The Beatles

Lyrics

[Verse 1: John Lennon]
I read the news today, oh boy
About a lucky man who made the grade
And though the news was rather sad
Well, I just had to laugh
I saw the photograph
He blew his mind out in a car
He didn't notice that the lights had changed
A crowd of people stood and stared
They'd seen his face before
Nobody was really sure if he was from the House of Lords

[Verse 2: John Lennon]
I saw a film today, oh boy
The English Army had just won the war
A crowd of people turned away
But I just had to look
Having read the book

[Refrain: John Lennon]
I'd love to turn you on
(Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten)
Alarm clock rings
[Bridge: Paul McCartney]
Woke up, fell out of bed
Dragged a comb across my head
Found my way downstairs and drank a cup
And looking up I noticed I was late
Found my coat and grabbed my hat
Made the bus in seconds flat
Found my way upstairs and had a smoke
And somebody spoke and I went into a dream
[Interlude: John Lennon]
Ahh-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ahh

[Verse 3: John Lennon]
I read the news today, oh boy
Four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire
And though the holes were rather small
They had to count them all
Now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall

[Refrain: John Lennon]
I'd love to turn you on
[Instrumental Outro]
Whistle
Studio chatter
(Never could be any other way)
(Never been so high
What’s that?)
(Never could be any other way)
(Never been so high
What’s that?)
(Never could be any other way)
(Never been so high
What’s that?)
(Never could be any other way)
(Never been so high
What’s that?)
(Never could be any other way)
(Never been so high
What’s that?)
(Never could be any other way)
(Never been so high
What’s that?)
(Never could be any other way)
(Never been so high
What’s that?)
(Never could be any other way)
(Never been so high
What’s that?)
(Never could be any other way)
(Never been so high
What’s that?)
(Never could be any other way)
(Never been so high
What’s that?)
(Never could be any other way)
(Never been so high
What’s that?)
(Never could be any other way)
(Never been so high
What’s that?)

The Beatles are known for their iconic songs that have shaped the landscape of popular music, but perhaps none more so than "A Day in the Life." This groundbreaking track, composed by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, has been hailed as one of the most ambitious and influential works in pop music history. With its mesmerizing melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and innovative production techniques, "A Day in the Life" continues to captivate audiences more than five decades after its release.

About A Day in the Life

"A Day in the Life" is a song that showcases the immense songwriting talent of both John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Lennon penned the opening and closing sections of the song, while McCartney contributed the mesmerizing bridge that seamlessly connects the two parts. The track's composition is a masterclass in song structure, blending different musical elements effortlessly to create a captivating journey for the listener.

One of the most striking aspects of "A Day in the Life" is the orchestral arrangement that was incorporated into the song's climax. Recognizing the need for a grandiose sound, Lennon and McCartney enlisted the help of a 40-piece orchestra. Dressed in tuxedos and whimsical hats, the musicians were given a specific task - to ascend from the lowest note on their instruments to the highest note closest to E major within 24 bars. This orchestral contribution adds a soaring and dramatic element to the song, elevating it to new heights.

Lyrically, "A Day in the Life" draws inspiration from various sources. Lennon was deeply affected by the tragic death of Tara Browne, a close friend of The Beatles, who died in a car crash at the age of 21. The loss of Browne served as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life, which is reflected in the song's introspective lyrics. Furthermore, Lennon incorporated snippets from random newspaper stories, such as the notorious "4,000 holes" line, which was derived from a real story in The Daily Mail about potholes in Blackburn. This blending of personal experiences and external influences creates a rich tapestry of emotions within the song.

"A Day in the Life" has been widely acclaimed as one of The Beatles' finest works. Music reviewers have heaped praise upon this masterpiece, recognizing its role in pushing the boundaries of popular music. It is regarded not only as a significant track in the history of rock music but also as a testament to the band's artistry and innovation. The song's ability to elicit strong emotional responses and its enduring popularity further solidify its status as a classic that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.

Aside from its musical brilliance, "A Day in the Life" also boasts an intriguing backstory. The song was officially released on the album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" in 1967, which marked a turning point in The Beatles' career as they embraced new experimental sounds and abandoned their touring days. The track's impact was further enhanced when it was chosen as the promotional video for the "Anthology" mini-series in 1995. The use of previously unreleased footage from the original recording sessions added an extra layer of nostalgia and excitement for fans.

Even with the passage of time, "A Day in the Life" continues to captivate listeners with its timeless appeal. Its combination of soaring melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and innovative production techniques make it an enduring masterpiece that stands as a testament to The Beatles' genius. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a newcomer to their music, this iconic track offers a mesmerizing journey into the heart and soul of one of the greatest bands in history.

• Release Date: May 26, 1967
• Artist: The Beatles