Lennon and McCartney, but it was written by Paul McCartney, and I don't think I have ever heard any song that is more despondent than "For No One". "Eleanor Rigby" is another McCartney song that is, melodically, achingly beautiful, but, at the same time, it is, lyrically, a heart wrenching tragedy.

[@jamesswindle5253]

For No One is a classic what seems to be forgot about. Maybe because it is despondent. Beautiful song

[@RadCenter]

"She's Leaving Home" is a tear-jerker, too.

[@teresakoslosky3053]

You can’t do wrong with the Beatles!! Each song special in there own way!! Go down the Beatles rabbit hole, you will never be the same. They were who we all trusted and listened too!!! Back in the day when music was a message!!!

[@steveullrich7737]

Well said, their later songs did indeed have messages that our generation was attuned to.

[@methampheminist]

You should definitely listen to their song “Across The Universe” it was written by Lennon and as a fan of rap, I think you’ll appreciate his lyrics and writing!

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

Yes. That's the song I am having played as I go through the final curtain. For all we know, across the universe is exactly where we go. All those billions of stars might be everyone who ever lived and died? The Beatles loom large in my funerary rites. It's my last hurrah and I intend to have the best music and a fab after party (or wake, as some call it). There will be tea, coffee, single malt and the best weed that can be got at the time. Book early to avoid disappontment!

[@patticrichton1135]

You are correct when you mentioned about racial tension. Paul DID write this about 2 black girls ("birds" was/is Liverpool slang for "girl") who were part of the "Little Rock Nine" who were students who enrolled in all white Little Rock Central High School in 1957. After one of his concerts in 2016 he finally MET those 2 black women who inspired him to write Blackbird. There is a photo of them posing with Paul, on line. The women's names are Thelma (Mothershed) Wair, and Elizabeth Eckford. SO it was definitely about the segregation in the South in the '50s, and the struggles that took place at that time.

[@SyedRewinds]

WOW awesome info Patti thanks for the comment!

[@patticrichton1135]

@@SyedRewinds Thanks! I made a typo in my comment above. I orignally said "1967" for the "Little Rock Nine", it was 1957, so I corrected it after coming here to watch your reaction again, and saw that I hit the "6" instead of the "5" Sorry! You mentioned that you didn't see anyone singing along in the crowd, and that in hip hop people do sing along. During Paul's 1976 tour, which you are watching here, I attended the Detroit concert. I was 29 then. I have been to 14 more Paul McCartney concerts since '76 up to 2018. At every one of those concerts I attended Paul always performed "Black Bird" and "Yesterday." He performs BOTH with just him on acoustic guitar, and so we are quiet while he is performing. Many of us will MOUTH the words but not sing out loud. But for the rest of the songs in his concerts the crowd IS singing along, especially on "HEY JUDE" which is another "staple" at every concert he has ever done. I posted a link of two performances of Hey Jude above. The first is Paul live in concert in Hyde Park in London in 2010. PLEASE watch the entire video, and you will see what the crowd is doing. The second one is the video of the Beatles in 1968 performing "HEY JUDE" on the "DAVID FROST SHOW" in London (and was also shown in the U.S. on "THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS SHOW."

[@normandavidtidiman9918]

It has to be taken in context. McCartney may well have originally wrote it for that reason, but he hasn't always claimed that,it's a much more recent thing. Plus the Beatles very rarely wrote songs with deep meaning like that. Bear in mind too that Charles Manson tried to interpret songs from the White Album with devastating results, including Blackbird, that had nothing to do with their actual meaning. Piggies, Helter Skelter etc

[@ewest14]

@@normandavidtidiman9918It’s not a recent thing. There is audio on KZbin of a private conversation between Paul and Donovan in 1968 where Paul says the song is about the Civil Rights Movement

[@rocketred55555]

The crowd silence was the best they could do to show utter respect for the man, the song and the performance. Nobody wanted to miss a note of the moment.

[@jonasrmb01]

How the crowd behaves during an acoustic song performance like this does not represent the atmosphere or behaviour while an actual rock song is being played

[@loosilu]

Especially at a McCartney show!

[@mr.nicely9145]

some say the Beatles made the 1st heavy metal tune. and it's on the white album. Helier Skelter . oh yeah , McCartney wrote it. From Blackbird to Helter Skelter...... who does that ?

[@bencarlson4300]

The later Beatles albums go from traditional rock to folksy blues to jaunty piano pieces to somber soft rock/pop with some hard rock and the occasional experimental acid trip song thrown in for good measure. Crazy amount of diversity, especially for the time.

[@randylee9705]

I've seen Paul live twice. People respect some songs with silence, and others, everyone rocks out. I am a hard core Rocker who grew up in the 70's. I hold The Beatles in a different category. There will never be another band like that ever again.

[@stephenqualtrough7322]

McCartney can do " dark " as well with lyrics like Yesterday and Eleanor Rigby but nothing is as dark as Lennon on his original Plastic Ono album with songs like Working Class Hero and Isolation - the pain is tangible

[@papercup2517]

Paul is a very versatile songwriter and performer. He could melt your heart with something as delicate and profound as Blackbird, then scream his lungs out in in a hard rock number like Helter Skelter. Do have a listen to that one if you like your music dark, hard and heavy. He also excelled at straight rock & roll covers, like Long Tall Sally or Kansas City - any of the older (usually B&W film) live performances of these from the early 60s will blow you away!

[@monovision566]

Musically, Paul was often darker. Lyrically, John was often darker. So it depends how you resonate. People who like darkness worn on the sleeve, raw and honest, might prefer John… But people who go for something more wistful in its melancholy, more deep behind the façade, then Paul is your guy.

[@brovold72]

well put!

[@scottschienmann8461]

The White Album doesn't really have psychedelic songs on it like pepper and mystery tour. it's more of an eclectic blend of heavy rock, rock and roll, and acoustic numbers. And then there is Revolution 9.....

[@wpl8275]

I don't think separating John and Paul is a good idea. To me the reason they titled every song Lennon/McCartney was to make sure they were always joined together. Sharing credits forever. The real problem lies in people trying to separate them. Paul and Linda seen as good. John and Yoko seen as bad. To me that is just disgusting. Their lives were much more nuanced than that. They shared a friendship that went beyond the band's breakup.

[@margaritakmp]

I think you'd be blown away by Happiness is a Warm Gun or Helter Skelter. However!!! I also think you have really interesting takes and would like to see you react to all their albums!

[@fayesouthall6604]

Happiness is a warm gun is brilliant. White Album is my personal favourite.

[@barrycowan3540]

There are few things in this world that you could say are perfect - this song is one of those few.

[@Lead_67]

Your insight and ability to articulate with such granular detail is very much appreciated. Great listening to you.

[@beverlyoyarzun3326]

There’s an interesting interview with Donovan Leitch about teaching Lennon and McCartney a particular technique of guitar fingerpicking called the “Carter scratch”. Out of those lessons came “Dear Prudence” from John and “Blackbird” from Paul.

[@iainprendergast8311]

Don’t go into whether Lennon or McCartney was dark or light skip past that and just listen to the music and enjoy it

[@brianfisher6165]

fyi, typically at a rock show everyone who knows the words sings👍👍👌👌✌✌😁😁

[@darlenehaight7593]

It’s great to see someone turn on to the Beatles. I remember listening to Do You Want to Know a Secret as a young child during a mid 60’s road trip, & I’ve been a fan ever since! No one can touch the Beatles musically & not many can come close lyrically (except Dylan of course). I saw Paul in concert with my 50 year best friend 8 years ago & he was still FAB! She died a few years later but I’ll always remember her being happy at the concert, just breathing the same air as Paul. Next month I turn 65 & I’m now teaching my 2 newest great grands, 3 months & 15 months, to love the lads. You should see my 15 mo old ggranddaughter dance to their rockers - she’s a “mocker” for sure! (Ref. A Hard Days Night film)

[@stephenqualtrough7322]

Great memory of this as I was there at the Liverpool Empire when he performed this live in 1975. Up until then he did not previously go there with Beatles songs . I so loved this concert that when he returned the show to London for a final 3 performances in 1976.( Wings over London) I was there for the final night. This is one of my treasured memories. The Wembley Pool arena was a massive barn of a place but I had a good seat with Paul Iin good sight. Man , when you heard the opener to this you could have heard a pin drop. The auditorium was hushed as we hung on to every last note. It was magic magic ,magic. He preceded it with Yesterday. His band had retired for a 2 song breather but Paul sat in a special chair and gave us a performance I will remember for forever. So special being able to witness this and also Yesterday played in front of eyes and ears

[@edgarsnake2857]

Say Hey Syed, As always, your comments are thoughtful and right on the money. As far as the crowd quieting down, it's simply because in order to hear one man with a guitar and an intimate song, it's best to quiet down. There was plenty enough crowd participation at Beatles concerts. Because acoustic music shows are a more introspective genre people just listen. I was at a McCartney show where all 30,000 people sang along for most of the show. But for 'Yesterday' and 'Blackbird' in particular the crowd quieted and marveled at the great man singing his great songs. Quiet moments to savor. Appreciate you, man. Thanks for your observations on all the music you listen to.

[@andrewcrowder4958]

Wishing you well whatever you are doing, brother. If you can’t do this anymore, please consider writing reviews. You have a strong voice.

[@B.R.0101]

Nice reaction, especially because this is a concert performance, you didn't choose the album version, but I'd say I wish you'll listen to the album version btw. Lennon and McCartney were like a ☯ even alone, but together they were a real deal in order to charge each others in any moment! If you wamt to listen something to know the opposite Lennon's sides you can go with: This Boy, Revolution, Revolution 9, Good night, Julia, Dear Prudence, She's so heavy, Across the universe, Happiness is a warm gun. With McCartney: Helter Shelter, Mother Nature's son, For no one, She's a woman, I've got a feeling, let it be, the long and winding road, back in the ussr, Got to get you into my life and soooo many other songs (And check Wings band obviously, because MCCARTNEY even here was so amazing!!). Cheers!!

[@kathleensmith3555]

you mentioned if Lennon wrote any simple and light tunes -- Beautiful Boy came immediately came to my mind -- and I think Imagine is hopeful and uplifting too --

[@narlycat]

if you want something dark from McCartney then try: Helter Skelter. And John Lennon's songwriting skills on: Imagine.

[@mike-mz6yz]

helter skelter isn't dark? well unless you include the Manson family element McCartney has dark songs for sure though

[@Tijuanabill]

I have no idea where you heard that backstory, but this song is about the civil rights movement in the US, according to Paul.

[@garrideb]

Although in general I agree you could see John and Paul as a dark and light duo, John could be incredibly hopeful. As other commenters have mentioned, he wrote "Imagine", and also "Give Peace a Chance". He and Yoko asked themselves what they -- as two individuals -- could do to encourage governments to end the war in Vietnam, and decided that they would try to make everyone think about peace as much as possible. What peace meant and what it could look like. When magazines, newspapers, and tv stations asked for photographs and interviews, they would take the chance to talk about peace. They even invited photographers and reporters into their hotel room on their honeymoon. The media happily came, hoping for some salacious tabloid fodder, but instead found John and Yoko staging a mini peace protest in their bed.

[@jeffmartin1026]

The audience being quiet/not singing along to this song is simple respect for the artist and his art. I don't think anyone would dare sing along with Paul on this song. Believe me, he has plenty of songs to sing along with, this simply isn't one of them.

[@teresakoslosky3053]

I love Paul’s guitar playing! He is memorizing and hypnotic live!! It’s great respect!! He was a Beatle and a huge mega music star in every way!!

[@reddevil3387]

Paul is playing piano on this tract. George is the acoustic guitar. Just the two of them. The guitar part is very difficult, requiring fingering changes on every note/chord. I tried and couldn't get it.

[@patticrichton1135]

@@reddevil3387 No that is NOT true. There is NO piano on Blackbird, never was., It's just Paul on acoustic guitar and he is quite capable of playing the "difficult" guitar part. It is just Paul on the acoustic guitar in this 1976 concert Syed is watching and Paul has performed Blackbird in all of the 15 live concerts I have attended, just Paul on acoustic. I have never ever heard a piano on Blackbird done by the Beatles or Paul.

[@captainsplifford]

My dad used to play this on the guitar and sing when I was a little kid, and it was always one of my favorite things in the world.

[@foxandscout]

What a beautiful thing. Kudos to your dad.

[@jimcarlson6157]

I saw this tour in Seattle. it was a fabulous show. my first solo trip from Canada as a teen, too.

[@mikefetterman6782]

Watching any of the Beatles is like watching or hearing the pinnacle. A true god of music. A Dionyses. It is mesmerizing and there is no better. Ever.

[@mikefetterman6782]

Lennon's strengths were word play, and imagery. McCartney was more into melody and getting those tunes stuck in your head all day.

[@TrianglesAndCircles]

Sir Paul McCartney, yes he was Knighted, timeless in sound and story, has learned, mastered, and mentored.

[@nonrepublicrat]

"Knighting" is bullshit. Such nonsense means nothing. You think you need to call him "Sir." lol

[@georgegwoolston1730]

Give "Imagine" by John Lennon a listen if you want to see how hopeful he can be...Stay safe...be well...

[@jonasrmb01]

If you want a hopefull Lennon i would rather recommend his latest stuff like like Watching the Wheels, Just Like Starting Over or Hard Times Are Over

[@reinacarbetta388]

I’m rewatching this and wanted to point something out regarding the crowd reaction… After The Beatles split, they didn’t perform Beatles music in their solo careers for quite awhile. They wanted to distance themselves from it to establish their new paths. And not only that but because they had quit touring in ‘66, fans never saw them perform any of the later songs. So that’s why they’re so enthralled, happy and sad watching McCartney performing this (he also did Yesterday.) It makes me weepy and I wasn’t alive for The Beatles and was a baby at the end of Wings. BTW, I’d love for you to review the Wings Over America concert (Rock Show.) F**k, it’s fantastic and demonstrates Paul’s brilliance! The best-selling tour of the 70s. Love your reactions ❤

[@Alewifes_Husband]

A hopeful Lennon song that comes quickly to mind, is "War Is Over" from his post-Beatle days.

[@bobmessier5215]

Sometimes, The Beatles reverse the songwriting. A dark example of McCartney's work is "Helter Skelter". A light example of Lennon's work is "Across the Universe".

[@charliemac64]

People were enthralled by McCartney because he was one of the ordained ones...musical deity. Everyone in that audience grew up worshipping this guy. The girls in the audience creamed their panties over this guy and his buddies. The guys in the audience wanted to be this guy. Yes...they were paying attention to a musician playing his music. Which is what you should do with someone who is playing music. ;)

[@ritchiec6317]

It's actually called The Beatles with white on white lettering. Fans couldn't see it, hence the name the white album

[@joegurto]

i am enjoying your reacting and analysis to the Beatles songs. the other songs are not really my style being a 60s child but that's simply my choice. I'm sure you will gain many followers for your Beatles reactions. There are a surprisingly large numbers of us of all ages and we really enjoy intelligent discourse and opinion rather than simply gasps and " oh my God"s Keep it up. and good luck with your channel.

[@johnbyrnes7912]

Lennon wrote Goodnight which Ringo sings as Lennon's version was lost! I think you've heard Ask Me Why and there's If I Fell , In My Life , Girl , Norwegian Wood and Across The Universe for Lennon ! Paul has too many such as Goodbye , She's Leaving Home (sung with John) and The Fool On The Hill to name a few! 🤡

[@christinefougere]

Paul wrote this song after witnessing the struggle for Civil Rights in the USA. “Those were the days of the civil rights movement, which all of us cared passionately about,” Paul said, “so this was really a song from me to a black woman, experiencing these problems in the States: ‘Let me encourage you to keep trying, to keep your faith, there is hope.’ As is often the case with my things, a veiling took place so, rather than say, ‘Black woman living in Little Rock,’ and be very specific, she became a bird, became symbolic, so you could apply it to your particular problem.” Revolution and While My Guitar Gently Weeps are also written about the black person's struggle in the USA.

[@RadCenter]

There are times when it's appropriate to sing along and times when it isnt', because it would spoil the moment (not to mention throwing off the performer's rhythm big time). You'll find both at McCartney's concerts. I believe he closes his concerts with "Hey Jude," and everybody joins him for the "Na-na-na-nas" at the end.

[@jamesscanlan6240]

I think Paul was writing about the civil rights movement. But, doesn't matter. Such a gorgeous melody which McCartney was a genius at. No one better.

[@edwardthorne9875]

I think there are one or two more Beatles songs you might check out. :) Oh, I don't know, just drop the needle.

[@antiqueinsider]

If you think that this is simple song then you should try to pay it properly on the guitar (including the harmonics)! Maybe try the version by Jose Feliciano, who shows how this is a masterpiece for a good guitarist!

[@stevedahlberg8680]

In terms of John Lennon writing something hopeful, you might be able to pry out a couple examples along the way, but what I find remarkable and tragic is that he went through a period in the mid 70s but with the help of yoko, he got his shit together and they had a kid and then in 1980 he released Double Fantasy, and because he was newly a father, there are so many brilliant songs on that album and most of them are hopeful. And then not long after, he got assassinated, sigh.

[@barbsmith5465]

As a lover of The Beatles I was so lucky to see Paul in person. The man gave us a three hour concert. It was just unbelievable. So as far as when you said crowd was quiet I to just sat there in unbelief. Blackbird was indeed about racial tension. The Beatles were supposed to do a concert and found out it was segregated. They wouldn't do it. They were mad as hell. Promoters changed their minds quickly. Keep listening to them.

[@Tricknologyinc]

This song was written and recorded at the biggest turn in racial relations in the United States at the end of the '60's. It is a metaphor of the imposed disadvantages and violence imposed on the black population that was constantly told to take it or leave it when anyone attempted to curb the oppression and abuse on them. It's a song that marks a point of recognition of their situation and some hope that they could now pick themselves up but still at best be free to suffer their scars and wounds but in the new hope of freedom plead for by the times.

[@Happyheretic2308]

Why read something into it that isn’t there?

[@Tricknologyinc]

@@Happyheretic2308 You: "I'm liiiiiiving in a literal world, And I am Just a literal girl"! The Beatles were all about the interactive space between art and the audience, but if you can't get the in your face references here, you should check your ASQ. I know mine's way higher than I ever imagined, but shit, even I get "TAKE THESE BROKEN WINGS AND FLY AWAY, YOU WERE ONLY WAITING FOR THIS MOMENT TO BE FREE"! DUH, son! Paul is never going to get up and say to the world, "HEY, HERE'S A SONG ABOUT BLACK PEOPLE! HERE"S A SONG FOR BLACK PEOPLE!" Beatles were always all about ambiguity and covert broad acceptance, by slipping you a little something on the sly, gettin' it by on The Man. In true Beatle Speak, "It's a song about underdogs and we've all felt that, but it's really just what you feel when you hear it..."...

[@Happyheretic2308]

@@Tricknologyinc “son”? Don’t make assumptions, pet. In any event, The Beatles were overrated, and did so love a bandwagon.

[@Tricknologyinc]

@@Happyheretic2308 Over rated? ROFL Let's hear your demo! ...Now feed me and take me out to crap on your lawn and pee in your sensible shoes!

[@normandavidtidiman9918]

That's a recent retcon that was never claimed at the time by anyone except Charlie Manson.

[@tonycasey3183]

Re crowd interaction, I used to work with this really grumpy guy who was also very funny. We went to see a local band one time and they did a couple of covers. The singer was trying to get people to sing along but my mate just sat there. A woman sitting next to him nudged him and said, "come on! Join in." to which he replied something like, "I paid money to listen to this bloke sing, not to come here and do his job for him." That was over thirty years ago and I still think of it every time I'm at a gig and the singer holds the mic out towards the audience.

[@fishhookism]

Lennon and McCartney could both write light and dark songs with ease.

[@KylieIsOverIt]

Fun Fact: Dave Grohl was asked to cover this song for the In Memoriam at the Oscars. He wanted to refuse because... McCartney. His daughter made him do it. #AllRockRoadsLeadToGrohl Related recommendation: Paul McCartney collaborated with the surviving members of Nirvana (Novoselic, Grohl and Smear) for the excellent documentary/soundtrack Sound City. Won a Grammy for the Cut Me Some Slack. You'll like it.

[@brucesorensen]

They had an agreement to give credit to both Lennon and McCartney even if it was written by one of them or both. So all songs written by one of them would be credited to both of them.

[@nigeltown6999]

"Imagine" is a beautiful and very hopeful song written by Lennon

[@howdyault7710]

That is NOT White Album...you should’ve heard to studio version

[@brianmarcus6005]

John Lennon's "Imagine" is the best song of hope.

[@thegoldenbandicoot]

Paul McCartney doing Ed Sheeran before Ed Sheeran. 'Yesterday' is an even better example.

[@FourApramanas]

Thank you for this. For a touch of the mystical involving a bird, you might like Peter Gabriel’s _Solsbury Hill_ (released in 1977, after he left the band Genesis where he had been lead singer). From Wikipedia: “The song uses a 7/4 time signature for the vast majority of the song. The last two measures of each chorus are in 4/4.” Lyrics are available on line (but are altered in some live performances; the “Back to Front” tour keeps the original lyrics but some of the singing is left to the audience). The song always leaves me smiling, both the theme and its almost ‘skipping-rhythm’.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Although the audience interaction thing is not about genres at all. Bands have always gotten audience involved. It's just that this was either a single song or a multi song kind of interlude to the whole band wings at a major concert. So you can bet they were working the audience for that and people were dancing and yelling and all that, but not during this quiet moment which is another common thing to do at shows and concerts. It just mixes it up and you get the best of both worlds and by the end of the show, you feel like you've been on this wonderful Journey with a whole bunch of other people at the exact same time and that you have connected with the band and they have connected with you. It's a wonderful feeling I know from experience having played in bands forever but the Beatles were definitely very good at all of that, from intimate moments to getting the crowd really going. And Paul McCartney and Wings was no different.

[@idiosyncraticmushroom3030]

Hey Syed, I would like to recommend you review a song called "Intrasport" by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. They're an Australian rock band who decided to dip their toes into some trippy hip hop, which I know is your like expertise, so I think you'd enjoy it. Another good song of yours for you to review is their song "Straw's In The Wind", which is very different.

[@hifijohn]

the opening guitar part is inspired by a bach bouree.

[@leh3625]

Wait, are we to believe that you've never heard this song before?

[@sourisvoleur4854]

One thing about singing along, is that Paul is swinging the song more than on the album, where he sings it in straight fours. So it would be harder to sing along.

[@zyxmyk]

it reeks of genius.

[@ibbotsoni]

Loving your Beatles' analysis. Would love to hear more.

[@davidwhite8220]

Though I can play this song on guitar (either as done or in picked version that I came up with in about 1976), I find it impossible to sing the "into the light" part at the same time. Paul has no trouble at all.

[@robertrouse4503]

The name of the album is "The Beatles" as it is a self-titled album. White Album is the commonly used alias because of the color of the album cover.

[@johnandrews3151]

Bad move to pick the live version. Many reaction channels have reacted to the original album version without ant problem. Thumbs Down!

[@SyedRewinds]

lol dont be such a downer John!

[@johnandrews3151]

I will be as I am without your approval.

[@Urlocaldisneyhater]

TOMORROW NEVER KNOWS from Revolver

[@slavaukraini404]

Yes, Lennon can could write anything in any genre as could McCartney. Both were genius. Together they were unbeatable. Listen to the song wars between them, Too Many People (McCartney) and How Do You Sleep? (Lennon). Brothers fighting, but they loved each other.

[@SyedRewinds]

together the pair are clearly unmatched. Hip Hops closest duo would be Outkast's Andre and Big Boi who are also great poets. Check out "Babylon" - Outkast if you ever get a chance

[@petergahan9076]

McCartney has said it (bird a British word for young women) refers to the Womens Lib movement, also around at the time.

[@loosilu]

He has also said it was specifically about the young black girls who were killed at a church bombing in the US. His stories change sometimes.

[@pegasus5287]

Within you without you

[@joebarry4669]

listen to Across the Universe, beautiful song by Lennon on Let it be.

[@presto709]

John could write hopeful songs too, Imagine being the most iconic. But you are right about the general dynamic. Paul explains in interviews how they would add to each other's songs. Paul adding a little hope and John maybe adding a little edge.

[@Quinctili]

I much prefer Tash Sultana doing "Blackbird, 7 layer sessions". followed by Tash doing "Jungle, bedroom concert".

[@BellaHikari]

The album is oficially called "The Beatles" but people called White bc of the cover. Its a rollercoaster of music styles. I recomend Happiness is a war gun bc of the beat changes, these album is filled with songs with stories, and was actually one of the beatles worst moments as a band. I mean, if Ringo left the band, that might have been worse than Let it Be/Get Back Sessions.

[@glenndespres5317]

4:21 That quiet crowd may not be a ‘difference between genres’ as you say. I was lucky enough to see Wings Over America in 76 and it was the absolute thrill to find out that McCartney was going to do actual Beatles songs that made the audience sit in awe, not wanting to miss a note of this quiet, reflective and meaningful song. There were plenty of other songs where the audience was singing loudly and happily along.

[@dalejohnson4256]

I have enjoyed The Beatles' music since they first appeared on the scene, and I have felt about the Lennon-McCartney duo just what you described above (dark and light), but never articulated it before. Great insight and comments -- good job!

[@bonya4585]

Try “Imagine” by John Lennon. You’ll find the light there too

[@ericwillison1389]

Generations before yours went to concerts to hear the musicians sing, not themselves. We realized that we could hear ourselves sing in the shower any day of the week. Please don't take my reference to your generation as a personal insult. You stand out as someone who would have fit into our generations.

[@drewcampbell8555]

Blackbird is one of McCartney's greatest composition, but his performance on the original album is better. The melody, though... wow. It swoops and soars in such a quiet, natural style it seems to follow thd song and even the flight of the bird. Astonishing.

[@jeanmyers1787]

Blackbird was written by Paul, I understand it was about racism in US. When Beatles toured US they refused to play at Jacksonville because it was segregated so for first time black people found themselves next to white people.

[@stevensabella7287]

The English call girls "birds" , so the track should be called Black Girl. in the future please do not do live cuts. Always go with the originals. Trust Me.

[@Markrealguy51]

I know it’s out of line but please try Kenny Rankin,a mellifluous voice,singing blackbird,same lyrics

[@fightingwords8955]

Check out Blackbird performed by Thunderstorm on The Voice and else where.

[@cliffhughes6010]

Listen to Lennon's Across the Universe, Give Peace a Chance or Happy Christmas War is Over. They are full of optimism.

[@robertboyd4220]

Since you often point out John’s being darker lyrically than Paul’s lyrics. You should listen to “It’s getting better all the time”. It’s mainly aPaul track, but John puts in a little b it of cynicism in there.

[@zyxmyk]

Lennon's version of this is also on the White Album, it's called, "Julia" and is about his mother and it'sthis song's equal. yep, the Beatles had two songwriting geniuses, that's why they were such a big deal.

[@ToeKnee-of2rc]

Sorry my friend. This is nothing to do with Blackbirds. Inspired by the Little Rock 9 its all about race and the Beatles taking a stand against discrimination and racism and refusing to perform at segregated concerts in the US south. A bird is English slang for a girl. Hope it makes sense now and shows its not just the music but the principles and ethics of the fab four.

[@simply_psi]

Nice reaction, but it was not The Beatles, this was Paul with his band after The Beatles called Wings. There are not many Beatles live performances you can hear properly as they were always drowned out by female fans screaming. This constant screaming was one of the reasons the Beatles stopped performing live, the other being their music became so complex with recording effects, Beatles playing multiple instruments on each song and over dubs etc that some songs would have been very hard to perform live with the tech available to them at the time.

[@mlong1958]

Some context for The Beatles. When they were touring on their first visit to America, they were scheduled to play in Florida to a segregated audience. They refused to play to a segregated audience and the venue finally relented and integrated the audience. From that day on, any contract they signed had a "no segregation" clause. They were dumbfounded that this was a thing in America.

[@alwaysblue1960]

Looking at what you've heard of the Beatles so far it's all the very early stuff,you will love what's to come and how their music progresses.

[@quietwoodworking]

Have you heard "Imagine" by John Lennon? This is one of the most hopeful songs ever written.

[@MrBenMorsch]

story of this song.... in the usa the black people were not aloud to come to the stadioum concert nexst to white people .In europe was this not a problem at all The Beatles were angry to hear that no black poeple were alouwd . en wanted te cancel the hole concert for that . this was thanged so black people can come to that concert . Paul wrote this song for that moment in mind so it is a protect song woman in Europa liverpool are named bird .. so black bird are black woman ....... waiting for this moment to arive black bird fly .

[@bonya4585]

Black Bird refers to black women trying to be free and find their voice. Brits referred to women an birds

[@SuperSuperswan]

For a lot of the people in the crowd I would think they are so quiet because it will be their only chance in life to hear Paul singing it live.

[@SuperBolov]

You need to stop interrupting and listen to the song, comment afterwards!