Analyzing the Beatles’ Songwriting Process: From Demo Tapes to Finished Tracks
The Beatles are undoubtedly one of the most well-known and beloved bands in music history. We may think we know all of their songs, having heard every track on all of their studio albums. However, musician and YouTuber David Bennett has taken on the challenge of truly understanding the Beatles’ songs through his series, UnBeatled. In each video, Bennett dives deep into one Beatles song, analyzing it in extreme detail by breaking down its components and examining demos and unreleased takes recorded in the studio.
Through this meticulous process, Bennett sheds light on the Beatles’ songwriting process. For example, take the song “Yellow Submarine.” The early recordings of this song differ significantly in lyrics, melody, and time signature from the final version we all know and love. It began with an idea from John Lennon and was further developed by Paul McCartney through various iterations. Another example is John’s “Everybody Had a Hard Year,” which evolved from a fingerpicking pattern learned in India and can be heard in songs like “Julia” and “Dear Prudence.” This pattern morphed, with different chords, into the middle section of “I’ve Got a Feeling.”
Close and deep listening to the Beatles’ catalog reveals fascinating connections between songs. Some songs, like “Strawberry Fields Forever,” were constructed from entirely different recordings, which were then adjusted in speed and pitch to match in the middle. The Beatles often utilized innovative studio techniques, such as vari-speed, which became a fundamental part of their songwriting process. This technological manipulation contributed significantly to their iconic sound, characterized as vibey, psychedelic, and uncanny.
Exploring the Beatles’ songs in such detail allows fans to appreciate the complexity and innovation behind their music. Bennett’s UnBeatled series provides a unique perspective on the band’s creative process, highlighting the intricate layers of arrangements, melodies, and lyrics that make their songs timeless classics. The Beatles’ ability to experiment with different sounds, instruments, and recording techniques set them apart as pioneers in the music industry, influencing generations of artists to come.