The Beatles’ famous and popular songs

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-DaThe Beatles

The Beatles – Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da

It’s a bright, Paul-like song that portrays the happy life and everyday moments of a couple, as if from a fairy tale or story.

The intriguingly resonant title was taken from a proverb Paul heard from a Nigerian musician.

Paul himself believed it meant “life goes on” and wrote the song with that in mind, but no corresponding proverb exists in Nigeria, leaving the true origin shrouded in mystery.

GirlThe Beatles

The Beatles – Girl

The Beatles’ lyrics grow deeper with each album.

This song from their mid-period album Rubber Soul tells its story in a narrative style, letting you sink into a simple, picture-book-like world.

Throughout, it’s achingly poignant and filled with wistful melancholy, yet it’s a highly polished track that never loses its charm no matter how many times you listen.

Yes It IsThe Beatles

*The Beatles: Yes It is*

This is the B-side track of their ninth original single, Ticket to Ride, released in April 1965.

The lead vocal is by John Lennon, and he commented that Yes It Is is one of the songs he didn’t like, along with Run for Your Life, It’s Only Love, and Dig a Pony.

I’ve Got a FeelingThe Beatles

The Beatles – I’ve Got a Feeling (Anthology 3 Disc 2)

The songs performed at the Beatles’ final live show, the Rooftop Concert.

They’re included on the album Let It Be.

In the rehearsal outtakes, John keeps amusingly mixing up “yeah” and “no,” and Paul keeps checking with him each time, which is pretty funny.

All Things Must PassThe Beatles

The Beatles – All Things Must Pass (Anthology 3 Disc 2)

One of George’s signature songs, later included on his solo album of the same title.

The Beatles even rehearsed it, and those recordings still exist, but this solo demo version by George alone is likely the definitive take.

The simple guitar-and-vocal performance without flashy arrangements brings out its brilliance.

The Ballad of John and YokoThe Beatles

The Beatles – The Ballad of John and Yoko (HQ Sound)

This is their 20th original single, released in May 1969.

Although tensions among the Beatles were beginning to surface at the time, the recording reportedly went smoothly.

The phrase “Christ, you know it ain’t easy.

You know how hard it can be,” was considered blasphemous toward Jesus Christ in the United States, leading many radio stations to ban it from the air.

Paul hesitated to record the song with those lyrics, but it was recorded at John’s strong insistence.

With a Little Help from My FriendsThe Beatles

The Beatles – With a Little Help from My Friends

A song written by Paul that appears as the second track at the beginning of Sgt.

Pepper’s.

It’s performed in the style of a guest singer appearing at a concert and doing just one number.

The lyrics, which seem to poke fun at Ringo’s poor singing, strike me as amusing.