The Beatles' Defining Song: A Comparative Analysis with 'Let It Be'

When it comes to the Beatles, determining a single defining song is a challenge, much like identifying the Satisfaction for the Stones or My Generation for the Who. The bands represented by Bohemian Rhapsody and Stairway to Heaven have their signature tracks, but the Beatles are different. They are more than the sum of their parts, representing a unique era in music.

Iconic and Innovators: The Beatles' Musical Legacy

The Beatles have several songs that could be considered defining, but one that is often highlighted as an iconic example is Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. This song encapsulates the innovative spirit of the band, showcasing their experimentation with structure, instrumentation, and lyrical depth. It is a prime example of their evolution as a group, moving from the simple, catchy tunes of their early days to more complex and innovative compositions.

Other Contenders

Hey Jude: A timeless anthem that showcases their ability to create powerful sing-alongs. It has a universal appeal and has become a cultural icon, often played at gatherings and events. Yesterday: A simple yet profound ballad that highlights their songwriting prowess. Its emotional depth and melodic beauty have made it one of the most covered songs in history. While My Guitar Gently Weeps: A reflective song that resonates with many for its message of hope and personal struggle. It is one of the signature tracks of their later, more experimental phase. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da: A funky enigmatic track that embodies their willingness to push boundaries and explore new sounds.

Let It Be: The Defining Song

However, I can personally attest to one song that is considered the Beatles' defining song in Korea. It's Let It Be. In Korea, this song holds a special place, being more famous and popular than the Beatles themselves.

Let It Be's enduring popularity in Korea can be attributed to several factors. The song was first introduced to a child like me, and it was my first Beatles song. Even among those who don't listen to English pop music, many can sing the chorus to 'Let It Be.' In fact, it's not uncommon for some older Koreans to mistakenly believe it's a gospel song due to its peaceful and uplifting message. Let It Be was regarded as a sacred and educational song, contributing significantly to its cultural impact.

According to my rough estimate, Let It Be is more popular than Yesterday in Korea. While many Koreans may know Yesterday, they still have a familiarity with the Beatles and can recognize it. However, there are many more Koreans who know Let It Be but have no idea about the Beatles as a whole.

The prevalence of Let It Be in Korea is significant, making it clear why it is often cited as the Beatles' defining song in that country.

Comparative Analysis: 'Satisfaction' and 'Let It Be'

While the Stones, Who, Queen, and Led Zeppelin each have defining songs—Satisfaction, My Generation, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Stairway to Heaven respectively—the Beatles are an exception. The lack of a single definitive song is precisely what sets them apart and makes them the Beatles.

Conclusion

For the examples above, some may suggest one or two other possible defining songs for each artist. For the Beatles, there are candidates from each album and different phases of their music. People debate which song best represents each classification, and then they argue over which phase or song is the most representative of the Beatles as a whole. This multifaceted legacy makes the Beatles a unique entity in the world of music history.