“Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.” – Plato
It appears to be no mere coincidence that music has spearheaded profound social and political transformations throughout history. Powerful lyrics that strike the tune of the time seem to penetrate an unseen realm, resonating with the deepest chords of human experience.
It’s almost a miracle that we can enjoy today the crisp and clear voice of John Lennon in the newly released Beatles song “Now and Then” with machine learning technology managing to extract the deceased band member’s vocals from a poor 1970s cassette recording.
The new song triggers memories of the famously successful, “Eleanor Rigby” with the introductory lyrics: “Ah, look at all the lonely people!” The theme of loneliness and isolation was a clear departure from earlier Beatles love songs into a new genre.
It is the only song where none of the Beatles plays an instrument. There is an eery aspect with the name “Eleanor Rigby” found on a gravestone at St. Peter’s Parish Church, in Woolten, Liverpool where Paul McCartney and John Lennon first met as teenagers in 1957.
The real Eleanor Rigby
It tells the story of a lonely woman named Eleanor Rigby, and the gravestone allegedly served as the inspiration for Paul McCartney when writing the song. The actual grave belongs to a woman named Eleanor Rigby, who died in 1939 at the age of 44.
In a 2021 article for the New Yorker, McCartney writes that after being introduced to John Lennon they most certainly wandered about in the churchyard talking about their future. But McCartney writes that he couldn’t consciously recall having seen the gravestone.
“I don’t remember seeing the grave there, but I suppose I might have registered it subliminally.”
McCartney goes on to write that several coincidental meetings led to the formation of the band: “All these small coincidences had to happen to make the Beatles happen, and it does feel like some kind of magic. It’s one of the wonderful lessons about saying yes when life presents these opportunities to you. You never know where they might lead.”
During its time Eleanor Rigby struck a chord with many people perceiving and feeling the “social isolation” that comes with living in large cities, geographically distant from close family and friends with limited opportunities for social interactions apart from the workplace.
It is no coincidence either that the Beatles arrived at a time in the 1960s when a new generation yearned to break free from the suffocating morality of the 1950s. Music has played a pivotal role in driving change throughout history, giving a voice to the simmering social undercurrent.
Songwriters and musicians have shared sentiments about a mysterious, almost mystical process of creating music. McCartney mentioned in several interviews how some of their most famous songs seemed to flow effortlessly as if the melodies and lyrics were already there, waiting to be discovered.
Joni Mitchell describes the art of creative songwriting as a form of channeling, arriving from a place she can’t fully explain, almost as if they are given to her.
Leonard Cohen said: “If I knew where the good songs came from, I’d go there more often.”
Bob Dylan describes his songwriting process as tapping into something beyond his conscious mind, often coming to him almost fully formed, as if he’s a conduit for something greater than himself.
Bach: Infused by spirituality
One of the greatest composers of all time, Johann Sebastian Bach, infused his music with his deep spiritual beliefs. His music is timeless and continues to inspire millions across all national, cultural, and religious boundaries. The complexity of Bach’s compositions and emotional resonance has scholars citing it as evidence of a profound connection to something beyond the human realm.
Deep walking in solitude over long distances, undeniably also influenced Bach’s compositions. Walking between his home and a parish that did a first performance, he would often refine and adapt the composition. Walking has a natural rhythm, that might have influenced Bach’s sense of musical rhythm.
In 1705 the young Bach made a 400-kilometer journey on foot from Arnstadt to Lübeck in northern Germany to learn from the then-famous organist Dietrich Buxtehude.
Ludwig von Beethoven took daily walks in nature. Many of his best ideas came to him during walks in the country, including his ‘pastoral’ Symphony No. 6. Completed in 1808.
Lennon’s last words to McCartney were reportedly: “Think about me every now and then, old friend,” which makes “Now and Then” seem almost like a message from the beyond. The song is the final official Beatles farewell. There are only two surviving members – McCartney and Ringo Starr both now in their 80s.
Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker
P.S. I’m excited to announce the release of my latest book, “The Turning of the Circle: Embracing Nature’s Wisdom for Purposeful Living.” If you enjoy it, you might also be interested in my previous works, “Deep Walking for Body, Mind and Soul” and “Walking on Edge: A Pilgrimage to Santiago.” You can find all of these titles at reputable bookstores near you.
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