The Beatles Broken Down: "A Day in the Life"

In today's episode, we break down The Beatles' song "A Day in the Life".
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[@ChristopherHolmgren]

Someone here HAS to be able to get Rick in a room with Paul. I can see Paul enjoying it - a win for everyone!

[@darrellstyner0001]

He's had Ringo's drummer on several times. I think it's time to sit down with Ringo, Paul, and, while we're at it, Joe Walsh.

[@Alpha_7227]

Or George Martin's son to talk about production and engineering.

[@jjk8417]

Amen

[@JulesFox]

Agreed

[@snidelywhiplash]

No kidding - Rick asks questions nobody else seems to. Bet Paul would dig it.

[@koshersalaami]

January 1967. They recorded this in January 1967. This is less than four years after they released Please Please Me. I don’t know of musical evolution that fast, and not revolution but evolution, it’s demonstrably linear, anywhere in music. I don’t mean just rock. I’ve got experience in a lot of non-rock genres, I have a decent classical background that includes early music, but I’ve never seen evolution that far that fast anywhere. I don’t know if another example exists in human history.

[@Khayyam-vg9fw]

The nearest thing I can think of is the transition in the early 1940s from swing to bop.

[@sweptinblack]

Great post. What's crazier to think of, is Love me Do to I am the Walrus. Insane level of evolution as you said, in similar amount of time. It's one thing to follow others, but to be the biggest musicians in the world and do it from nothing.

[@comradeozzbug]

I would actually describe it as a revolution. It was a paradigm shift. I think it can be comparable to the shift from Newtonian physics to Einsteinian physics.

[@jodithomas9303]

Exactly. Perfectly articulated 🔥

[@christopherw3490]

As a classically trained musician, I have always been interested in artistic growth.

[@TSSuppository]

What staggers me is that McCartney did some good songs after the Beatles; Lennon did some good songs after the Beatles - but when they were together, always competing, always trying to outdo one another, they were absolutely insurmountable, inexplicable, just sublime perfection. Their competition created auditory beauty that has yet to be (and may never be) surpassed. xx

[@christopherw3490]

I agree with your statement completely!

[@manciano2009]

I would add that George Harrison made good music on his own, but when he had Paul and John and Ringo next to him the atmospheres (the Beatles atmosphere) was unsurpassed. The magic was provided by the group. Even at the time of sharing solo songs like Julia or Blackbird, there were still the bandmates to be accountable to: accountable for quality. If one imagines George's All Things Must Pass played by the Beatles, one swoons. And the same happens with McCartney or Plastic ono band. The magic was given by a truly magical balance of talents and personalities.

[@nelsonpg2070]

Very good explanations!pg from Brazil.

[@monetfaversham6703]

Don't they call this development as something greater than the sum of its parts

[@Hodenkat]

I love Ringo's drumming on this song as well. As always, it's exactly what's needed. No more, no less.

[@joedecker3900]

But has tricks up his sleeve when needed, not boring at all.

[@danielwoodard680]

I say the song almost has a lead drummer.. easily my favorite Beatles’ song.

[@stracepipe]

It's nice to hear Ringo getting props. The amount of stick he gets is ridiculous. His drumming always perfectly complements the song, not to mention his metronomic time keeping.

[@CFCMahomet]

Some of the greatest bands (Beatles, Pink Floyd, Stones) had drummers who did exactly what was needed and did it well.

[@griffgames9538]

Radiohead's Phil Selway comes to mind. Although his solo work shows he's quite multifaceted.

[@singlesideman]

Ringo's drumming on this song (and on all of his recordings with The Beatles) is not just essential and elegant, not playing more than what was required, and serving the music perfectly, which is already the most anyone could hope for, but it's the most melodic and composed I've ever heard in popular music. Ringo's parts sound like orchestral percussion parts, but especially primal, direct and propulsive. He's a brilliant drummer.

[@MartianTom]

Absolutely. Even as a kid, when I first heard this song (and was over-awed by it), it was the drumming that especially caught my attention.

[@takfam07]

Orchestral percussion. You're right. A rock version of it. He influenced a LOT of drummers. Back when music was more...musical. (To my ears, anyway).

[@TH-2024-SP]

I couldn't agree more. Absolutely perfect drumming.

[@singlesideman]

@@TH-2024-SP there's a video here on KZbin of 'Rubber Soul' but it's just Paul and Ringo, and it has gotten over 300,000 views (listens) in only two weeks! I've listened to it more than once. 'The Word' and 'Wait' kick major 4$$.

[@stevedrake360]

Agreed. George Harrison once said Ringo always played just the right thing. Phil Collins once said that Ringo's playing in "A Day in the Life" was very complex. Coming from Phil Collins, one of the greatest drummers ever, is quite a statement. Ringo was an equal member of The Beatles, talent-wise- and contribution-wise.

[@gdwinn1]

Saw Paul McCartney in Melbourne Australia last Saturday night. His introductions to Beatles songs were priceless. He played for THREE hours, at 81 years old. The voice is still great, and he was very happy and funny, too. Love him.

[@gutgolf74]

Sorry, no, his voice is not great anymore. But it surely is impressive he still does 3 hour shows. He just needs to FINALLY throw "Maybe I'm amazed" out of his setlist! Just glad he doesn't do "My love" anymore...

[@davidcaldwell3681]

Even though I live in Vic I had my one and only turn in life to see him way back in 1975 in Manchester. I'm sure it was a great experience in Melbourne last week.

[@philgallagher1]

​@@gutgolf74Wait until you get to 81 and see how well you can sing! I'm 60 and I'm not convinced I could stand up for 3 hours, let alone perform! LOL!

[@gutgolf74]

@@philgallagher1 LOL, I‘m definitely not going to play three hour shows with 81 - but a fact is a fact. I‘m probaby the biggest Paul-fan you‘ll ever meet, and I was lucky enough to enjoy him live in 2002 when his voice was still good. It‘s not anymore, that‘s only natural. So it‘s just not true to call his voice „great“. And there are some songs he just shouldn‘t do anymore.

[@eskaytwo]

His voice was great. Saw him in Adelaide a few days before the Melbourne show.

[@DaveGava]

A Day in the life changed popular music culture and inspired many . A true masterpiece!

[@860anthony]

Most influential, ground breaking band ever. I never tire of listening to their music

[@petersheenan4482]

ditto for me

[@Alpha_7227]

I think they had a massive influence on bands during the 90's, especially Brit Pop bands like Oasis and Blur. Ringo's drum parts, George's licks.

[@mysticmerman]

​@@Alpha_7227the studio techniques are massively influential!

[@TheDivayenta]

@@Alpha_7227and Nirvana! Kurt always claimed the Beatles were a major inspiration.

[@staggerlee7301]

@@TheDivayentaKurt was basically a punk musician who wanted to write like Lennon, and it’s one of the things that makes Nirvana so special, in my opinion

[@Kooky_Duzzfutz]

So many of John's chord progressions are just mind-bending and so beautiful. The dude was unique in so many ways: Unique conceptually, unique lyrically, unique musically - and, man, that voice. What a voice!

[@gutgolf74]

Only this particular part was written by Paul.

[@Kooky_Duzzfutz]

@@gutgolf74 LOL

[@gutgolf74]

@@Kooky_Duzzfutz I know, it's laughable that Rick would make that mistake, like so many others, because that's Paul's voice on the "aaahs", because that's still his part. John did the verses and nothing else.

[@kennethmalecki7570]

A day in the life still sounds original even In 2023

[@adrianokury]

Or especially in 2023...

[@aurum1235]

absolutely

[@MarshallArtz007]

And always will…

[@renatocpjr5192]

John's voice there is enough to bring a stoic to tears.

[@brandoncara8204]

Probably the greatest song ever written.

[@timhodson368]

Johns voice.. Just moving..there is just no one who could sing like him.

[@TheDivayenta]

“ Julia” and “ All Across the Universe” get me everytime.

[@MrJMS814]

Except Paul

[@hw343434]

@@MrJMS814nobody had the magical tone of John Lennon’s the signature voice of the Beatles

[@dragonmummy1]

@@hw343434nah, it was Paul.

[@sn7miller]

Love the way Rick breaks down the "what they're doing" "how they're doing it" & even "why they're doing it"...far better than most who instruct and/or breakdown the parts of a song

[@rickosound3184]

This is the first song that blew my mind. I was 9/10 years old in '75/'76 at a friends house playing with lego or something, and Pepper on in the background. I was mesmerized and speechless until the end. I clearly recall after the last chord faded, asking "what was that?". "That's The Beatles, man, I told you they were cool". I was aware of some Beatles songs by then and Elton, Simon and Garfunkel, America, Sweet, etc. and had taken piano lessons since age six, but this transcended everything that came before in my consciousness related to music. I knew that music could be fun, or sad, or silly, but this song is like traveling through a dream that may or may not even be yours, but it's a fantastic journey none the less. Within a few months I was spending all my Xmas money on Beatle records and didn't stop until I had them all. Almost 50 years later and I still need to hear it just one more time before bed.

[@Lennon6412]

It's a great song to get people into the Beatles. Hearing this and Strawberry Fields in a long car journey got me completely hooked at the same age

[@steve62301]

I saw Paul McCartney live in Melbourne last night. The show was fantastic. If you can get a ticket for the rest of the tour you should do it! I can't say anything new about his talent, gift, genius that hasn't been said a hundred times before but I can say his emotional impact on my life has been huge. There's something in his music that has touched me for over 30 years as a solo artist, with Wings and The Beatles...he's just magical.

[@Alpha_7227]

I was there as well. The set was mostly upbeat and rock like, which I loved. His voice in my opinion sounded so much better than on his last record. The band were fantastic. Drummer, keyboardist and guitarists - so good. They play like a real band not just a bunch of session musicians. I understand they have been together for a while it shows that they know exactly what the others are doing.

[@steve62301]

@@Alpha_7227 yes, I totally agree.

[@chrissy1510]

Loved reading this post! I’m seeing Paul in Sydney this Friday. I feel as if I’ve been waiting my entire life for this opportunity, and I already know it’s going to be a milestone by which I’ll measure the rest of my life.

[@radiooz2420]

@@Alpha_7227 the band has been together for 21 years. Definitely not just a bunch of session musos.

[@Alpha_7227]

Pity then they don't have a name like 'Wings". Paul's ego getting in the way.@@radiooz2420

[@hw343434]

Lennon’s Chord Progressions are surreal. “A Day in the Life”, “Strawberry Fields Forever”, “I am the Walrus”, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”… nobody was as original a composer in rock/pop in 1967

[@gutgolf74]

And the "genius" chord progression from the ADITL transition was written by Paul.

[@zeljkofatzek3670]

Yeah, nobody except Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, Cpt Beefheart, Syd Barret, Arthur Lee, Lou Reed & couple of others I can't remember immediately...

[@stephaniebradley4649]

Except for his bandmate, Paul McCartney. We are so lucky that those two met to make this incredible music!

[@da_great_mogul]

​@@gutgolf74it wasn't, it was Lennon's verses. Lennon shocked and surprised with his choices and yet at the same time ensured they were seamless.

[@gutgolf74]

@@da_great_mogul Eeeeh, yes, it were indeed Lennon's VERSES - everything ELSE was written by PAUL, Sherlock! Thank you for proving my point! 😀

[@victorfranca3057]

One of the most beautiful bass lines ever

[@eddietucker3334]

Yet more evidence of the Beatles' brilliance. Thank you, Rick!

[@MSPEROS]

As my grandfather used to to say " They did not know the rules" He had his doctorate in music (played with the Oregon symphony for 60 years) they did not know what was right , they knew what sounded good. He also was blowen away with Zappa.

[@DreamsongsProductions]

Rick talking about The Beatles, my favorite group of all time. Doesn't get better than this....

[@jimdukeproject]

I think the runs of passing notes by McCartney makes the song emphasize accents and gives a bit of dissidence that gives energy to the riff. Genius. And with Ringo's fills, intense. And then how the bass holds down the transition note through the orchestra to the second part.

[@thebookreader287]

People can have their opinion on The Beatles but for A Day In The Life really showed me how good the group was. And for someone who discovered them as a kid, this blew me away when i first listened to this yet out of their songs, this seems underrated? Not much "fans" and haters seem to know this track, at least from the people i came across so far.

[@latkagravas2967]

Easier to be a "hater" of a group, or music genre, if a person doesn't grow up with it. Ok to not appreciate a band or genre, but to be a "hater" of Beatles songs reflects only ignorance.

[@ianlomaxphotography6978]

Rick, one of the major influences on Lennon and McCartney was the 5th Beatle - Sir George Martin. An accomplished orchestral arranger he is bound to have had a significant influence on them in their earlier days in the studio and encouraged them to explore different chord progressions. You need to ask Paul himself for the inside story!

[@Fuzcapp]

Anyone else hear the intro chords to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road in here ...? 🙂 (16:07) Also Pink Floyd (18:00) the opening of the Momentary Lapse of Reason album ... It's also all over Fool's Overture by Supertramp.

[@jrusovich]

That E minor over B really makes this work so well. I tried playing it otherwise on piano as you're demonstrating it and it loses it's soul. The little things are huge!

[@johndrowe5281]

One of the best “ear training“ bits I have seen on video with the Beatles is when John at piano and George on guitar are turning up to play John’s “oh my love“ during the Imagine sessions at his house studio in Weybridge… before electronic tuners! Lots of time together and in the studio.😊

[@highrhoads5]

Rick you never cease to amaze me. Your ear for music is top tier and I always love watching you break down songs. No ego, never braggadocios, just your genuine love of music and always love how you compliment musicians for their skills.

[@gutgolf74]

Too bad he kept praising John for things that Paul did...

[@wombleofwimbledon5442]

I perked up when you, Sting, and Dominic took a moment to mention this song during the interview. I'm glad to see you circle back.

[@mburland]

I was genuinely listening to this the other day thinking "I wonder what Beato thinks of this song"

[@NytronX]

Same here lol

[@wesleyalan9179]

I think that whenever i hear any song, lol!! For real though 😂

[@douglove2412]

Synchronicity!

[@MobiusBandwidth]

cant wait for you to interview Paul so he can call off the dogs and let you play Beatles tunes here.

[@jamesparr6840]

Hear, hear!

[@Greg-om2hb]

I think Michael Jackson bought the entire Beatles’ catalog decades ago. Not sure who owns it now.

[@elissaaleph]

It's rarely the individuals, it's the companies.

[@foleycj]

@@Greg-om2hb, Paul & Sony own it.

[@musamusashi]

​@@Greg-om2hbMichael sold them back to Paul some years after buyng them.

[@JohnHancotte]

Great point about that held E over the A (the 5th), then the E (tonic) and then back to the C (the 3rd). Dreamy, sublime, on point, and makes one take notice that the world is spinning around this man while he's stationary. It evokes a strong, thought-provoking feeling, which only the best song-writing is capable of doing.

[@worksbydandeprez]

What's really amazing to me is that this all came about just over three years after "She Loves You." No act in rock has advanced so far in such a short period of time (three years is usually the time between one album and another these days).

[@alangil40]

While true, all of music seemed to progress in this way during those incredible years, with bands feeding off each other's innovations. The Beatles perhaps led the way.

[@jfo3000]

George Martin was always in the room.

[@imyourgodmachine]

In my opinion, Easley one of the top five best songs ever written. The Beatles were pure magic that I don’t think will ever be matched again.

[@latkagravas2967]

I mentioned above in another comment that in 100 or 1000 years, musicologists may call it the greatest song of its time. Weird to call it rock 'n roll; it's more than that, but I can't find the words to say what......

[@keithroberts150]

Lennon/McCartney, greatist song writing duo ever. John was the heart of the Beatles.

[@anakina1]

I think most would say Paul was the heart and soul of the group.

[@petersheenan4482]

they were both amazing, that's the crux of the group"s amazing output. the whole was grater than the parts.

[@DeflatingAtheism]

I find in songwriting duos, you typically have the _artisté_ and the workhorse. The _artisté_ often gets over-credited due to the fact they manifest the Romantic artist-hero myth, but ironically, it is the workhorse who guides the sensibility and direction of the entire group. As well, it is likely it is the workhorse who rescued the artisté from a fate of plunking out their songs in his bedroom in perpetual obscurity.

[@hw343434]

@@anakina1 Lol no, most everybody at the time declared Lennon the heart and genius of the Beatles. McCartney and his fans have been desperately trying to revise history after John’s death to favor Paul but the other Beatles themselves preferred John over Paul’s music as did most of their peers at the time like The Rolling Stones, Bowie, Elton John, Queen and others who all bowed down to Lennon. That’s not a knock on Paul, he was equally as essential to the Beatles, as were George and Ringo.

[@jomppe2800]

I think the surprising F chord is what makes the verse so melancholic and beautiful.

[@fredo1070]

Probably the greatest use of recording equipment in the history of recording equipment. Every time I listen to this it still sends a chill up my spin.

[@Phantombrother]

After this, McCartney increasingly became interested in pastiche songs. The whole second side of Abbey Road was a collection of song bits and pieces that he produced into a medley. Then with Wings he did it again with "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" and "Band on the Run".

[@BeatPoet67]

The second side of Abbey Road is absolutely magnificent. I think, as a whole it's their best album.

[@latkagravas2967]

At 11 years old, somehow I (along with hundreds of thousands of people around the world) knew that this song was the most special song on a unique and special album. Years later it was satisfying to learn that when Sgt. Peppers was released, John was mysteriously telling people how special this song was, without saying specifically why, despite the fact that he wasn't a bragging type. And the fact that A Day in the Life was "separated" from the rest of the album supported this, of course. Many would argue, but in a hundred or a thousand years, A Day in the Life may be called the greatest song of what was considered rock 'n roll.

[@cafinario]

John’s voice here is out of this world.

[@johnmurzycki5148]

I woke up. Fell out of bed. Dragged a comb across my head. “ this line comes to me every morning

[@lauraturner4216]

and EVERY time I catch a bus!

[@russell1603657]

When you listen to Day in the Life, you just know it’s a masterpiece, but to hear technically how good it is from Rick is the icing on the cake. Love your videos Rick!

[@webexpertcharlie]

This is the greatest pop song ever written. Crazy that Rick isn’t even allowed to play it on youtube.

[@Alpha_7227]

You are absolutely spot on. My thoughts exactly. If there were a countdown, this would be Numero Uno. There are so many parts to it that set it apart from anything ever written. The outro. Ringo's drums. Harmonies. The bridge. The orchestral part. It is a masterpiece in song writing and arrangement.

[@latkagravas2967]

Soon after Sgt. Peppers was released, John was encouraging the press to pay close attention to A Day in the Life. To my (Beatles) knowledge, he never did that before or after that. He knew. I believe a hundred or a thousand years from now, music historians will agree with you.

[@alisonsneed3707]

I know. It’s so obvious it’s for teaching purposes.

[@blueshawk5649]

It was always clear to me, that Lennon heard things like most of us did not. Look at Happiness is a Warm Gun, or his take on a blues song Yer Blues.... just a little off the norm. So brilliant. Still amazed after all these years.

[@gutgolf74]

Still the most praise Rick heaped on here were on a part written by Paul! 😀

[@JoaoGabriel-lk9cv]

@@gutgolf74no one cares.

[@gutgolf74]

@@JoaoGabriel-lk9cv Sorry, that's not true, either! 😀

[@latkagravas2967]

I was much more of a "John" fan back then, but that middle part still has a strong purpose in the song, if not for anything but contrast. And no evidence Paul even wrote it, unless he has claimed it.@@gutgolf74

[@gutgolf74]

@@latkagravas2967 LOL, John wrote the verses, nothing else. If the transition was his part, he would have done the vocals when they recorded his leads. Paul sings lead, he wrote the middle part including the transition. And there's just NOTHING you can say to prove me wrong.

[@johnlord1399]

Rick, I’ve been following you for a few months now, and for most of my life, I’ve been happy to accompany myself singing with pretty basic chords. But late in life, I’m really interested in learning to play really well, just to see how far my talent can go in whatever time I have left. I have the Beato Bundle, and have already learned a bunch. So thanks. I’m starting to be able to pick out stuff by ear like crazy (and I haven’t even gone near the ear training course yet), and playing guitar is more fun than ever. Thanks for helping to make it so.

[@carlleeferrier3752]

The Sgt. Pepper album changed my life. I languished musically as a child in an essentially tuneless family environment. I was gifted musically and didn't even know it. At 14 yrs old, in our school library, I noticed this very cool looking album sitting amongst others on a coffee table with a small turntable and an early '70's headset. Having nothing better to do at the time, I put the album on, donned the headset and proceeded to have my mind blown. I read along with the music from the inside cover and by the end of the album I looked around in astonishment at others in the room as if to say "has anybody heard what I just heard"? It's like I'd been eating baloney all my life and someone suddenly put a bacon wrapped ribeye in front of me. I bought a guitar and the rest of my teen years were spent learning all things musical.

[@crjmoto]

I believe it's Lennon's, the chorus after McCartney's "and I went into a dream..." gives me goosebumps every time. So deep after McC's lighthearted morning-routine section

[@gutgolf74]

I have no idea why Rick called this a "chorus" - it's a "transition" part and belongs obviously to Paul, since he's also singing it - contrary to popular belief.

[@crjmoto]

@@gutgolf74 regardless what you call it, it's very haunting and beautiful. I feel like a lot of other artists play off of it even to this day

[@gutgolf74]

@@crjmoto That is correct. Sadly it's scarred by the common misconception that it's a Lennon part.

[@musamusashi]

I always considered it a bridge in a chorus-less song.

[@gutgolf74]

@@musamusashi Indeed!

[@pureoutputproductions1009]

Rumor has it that Steve Jobs being the huge beatles fan he was loved this song so much that the last “chord” of the song is the start up sound of The Apple Macintosh.

[@jamesbagshaw8251]

I was raised on the Beatles and I love most of their different sounds...this track along with Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane are for me the high watermark of their dream songs. You don't hear many covers of them as they are so richly realised

[@Alpha_7227]

For mine, this is the best piece of pop / rock music ever. We are still taking it apart, discussing it some 60 odd years later.

[@j_e_hill]

Interesting to learn of a plagal progression. Elton John once said that he was taught if you ever need a hit just write a hymn. And I think that’s part of how that is explained, once you hear that and understand it a little better.

[@ColorfieldMedia]

I worked with Shelly Yakus (John's engineer on "Imagine") and while working with him, I would pick his brain about Beatles stories. He told me, that John told him, this song was assembled over the phone with Paul. It was always two separate and different songs merged together. That's the story I was told.

[@valerieschoen7494]

These breakdowns jack up my appreciation 100% for every song you analyze. Thank you!

[@djpangburn7505]

The first time I heard "A Day in the Life", as far as I can recall, was when I was 11 years old. It was summer and my family, including all of my cousins on my dad's side, were at a cabin on a Wisconsin northwoods lake. The both of us had been getting into The Beatles. Although of course we were raised on early Beatles songs, on this trip we got into their psychedelic era tunes. We played "A Day in the Life" in our room and were left completely speechless. It was a jaw-droppingly monumental moment. Even though I couldn't have articulated it at the time, hearing "A Day in the Life" was so life-changing that I was overcome with emotion. I had tears in my eyes and wanted to weep. To this day, it still makes me feel this way. It is an absolute miracle of songwriting and music production and recording.

[@peterkuhn654]

This song sums up the Beatles in one 4 minute package. IMO the greatest rock song ever written

[@danielwoodard680]

I have been waiting for you to disassemble this song for over 3 million subscribers ago. Thank you.

[@shuroom57]

Rick, that series of descending chords you mentioned (C--G--D--A--E) that sounded like that of "Hey Joe" was (albeit transcribed) in the song "Hush" in C, by Joe South, by way of Deep Purple. After each verse the band plays Ab--Eb--Bb--F--C. Same vocal melody, only with "na-nas" instead of "ah-ahs".

[@David-mo5jw]

its a tonal poem that shapes your emotional response but some things are beyond words feelings, nothing more than feelings.

[@RussellMorash-m8w]

John was a true artist and he could of excelled in any for poetry writing but all of us are so lucky that he chose music and met his alter ego at such and early age you couldn't ask for better collaborators one with the moody realistic look at the world from a window in Liverpool another a few miles away who could look out his window at the same city and be optimistic it makes you wond

[@RussellMorash-m8w]

If there is something guiding the universe either way there still giving millions of people happiness and I think a little of the other rub off on each other I saw a video last night a talk show the man was playing cords on a guitare quite complex I might add and sir Paul got all of them right that is a gift.

[@rabukan5842]

This has always been one of my favorite songs of any band since it first came out. I agree with you that this is the quintessential Beatle song as it was so completely different from anything else when it came out, and I cannot think of any other song that is anything like it, musically or lyrically - and especially singing wise; Lennon at his absolute finest.

[@ΜάνθοςΤριανταφυλλόπουλος]

A song that seems to sum up the whole 20th century. Resentment, frustration, futility and acception of life in 5 minutes with impeccable lyrics, melodies and musical innovation. Could very well be the most important moment in all 20th century music

[@latkagravas2967]

I love your impression and summary. Well conceived. There's a thesis there somewhere, or betting several have already been done.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Iconic song

[@bpabustan]

We can discuss all the theory on the chords and melodies to this song and that's very cool. The irony is, none of the Beatles can analyze what they do. They simply just have great ears. They just know what sounds good!

[@TheDivayenta]

Exactly.

[@von_Apa]

The chord movement downwards, sounds like the song - Go Now! Written by Larry Banks and Milton Bennett and made in a great version by the Moody Blues.

[@MartianTom]

I love this song. I'm fortunate enough to be able to work alone in large rooms during the day, so I sing all day. This is one of my regulars. People have told me I actually sound like Lennon. But then they've told me I sound like Barry Gibb, too. Maybe I have a career in singer impersonation! I think this song also has some great, understated drumming from Ringo. I especially love the fills in the final verse.

[@MobiusBandwidth]

that's where the money is!

[@Kuzey457]

Beatles songs covered by Barry Gibb.. perfect part time gig. Feel free to sing at my wedding

[@latkagravas2967]

Karaoke. Just do it.

[@becknader2337]

Rick, your are a real master! I would love to watch you interviewing Sir Paul McCartney, this would be a milestone!

[@silverlicious2086]

Rick was living with "the knob finger" for 50 years and problem solved within one KZbin comment. 🤣 Love the breakdown Rick!

[@michaelmcgrath5876]

Love to see you give love to The Replacements and the Kinks!!!😂

[@kendallparish5611]

The use of suspensions came out of the folk music craze in the late 50's and early 60's - I was a beginner guitarist at the time and any time a D major came up on the chart I would suspend it with the little finger - just like everyone else was doing. Suspensions were a chord progression fad back when the Beatles were learning to play. Listen to the song "needles and pins" - down the tracks example of common suspension use.

[@daveschlom4033]

It's impossible to pick my favorite Beatles song. That said, this is likely the one. My daughter wrote a beautiful essay about it for her English class in the early 2000s. It's an incredible piece. Thank you for taking my non musician self inside the composition.

[@westfield90]

Always makes me so happy when I see a Beatles song pop up on your channel

[@geminidreamno2]

Thank you Rick for covering a song by my favorite band.

[@samstevenson5328]

Has ALWAYS been my #1 favorite Beatles song!! One of the most brilliant and inspiring tunes ever laid to tape…

[@kathowed]

As always, you've left me with a deeper appreciation of something I thought I knew inside out… and I thank you. Music being such a fluid and universal thing… at around the 13:00 mark, the pattern you played sounded (to my ear) like Vince Guaraldi. I was not expecting that!

[@alex-esc]

This the video by rick ive been waiting since i discovered this channel

[@rockturtleneck]

Fascinating breakdown of the genius of The Beatles' greatest song. Would love to see a video about how the Beatles were able to progress from She Loves You to A Day in the Life in 3 1/2 years or so, basically the same amount of time since COVID started.

[@jsmith8327]

LSD maybe? Plus they were so young: growing.

[@Beckola44]

When I was a teenager in the 60's I remember The Leaves recorded 3 versions of Hey Joe from 1965 and 1966. The 3rd recording was on the radio at the end of May in 1966. There were so many bands covering this song. I think the original recording of this song was back in 1953. I really appreciate you giving us the breakdown of Lennon and McCartney's guitar and piano playing in A Day In The Life. The choice of notes are incredible. Thank you for the video Rick.

[@dstroviolin]

Indeed. The first time most people heard “Hey Joe” was the Leaves’ 1966 hit. Prominent harmonica in there, if I recall :) EDIT just re-listened for first time in years. Not harmonica, crazy lead guitar lol

[@dayokefentse8228]

So glad to have been in New York to hear this breakdown live...AND be told by you that I asked the best question (which had nothing to do with the Beatles) of the night (yay!). Glad to hear a bit about how you are processing how your passion for music has taken off and this amazing legacy you have created. What a thrill - thank you for the opportunity. Can't wait to see you reach 4 million subscribers -- by next summer for sure!

[@jodithomas9303]

Thank you for this (and so many other enjoyable & fascinating videos)! 🫶 Best music channel on KZbin, hands down! 🔥

[@k8923]

I've always heard (and played) and F after the C on "(C)Well, I just (F)had to laugh(Em-Em7), (C) I saw the (F) photograph (Em)." Same thing happens in the 2nd verse. Others hearing this as well? Also wanted to say that this particular song is just stunningly recorded. Ringo's drums have never sounded so good and he came up with a perfect drum performance for this piece. On a historical note, I saw a local band in Connecticut do this song impeccably the same summer it was released. For the orchestral swell they put their guitar necks against their mic stands starting at the nut and strumming them as they slowly moved them up to the bridge. Really impressive. I almost gave up playing guitar that night.

[@JohnBrokaw-g1j]

I believe the early Moody Blues tune "Go Now" uses a similar chord and bass progression

[@wyattstevens8574]

I've heard that the orchestral "tension modulation" (just building tension until anywhere would "be home") is the inspiration for the THX deep note- and I believe that!

[@stevenmiller184]

Every time I watch one of these videos I am left with this sense that I'm missing so much! There is so much more to all of this than I will ever grasp. There is almost a desperation to it... like being denied profound wisdom because you don't speak the language. It's like physics... trying to understand it with limited mathematics skills... there is something huge here... I can tell, but I'll never fully understand it. I may not know exactly why, but I do know that songs with musical complexity interest me, simple, predictable music does not... the difference between the Beatles and today's Pop music.

[@GodfreyTempleton]

I think a lot of Lennons music is about being with the major chord then the going to the third chord i.e in this case G to Bm. It's in others- Help! , the middle bit in I Feel Fine then, Gimme some Truth- F Am F7 then Bb C. The F7 is the tension bit. Mixolydian mode seems to be in a lot of his stuff Whatever, it works for me.

[@PatriciaGarcia-sp8ou]

Friends who are cursory Beatles fans are always astonished that this is my absolute favorite Beatles song. Lennon's masterpiece.

[@johndef5075]

I just saw this on a list of top 10 overrated albums. Couldn't agree less. Its a masterpiece.

[@corinne_vintage]

This is my fave too!!

[@23ofSeptember]

One of my favorite Beatles' songs. I also like "Michelle", "Here comes the sun" "Let it be" and "Yesterday". So many great songs. Reminds me of my childhood. My father played the Beatles a lot when I was growing up. Lots of Moody Blues, John Lennon, Paul Simon and even Zamfir!

[@traverswright6115]

Rick I notice you haven’t mentioned the song Julia ??? Surely one of the most unpredictable , mysterious sounding Beatles songs harmonically, melodically & also lyrically … love it if you are able to share an exploration of this 🐬✨ Love your work

[@swampashtele]

Julia doesn't get enough attention.

[@andresmarin5328]

For me, one of the best songs ever written .

[@elementrypenguin3116]

Those descending chords sound like the opening chords to “Goodbye Yellow Brick road.”

[@danielharris7710]

I thought the same thing.

[@elementrypenguin3116]

@@danielharris7710 yes!

[@musamusashi]

Definetly one my top 3 Beatles' songs: an absolute compositional masterpiece and one of their best performance, including by George Martin and the engineers.

[@flapjackson6077]

Rick, I reckon you’ve heard it many times before, but is there any chance Paul and/or Ringo might be accommodating to an interview? You have all the cred anybody could hope for, and they might appreciate discussing their musical ideas rather than typical fluff they’d be asked about by others. They must know who you are by now. If anybody can pull it off, it’s you! 👍

[@tanner_uncut]

My favorite Beatles song. The Emaj7 (?) with lower 3rd (?) at the end is the BEST RECORDED CHORD OF ALL TIME. PERIOD.

[@chirickt1401]

I always thought the drum fills were inspired by Whiter Shade of Pale, but DITLs recording preceded its release. Also similar song structure and the Beatles loved it.

[@jfo3000]

Yep, that descending bass line.

[@g_and_kikos_studio]

That you would even attempt to breakdown this song, with all of its movements, and modulations etc. Shows your Supreme confidence and knowledge in music..

[@casualpiano5002]

That "hey joe" moment 7:25 chord progression also found on Deep Purple - Strange Kind Of Woman (1971) bridge, with almost identical melody to Beatles chorus here.

[@markpavletich747]

And on HUSH.

[@jeremyyarbrough6459]

So hey Rick, my son is a middle school student and they watch your videos in his music explorations class. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@maryvallas772]

I love this song so much. Thank you, once again, for explaining why it's so beautiful! And now I have to go listen to it!

[@majorlycunningham5439]

Like many here, ADITL is really a gem of songwriting, the quintessential work of the Fab Four. I hold it high regard in my personal repertoire of musical haunts I revisit from time to time.

[@ldfox11]

One of my favorite songs of all time.

[@dedsun81]

YES!!! My favorite song, by my favorite band, broken down by my favorite KZbinr, Professor Beato.

[@moinyp]

John Lennon’s music is clearly a reflection of his own personality (non-conformist). He pushed the boundaries of music to levels not achieved by any other artist (both as a Beatle and solo artist), and “A Day in the Life” is one of the best examples.

[@gutgolf74]

That is funny, because everything avantgarde in this song is the work of Paul! 😀 John just had this sad guitar ballad and some very vague idea about some "sound like the end of the world". Paul added the line "I'd love to turn you on" and had all the actual ideas of using the orchestra and what they should play. He wrote and sang the middle part and the "aaah" transition. He had the idea with the last piano chord as well, and he also played amazing piano and bass parts. So let's keep this real, it's 25% John, 65% Paul and the rest between Ringo and George Martin!

[@moinyp]

@@gutgolf74 You mentioned that “John just had this sad guitar ballad”. Well, to me, this short and simple line “I read the news today, oh boy” is perhaps the most impactful few words, not just within the song itself, but rather in the entire world of rock music, and it accounts for at least 70% of the song. That’s right, 7 words account for 70%, in terms of impact. I can assure you that John would have finished the song on his own in due course, in the same way he finished many of his unfinished music years after their inception. Having said all that, I will not attempt to discount Paul’s contribution in any way, which helped finish the song just in time for the release of the Pepper album. He did a magnificent job with the middle part and the accompanying orchestral arrangements. But I have to say that John’s breathtaking voice uttering those few simple words has had so much impact on me ever since I heard the song for the very first time. And this effect has not diminished one bit over the years.

[@gutgolf74]

@@moinyp I hear you, this small part had the most impact for YOU and so for you accounts for 70% of the song. I wont argue with your subjective feeling, so all the best to you!