The Abbey Road medley EXPLAINED

[@majman446]

The transition between Polythene Pam to She Came In Through the Bathroom Window is 🔥

[@DavidBennettPiano]

🎉🎉

[@James-J-J-J]

@@majman446 deserves to be canned?

[@berendharmsen]

True, although to play on guitar I like the transition from Mr Mustard to Polythene Pam even more. It's so satisfying to just whack that D-chord at the start, do the D-A-E twice as single strokes and then switch into the groove of the actual song. But yes, I totally agree with you

[@davidmoores7608]

The first movement of Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony features a long transition from the introduction to the main theme. My wife loves it. She calls it “Beethoven’s ‘She Came in Through the Bathroom Window’ moment.”

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Hear, hear. My favorite part of the whole album. That guitar solo plus walkdown are fab.

[@dojyaan.0]

I love when The Beatles pull out their long one!

[@DavidBennettPiano]

@@dojyaan.0 😂

[@cosasDEguitarra]

xD

[@moongarita]

Beat the Meatles

[@dojyaan.0]

@@moongarita LMAO

[@spindriftdrinker]

Bull Moose Jackson (1952) and his ten-inch record has entered the chat...

[@matthewbartlett3442]

the horns breaking through with the you never give me your money in carry that weight is one of my favorite synergized moments in any album ever

[@martinanetikova1630]

Yes, so majestic❤!

[@t8br00k36]

Same. Best moment ever.

[@conshyp]

I was going to comment the same thing but you beat me to it! It’s almost emotional as if they’re warning the listener “guys we are heading to the end of something great. Enjoy this melody one more time”

I've heard it live at River Plate Stadium last sunday. It was amazing to see Paul playing this live

[@davidfeltz8697]

Bingo! For me as well. It is absolutely brilliant and ties in the medley! O e if my favorite parts of this extraordinary album.

[@DesertRat332]

Abbey Road is my favorite. You have two of George's best songs ever, a good song written by Ringo, a drum solo by Ringo, and a three-guitar duel by Paul, George, and John. Plus the harmony on "Because". They went out on a high note.

[@lowenbad]

It’s a rare flawless album. Even the low points are essential to the overall body of work.

[@Lowden025]

Spot on

[@smilerpink]

“They went out on a high note.” Dead right. A band that consistently broke new ground said goodbye with a masterpiece. My 23 year old son asked me why the Beatles were such a big deal. My answer was: they relentlessly kept pushing boundaries. Shared four songs to show their musical evolution: She Loves You Tomorrow Never Knows A Day in the Life Abbey Road Medley

[@josephblue4135]

It is my favorite Beatles' album too.. for all the same reasons. The production was the best also having a true 8 track recording.

[@It__From__Bit]

My favorite too. Except for, well, you know . . . . Murderous Maxie.

[@dkimuk]

I always fill up with tears at the end of The End. I love the sense of fun in this medley though. Trading solos, cheeky lyrics, harmonising, the gorgeous Scouse accents, it was like they'd come full circle and we're back in Cavern mode. They accomplished so much in so little time - we'll never see their like again.

[@ontheruntonowhere]

We'll likely never see their like again, not because there aren't musicians and songwriters who are as talented, but because music-making has been democratized and the audience for all creative endeavors has fragmented. When the Beatles were around, pretty much everyone listened to the same music, whether it was rock and roll, R&B or country (or, I guess easy listening). Now there are so many avenues to get your music out that there is no way you can be aware of everything, and thus any artist as great as the Beatles will never gain the popularity needed to sustain a career like theirs. I would argue there are artists today who are just as good but will never have the support or longevity.

[@markbrookman8233]

​@@ontheruntonowhere... spot on, mate.

[@mrlightbulb6567]

When I first heard Ringo’s solo in “The End” it blew my mind. I was 10 and just discovering the Beatles. I believe that it’s one of the coolest drums solos I’ve ever heard in rock.

[@spindriftdrinker]

That's funny - I always thought, as a little kid, right after Abbey Road was released, that the dueling electric guitar leads were the coolest thing I had ever heard in rock. Not that I had heard much rock at that age...

[@BlueSR]

I only recently got into the Beatles and i was blown away by the abbey road medley. The reprise of You Never Give Me Your Money into The End is so exctatic and Her Majesty is a fantastic little final snippet.

[@paoloc.8055]

Enjoy every second of listening to Beatles songs for the first time!!! I wish I could go back and relive that ❤

[@GizmoBeach]

Her Majesty was removed, then mistakenly put back in by someone who’d been told never to discard their work.

[@overcookedlemonade]

Was not expecting seeing a hollow knight youtuber on here, but I totally agree.

[@tapeadeadworm]

That’s how it starts and soon enough you’ll get into their solo careers. You’re in for a treat, lemme tell you.

[@thomasnisen3214]

I've been a fan for 61 years!

[@iankunx]

The stretch from Golden Slumbers through The End is one of my favorite bits of music ever.

[@DeKevers]

The whole album feels so chill, no other does it like Abbey Road.

[@andrewyoung8764]

She’s so heavy is chill?

[@TheMeltingGlaciers]

@@andrewyoung8764you don’t seem like a chill abbey road listener

[@davidfeltz8697]

I agree. I am revisiting it and it still blows my mind!

[@jamesslick4790]

Despite hearing the medley THOUSANDS of times in the more than 50 years I've heard it. The dang thing STILL gives me chills. It's a MONUMENT in the history of rock. There are a LOT of great moments in rock, But this medley, Link Wray's "Rumble" "The End" (Doors) and "Maybelline" (Chuck Berry) Still leave in AWE.

[@berendharmsen]

Rock 'n Roll Suicide by Bowie also comes to mind...

[@da_great_mogul]

Random extra two songs added in. You were going okay until you added them in. Lol.

[@experi-mentalproductions5358]

@@da_great_mogul What you mean is, you agreed until he added them in.

[@dougmccutcheon7906]

There will never be another band with this influence and creativity. I am so grateful I lived during their career.

[@ronaldeliascorderocalles]

I always thought that Because feels like a prelude, the Long One as the feature, and Her Majesty as a little epilogue. It feels complete that way

[@gettinhungrig8806]

George Martin regarded 'Because' as the beginning of the medley (Summer of Love book).

[@BigDapperDanMan]

👍🏽 the final note of "because" is unresolved, and almost immediately the first note of you never give me your money resolves it

[@christratton]

I consider Here Comes The Sun as a prelude, because as an overture, money as movement, one, Sun King as movement too, mustard into bathroom as the climactic third movement, and then the resolution from there, with a beautiful, witty, ever so British and charming cherry on top with Her Majesty.

[@thatguyvince8767]

Golden Slumbers - Carry That Weight - The End is an absolute masterpiece.

[@verity231]

That's my dinner viewing sorted. THE Medley! Nothing like it in the world. Edit after: I'm so glad you've highlighted George Martin's contribution and influence on the band. They wouldn't have been what they were without him. He was the true Fifth Beatle.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

😊😊😊

[@therkledoesbad]

I listened to Abbey road for the first time recently, and the songs being transitioned into another so smoothly was a highlight of the experience

[@pebblefattree6404]

Even now, after hearing it so many times, the last lines of 'The End' still get me teary-eyed ;(

[@isomeme]

I'm glad it's not just me.

[@pahlevymu]

I still got goosebumps every time i hear The End solos, more so George one in the very end.

[@jacquescousteau217]

Totally agree . Her majesty should have been left in its first incarnate . Paul writes the perfect magnum opus then thinks “ I’ll be clever ,and put this little bit in the runout groove. Paul Her Majesty is merely a distraction from the most melodic,well orchestrated , and gut wrenching lyrics imaginable way to say goodbye to everyone. The only thing that possibly could have worked is them all singing “ Thank You Everyone “ in three part harmony a cappella . 😊

[@dimitrisilva6452]

The Abbey Road Medley is honestly one of my favourite things in the world. I have probably listened to it a thousand times, but everytime I hear it, I feel such a joy, it's almost like I'm listening to it for the first time again. Also, "You Never Give Me Your Money" is my favourite Beatles song.

[@DaleBaker-e3u]

So beautiful, the Beatles left us with a real zinger, what an brilliant group.

[@elliotwilson-woodrow2764]

Abbey Road is a perfect album, no skippable songs

[@michaeldonaghey]

Maxwell's Silver Hammer

[@johnpoole3871]

​@@michaeldonagheyWhatever. That song is fun. Most cheerful serial killer song ever.

[@arizonastrummer]

@@johnpoole3871 while not serial killer but still murder, Delilah by Tom Jones gives it a run for the money.

[@Terminus_El_Camino]

@@johnpoole3871 There's also Mack The Knife, which which is pretty casual about serial killing too. I've always found that song morbid and gross, but MSH has grown on me over the years.

[@briggsdzyn]

"Murder by Numbers" by The Police 🔥🔥🔥

[@JRLNeal]

Over 1million followers show how brilliant these videos are. This is a wonderful analysis of the Beatles final work.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thank you 😊

[@jgMaximo_]

​@@DavidBennettPiano👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@lordkoopus]

the "you never give me your money" reprise is like one of the coolest moments in music history for me. amazing video david!

[@YouCantUnhearThis]

What a fascinating analysis! It's hard to believe this album is 55 years old (this week!) - it sounds as fresh as ever. 🎧

[@michaelbarbour9827]

My God, seven years… I’ve been a Beatles fan for 50 years and it still amazes me that it all happened in 7.

[@quentinr6261]

In a world where the news of the day can really get you down, the music of The Beatles provides upliftment and a reminder that, maybe, there is some hope.

[@mryumish1287]

One of your best videos yet, ty. I’m a massive Beatles fan and have always thought the Long One was the peak of their powers. George Martin deserves the shoutout too, as do the engineers and mixers. Brilliant.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thank you 😊

[@adrienrenaux6211]

I was fortunate enough to see Paul McCartney live two weeks ago in Paris. He played Hey Jude to finish the main part of the concert (which is absolutely insane when you have 40 000 people singing the nanana part for 4 minutes straight). And then for the Encore he finished it by doing the last movement of the medley starting with golden slumbers. With all the meaning this has for the Beatles and for music and for me personally, this was just such an incremedible moment. Sadly we’re not gonna get to have Paul around for much longer so really take the opportunity to go see him if you are able. At 82 years old, he is still incredible on stage.

[@TVC15ohoh]

GREAT video, David! As someone who's been listening to "The Long One" for over 50 years, it was SUCH a pleasure to learn some things about the song I hadn't known before. This is a video that's been needed to be made for DECADES. Excellent work!

[@daconor91]

Never clicked on a video faster. I am obsessed with Abbey Road and this incredible medley!!

[@13donstalos]

I love how John's solo in "The End" is so recognizably John, as compared with the other two.

[@John_Locke_108]

I can never tell them apart. I always need to use a cheat sheet.

[@hw343434]

Definitely the most iconic Guitar solo of the 3 was John’s. The most technical was George’s

[@sirschnee8737]

@@hw343434 and i think the most melodic was Paul's

[@caryriggs6000]

I could pick out the sublime George solos Everytime easily

[@Zaffre_ENTMT]

David Bennet and You Can't Unhear This uploading the same day has made my week~

[@DavidBennettPiano]

😊😊

[@jackthesmoltangerine]

About the same album too

[@DavidBennettPiano]

@@jackthesmoltangerine about the same side of the same album too!

[@jackthesmoltangerine]

@@DavidBennettPiano hmm, very interesting Did you plan this, David?

[@DavidBennettPiano]

@@jackthesmoltangerine not at all!

[@Slap_Shot1977]

Watching videos about the band often creates a very emotional experience for me and this one was no exception. A bit of sadness because this was their end, but mostly joy and happiness because that was what the band was truly all about: Love

[@bruce1947]

The end will never not get me teary eyed. What a beautiful band.

[@PitchWheel]

Nothing like this will ever happen again. Music history.

[@sslaytor]

Well, it was a while ago but Close To The Edge by Yes took a good run at it! Both are among my faves. Great essay by the way.

[@AugAug989]

This mindset sucks.

[@PitchWheel]

@@AugAug989 yet it's 55 years and now we're submerged by songs made with 4 chords, useless lyrics, empty arrangements and auto tune everywhere. So, maybe the problem is not this mindset, but other people's mindset that accept this situation

[@Cooper1]

@@PitchWheelhighly likely that the transition from symphonic music or even jazz/big band to 50s rock n roll was also looked upon as the death of “real” music by many. I think it’s cyclical.

[@frallan874]

​@@PitchWheel recencyship bias

[@polytheneprentiss1534]

This was fascinating, thank you! ❤ My favorite piece of music from my favorite album ever! Loved the last bit about George Martin, too (RIP)

[@Tomato-Icecream]

excited for this one. The abbey road medley is the most magical piece of music to me.

[@תוםורטהיימר]

Phenomenal explanation as always David. One note slipped through, the mention of mean mr. mustard sister's Pam, which later on becomes polythene Pam. Just another way of how meaningfull this medley really is.

[@Nblem7]

Probably my favorite moment in Beatles music history. Abbey road is my favorite beatles album and this is a huge factor.

[@kinghani]

Perfect career. Pretty much everything they did was amazing and the (kind of) last thing they produced was the best thing they ever recorded.

[@pedroV2003]

Beautifully done David. I can only imagine how much time and effort goes into making these videos and your efforts are appreciated.

[@rafelrosellsagrera9419]

Actually it is impossible to imagine a better ending for this band than The End

[@Ettridge]

The things you explore and teach us about...just amaze me. I have a degree in music theory and composition from 1977. If you and this channel had existed back then, I'd never have bothered with the degree. You teach me so much more than I ever learned back in in those four years.

[@ghodius]

Wow this was a great video. Your love for this album really shines through your analysis. Every time one of the songs from the medley come on my playlist, I always have to listen to all of the other songs after it.

[@sheadonlin8520]

I’ve literally been waiting for the day you release this video. The breakdown of the Abbey Road medley.. great job!!

[@oravlaful]

you never give me your money is surely one of my favourite songs from a compositional point of view

[@whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306]

Such an epic medley and a great way to go out. At their best and leaving fans wanting more. John says he wasn't very fond of it but he was his own worst critic. Some of his best studio work is on it and he had to know it. I have to hand it to Paul and George Martin for this timeless jewel. And putting Her Majesty at the end like an easter egg is perfection.

[@melania239]

Being a Beatle fan from 20 years and I've just learn that in The End it's the only song with 4 solos from each Beatle! ❤

[@johnmac8084]

Fantastic post David, thanks. My favourite Beatles album, been listening to it for over 50 years

[@DavidBennettPiano]

@@johnmac8084 😊😊

[@petehealy9819]

Just got around to watching this on a rainy winter afternoon in Kentucky. Tears as I'm transported back to being dumbstruck by the beauty of Abbey Road on first hearing as a 16yo in 1969. Dammit, David, I have chores to do this afternoon! Well, now I have the soundtrack to do them to. Brilliant analysis! Thank you, David!

[@eastwind32]

David, Love the musical analyses of Beatles songs. I was around when they started and really enjoy looking at their music the way you do. Please do more like this!

[@richards5389]

If I know when it is the time for me to pass, I want the medley to be playing as I drift away. It is most certainly my favorite album side ever.

[@mikeychrisanthus9948]

My favorite Beatles song if it counts. I’m a fan of symphony-influenced rock, and this is one of the absolute best of the early examples.

[@donhathaway3234]

I know absolutely nothing about the science of music but, the transition from Polythene Pam and She came in through the Bathroom Window STILL just knocks me out after all these years!❤️

[@michelefrogan7150]

Marvelous Job!! You're a man with sensible soul.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thanks 😊

[@DavidGiragosian]

Masterful and brilliant as always, David. So delighted to hear your analysis tonight!

[@FelipeFrotaBass]

I love this medley so much! The End hits even harder now, knowing it was their last recording together

[@graniterhythm53]

Though after John left the band the other 3 carried on into the '70's & recorded 'I Me Mine' to complete the Let It Be album!

[@hhpoa]

Great analysis of the best creative moments and best beautiful songs in an pop/rock album.

[@andyjulia]

It’s pure brilliance ♥️ Love your work David.

[@avijatsinharoy8944]

1:12 David:Much more upbeat passage Paul:Out of college money spent,see no future,pay no rent

[@tockita]

Lol

[@twomoonsinthesky_]

This is one of my new favourite Videos of all time. Thank you, your breakdown of this incredible piece of music history gave me chills.

[@starbicycle]

David, Thank you for your work on this video. You always seem to explain in simple digestible terms the emotion language and landscape of music. But the last bit with your original music made me sit up! I think I listen to it 5 times. Then went to Bandcamp & listen to the whole song 5 more. it is so good, Bravo Sir, Bravo!🔥🔥🔥

[@Redbuzzcut]

Thank you David for the great break-down of the back-side of Abbey Road. As a musician I appreciate (now) what I didn't understand in 1969/1970 when I was 9 years old. I just appreciated the medley as a great string of songs. As an adult, seeing this genius unfold says so much about the Beatles, their legacy, and Paul McCartney's masterpiece knitting the whole thing together in "the end" so to speak. Phenomenal even today! Cheers and thanks again!

[@danielmoose1273]

Probably The Best Rock Album Of All Time. Thanks, Guys!! 🇺🇸❤️🇬🇧.

[@raphaelfp]

Finally a video which does justice to The Long One. Abbey Road is my favorite Beatlrs album because of it. Masterpiece

[@rielana]

Pretty good video, David! I almost cried at the description of The End😢

[@AndrewsVideoEssays-yl3pb]

LET’S GOOOO I have been WAITING for this one

[@carygson]

I remember when it was premiered on tv probably on Colour Me Pop on the BBC and being blown away by the brilliance of it all and the inventiveness. One of those magical moments.

[@mackermaldrill2656]

David, great and insightful analysis.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thanks!

[@Daluna13]

The thing I love as you mentioned is how you hear little touches from each song leading up to The End

[@CalliGom]

Love this record! This medley has driven me crazy ever since I listened to it for the first time. Great video! Thank you

[@marshac1479]

My fave Beatles album. I love the medley.

[@beatrixwickson8477]

Great video, mate. Probably my favourite out of a lot of great vids of yours. S tier.

[@jasonremy1627]

The Medley is my favorite thing the Beatles ever did. Thank you for this breakdown!

[@TheBoboMaker]

Thanks. This was probably my favorite Beatles track. I haven't listened to it in at least 35 yrs. It reminded me of my love of the Beatles. It explained the reasons why I always felt there something special going on with it.

[@thegothaunt]

oh my GOD, I love The End even more now!!!!!!!

[@AdrianGeorges]

Nowadays Music never ever reaches this depth.

[@lolobuggah2670]

This is my favorite section of my favorite album by my favorite band! Thanks for making this!

[@dwilborn1257]

Abbey Road was the first Beatles album I ever bought (on cassette in the late 80s, of all things). It remains my favorite, due to George Harrison's incredible tracks and this medley.

[@rickalexanderguitar]

Great video David. Top standard as always. I can clearly remember listening to side 2 of Abbey Rd for the first time when I was 13 in 1973 or 74. My parents had recently bought the families first “stereo” and I’d bought Abbey Rd, having previously had a cassette of Sgt Pepper to well and truly prepare me! I can remember sitting on the floor listening to the medley and being totally blown away. Absolutely fantastic music! I think it well and truly spoiled me. Ha ha. I remember for the next few years after that being disappointed in the filler that most albums by other artists included.

[@teobaldoarriola3902]

Thank you so much mr. Bennet for this masterclass of a monumental masterpiece.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thank you!

[@bradsmithstudios8881]

I love your videos and I’ve learned so much from them. I like to sit at my piano and try to play along with the chords or melodies as i watch, kind of like an interactive experience,

[@jonnyboybrownie6390]

shout out for georges brief guitar solo after that last lyric that i think is perfection and brings the medley to a fitting end.

[@stamatiskon3049]

Although it's not mentioned in the video, George's solo at the end of The End (I know...) is brilliant, probably his best. And I think that this is a testament of how connected they were after the three part solo, the only time that famously Yoko was left out of the room...

[@patrickfort4467]

When my daughter was young I put a bunch of songs on her iPod. At one point she asked me what the song "Side 2" was. For my peers, who grew up on vinyl, that's what we called the b side of Abbey Road, which was the first album I ever bought.

[@NediSafa]

I've been waiting for somebody to do this kind of explanation. Well done!

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Daniel-bi5ci]

To me, it’s te apex of songwriting ever. Such creativity

[@DesertRat332]

When I down loaded my Abbey Road CD into my iTunes playlist I joined "Mean Mr. Mustard - Polythene Pam - She Came In Through The Bathroom Window" into one song and then I joined "Golden Slumbers - Carry That Weight - The End" into one song. I can shuffle them in other playlists and it doesn't sound broken or weird. I know John Lennon hated the Medley but I always liked it and I liked "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" too. Only The Beatles could sing a song about a serial killer and make it sound innocent. For me, Abbey Road still brings back memories of reading the November 1969 issue of Playboy with Claudia Jennings (RIP) as the playmate of the month. Teenage bliss.

[@JohnnyCameo]

I know all of this so well and yet watched and listened with fascination. Superb!

[@ted5669]

A demonstration of musical genius

[@jameslabs1]

The whole album was wonderful. But with side B, I have many fond memories. thanks

[@mitchellchyette6537]

Thanks for this look at one of my favorite pieces of music. Years ago on Saturday Night Live Chris Farley did a parody interview of Paul. Farley, nervous and stumbling, asked: "You know how on Abbey Road you sang 'And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make?"" Paul: "Yes" Chris (earnestly): "Well....is that true?" I still laugh about that.

[@lindseyh6913]

the best kind of video to watch on my break!!! a break well spent

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Excellent 😊

[@didierbion8056]

Brilliant as usual David !

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thanks 😊

[@sluggibammy]

Her majesty was already one of my favorite songs on the album, but that story behind it endears me to it so much more. I always thought that it was odd, and that there was some reason behind its placement and length. I love it so much.

[@Poetslove]

The Beatles( And George Martin) were insanely creative and productive!

[@hey12delila]

this is the banger video I'm sure many of us have been waiting for, thank you

[@christophertovar1154]

Thanks!

[@DavidBennettPiano]

@@christophertovar1154 thank you Christopher! 😊😊

[@ambienteterrazas]

Abbey Road is definitely my favorite Beatles album, I consider it a much more mature album in contrast to their past work and even from anything that was going on in 1969 and apart from the musical, historical and influential aspect of it all, this album always reminds me of my dad I never confirmed it but I am pretty sure it was also his favorite, he got me into the Beatles and lots of classic rock and we use to listen to Abbey Road lots of times in our garage/man cave.

[@scubarojo]

A few years ago a Boulder Eagle tribute band did "the long one" live as part of their tribute to songs that inspired them to be musicians. It was amazing to hear it live.

[@fearitselfpinball8912]

Loving my life. Loving my day. This video is a big part of that. The 6/8 to 4/4… the Ringo fill C major. It’s magic. To me it’s magic.

[@cliffhughes6010]

Thank you David, for yet another fascinating insight into The Beatles.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thank you 😊