The Who Wrote Yesterday by The Beatles: The Real Meaning and Paul McCartney's Inspiration

The song 'Yesterday' by The Beatles has become one of the most iconic and widely covered pieces of music in pop history. But who wrote it, and what is its true meaning? Many believe the song has no deeper meaning, but in fact, it is an intriguing story of inspiration, dream sequences, and musical genius.

Who Wrote 'Yesterday'?

Paul McCartney is the sole writer of 'Yesterday,' a fact that was never in dispute. According to McCartney, the song's beginnings are quite fascinating. One morning in 1963, he woke up with a beautiful melody in his head, which he described as the result of a dream. Without having any lyrics at first, McCartney sat down at the piano and played the chords, singing the melody along with it.

The Origin of the Lyrics

The initial lyrics were quite different from the ones we now associate with 'Yesterday.'

“Scrambled eggs Oh you’ve got such lovely legs Scrambled eggs. Oh my baby how I love your legs.”

McCartney was convinced that he'd simply remembered another song and decided to perform it for various friends and colleagues. To his surprise, no one had heard it before. Deciding to turn the dream into a proper song, McCartney began working on the lyrics. He used rhyming words to create the initial verses, initially thinking that the title 'Yesterday' was too cliché. However, George Martin, the producer, assured him that it was a good choice.

Recording and Production

The recording of 'Yesterday' was a significant moment for The Beatles, as it was the first song in which only one Beatle performed. John Lennon played the organ on the initial takes but was eventually removed, with Paul McCartney playing acoustic guitar and singing exclusively.

George Martin composed the string quartet arrangement, which added a unique element to the song, setting it apart from the usual Beatles sound. The decision to have only Paul perform the song was made, and Brian Epstein, the group's manager, agreed to release it under the band's name to maintain their image as a cohesive unit.

Meaning and Inspiration

"Yesterday" has undergone various interpretations over the years, with Paul McCartney himself stating that it had no specific meaning and was simply about a lost love. However, it's fascinating to think about the possible inspirations behind the song:

A Childhood Memory: McCartney has suggested that the song might be a reflection of a childhood memory or a lost love from his youth. A General Feeling: Many believe the song captures a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, a common emotion experienced when reflecting on the past. A Global Phenomenon: Despite its simplicity, 'Yesterday' has become a testament to the power of music to touch people's lives in profound ways.

Conclusion

The story behind 'Yesterday' is a beautiful example of the magic that can happen when music transcends the realm of the everyday. From a dream to a song, and then to a global phenomenon, the tale of 'Yesterday' is a reminder of the enduring power of creativity and inspiration.