For the first time in forty-five years, a new Beatles song was released to the public on November 2, 2023. John Lennon recorded the melancholic ballad “Now and Then” in the late 1970s, but it was never completed or published. Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, Lennon’s bandmates, started working on finishing the song after his death in 1980, but they weren’t able to finish it until recently.
Both the song “Now and Then” and its backstory are captivating. It’s evidence of the Beatles’ lasting influence and the closeness amongst band members. It serves as a reminder of the songwriting process and the difficulties in completing a composition following the death of the creator.
The Original Demo by Lennon
In the late 1970s, Lennon recorded a basic version of “Now and Then” in his Dakota apartment in New York City using a boombox. Lennon is the only instrument on the tape, with the odd TV playing in the background. It’s evident from the unpolished and personal recording that Lennon was still working on the song.
“Now and Then” has melancholic and contemplative lyrics. Lennon speaks on time passing and the changes that come with living. He also sings on the value of memory and the power of music to link us to the past.
The Final Words by The Beatles
Midway through the 1990s, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr started putting the finishing touches on “Now and Then.” In addition to trying to improve the original track, they added additional background voices and instrumentation. The TV noise in the background, though, was impossible to get rid of, so they chose to keep it there as a memento of the song’s modest origins.
Harrison played a guitar part for the song as well, which is amazing given that he passed away in 2001. Giles Martin, the producer of The Beatles, was able to incorporate a previously recorded Harrison guitar portion into the song.
Release and Acknowledgment
On November 2, 2023, “Now and Then” was finally made available as a digital single. Critics had conflicting feelings about the song. The emotional honesty of the song and its historical importance were appreciated by several. Others bemoaned the song’s lack of polish and its failure to meet the Beatles’ lofty expectations.
“Now and Then” is a noteworthy release, in spite of the conflicting assessments. It serves as a reminder of the band’s ongoing heritage and is the first new Beatles song in forty-five years. It offers an intriguing look into the Beatles’ songwriting process as well as the difficulties of completing a song after the artist’s passing.
A Closer Examension of the Song
“Now and Then” has straightforward but impactful lyrics. Lennon speaks on time passing and the changes that come with living. In addition, he sings about the value of recollections and the ability of music to bind us to the past.
The song has a straightforward yet pleasant tune. Despite being a ballad, it stays moving with a powerful tempo. The song’s production is similarly straightforward, yet it works well. The minimal backup vocals and instruments serve to highlight Lennon’s voice and guitar.
“Now and Then” is an overall melancholic and sentimental song. It serves as a reminder of the Beatles’ legendary status and the ability of music to bind us to the past.
The Significance of the Song
“Now and Then”‘s release is noteworthy for a number of reasons. It’s the first new Beatles song in forty-five years, to start. For those who adore the Beatles and music in general, this is a significant occasion.
The song also serves as a reminder of the Beatles’ ongoing influence. People of all ages continue to adore the music of The Beatles, one of the most well-known and influential bands of all time.
Thirdly, the song offers an intriguing window into the Beatles’ thought process. The idea that Lennon used a boombox at home to record the demo for “Now and Then” is astounding. The fact that the Beatles were able to complete the song 45 years after John Lennon’s passing is equally astounding.
In summary
Forty-five years in the making, The Beatles’ “Now and Then” is a nostalgic curiosity. It’s a straightforward yet impactful tune that evokes nostalgia and introspection. It also serves as a reminder of the Beatles’ legendary status and the ability of music to bind us to the past.
