The Beatles and the Turbulent Year of 2020
2020 was an unprecedented year, filled with unprecedented challenges and emotions. Many turned to music, particularly the timeless works of The Beatles, for solace and reflection. In this article, we will explore how these iconic songs resonated with individuals during this tumultuous period, with a focus on several selections that captured the essence of that year.
Revolution 9 - The Constantly Unraveling Experience
The 2020s began and ended with an air of unpredictability, much like the 1960s that The Beatles were a part of. DavidWashington's choice of Revolution 9 reflects a common sentiment that this year was about constant change. The song is a collage of sounds, melodies, and spoken word, each layer adding to the unpredictability and complexity of the experience. As David rightly points out, the experience of Revolution 9 can be overwhelming as one struggles to make sense of disjointed and chaotic elements.
In My Life - A Song of Enduring Love and Comfort
About In My Life, a poem-like anthem that resonated deeply with Lisa. This song, which was written by John Lennon, is often considered one of the most beautiful and meaningful in the Beatles catalog. For Lisa, it served as a beacon of hope and comfort, especially during the emotional strain of 2020. According to her, the light and love evident in the song provided solace amidst the darkness. As she notes, the lyrics often remind her of the cycle of love and karma, a sentiment that many found resonant during a year of many highs and lows.
The Long and Winding Road - A Journey of Uncertainty
Matt chose The Long and Winding Road to reflect his feelings about 2020. The phrase long and winding road aptly described the unpredictable and tumultuous journey many experienced during the pandemic. The song is filled with longing, uncertainty, and a sense of moving through uncharted territories. Matt's choice highlights the shared experience of feeling adrift and searching for direction and stability in a year that often felt chaotic and confusing.
Yer Blues - A Symphony of Isolation and Despair
Yer Blues is an incredibly evocative song that many found relatable during 2020. For some, the lyrics of John Lennon's Yer Blues became a stark reflection of the isolation and despair felt by many during the pandemic. The line "I'm lonely wanna die" echoed the feelings of loneliness and grief that enveloped many during lockdowns and separation from loved ones. For those who had contracted the virus, the song took on an intensified meaning, resonating with a range of emotions from fear to despair. It is this deep sense of shared struggle that makes Yer Blues so poignant and powerful.
I'm Only Sleeping - A Year of Slumbering Realities
For many, the year 2020 felt like a perpetual state of dreaming and waking, each day blending into the next in a dreamlike haze. Daniel's choice of I'm Only Sleeping captures this sentiment perfectly. The song invites listeners to step back and reflect on the surreal nature of the year, emphasizing the blurriness between reality and dreams. This choice is especially fitting as 2020 brought about unprecedented changes and realities that seemed almost too surreal to be true. The song's reference to "tomorrow never knows" also speaks to the unpredictability and uncertainty that defined 2020.
Conclusion
The songs shared here capture the essence of the turbulent year of 2020. From the chaotic and unpredictable to the simplistic yet profound, each selection reflects a unique perspective on a year filled with profound challenges and transformations. Whether it was a desire to find meaning in a rapidly changing world, to cope with isolation and despair, or to reflect on a year that seemed both surreal and deeply real, these songs resonated deeply with many during 2020. They serve as a reminder of the enduring power of music to reflect and heal during times of great uncertainty.