Jack's Music Box: The Beatles - In My Life
Hello all and welcome to another edition of Jack’s Music Box! Today we are going to be having a look at the The Beatles’ sublime song In My Life from their 1965 album Rubber Soul.
About the Artist
Unless you have been living under a rock for your entire life you will have already had plenty of exposure to the Beatles. Without a doubt the biggest most influential band to ever have existed.
In Liverpool in 1957 John Lennon formed a school band named the Quarrymen. The band played early rock & roll hits of the day. Later that year a 15 year old Paul McCartney was in the audience at a Quarrymen show at a church fete. Paul was immediately impressed by the group and went backstage after the concert to meet John. After showing off his guitar skills, Paul was invited to join the group. As the band still needed another member, Paul brought in his school friend George Harrison.
The band performed all over Liverpool, and developed a following in the city. In 1960 the Quarrymen eventually changed their name to the Beatles.
The Beatles were offered a 6 month job playing in Hamburg where they were able to further develop their live show. In the end the Beatles ended up playing in Hamburg for 2 years on and off. It was in Hamburg that the band met drummer Ringo Starr, who was also playing in Hamburg with his band Rory Storm & the Hurricanes.
The Beatles were eventually deported from Germany as they were legally too young to work. However, due to their experience playing Hamburg, they were now one of the best live bands in Liverpool.
It was at this point that they were discovered at the now famous Cavern Club by Brian Epstein who then became their manager. It was Epstein that managed to get the band a record contract with Parlophone.
The Beatles released their first single ‘Love me do’ in 1962. Their debut album Please Please Me followed in 1963, kicking off Beatlemania in the UK.
The band quickly became the most popular band in Britain. In 1964 Beatlemania spread to the USA as their song I Want to Hold Your Hand hit the number one spot in the US charts. The band’s appearance on the Ed Sullivan show that year was one of the most watched television events of all time!
Throughout the 1960s the band constantly reinvented themselves. Going from pure pop to rock & roll to folk to psychedelia.
In 1970 the band broke up, having left behind a legacy which is still yet to be topped!
About the Song
In my Life appeared on the band’s groundbreaking 1965 album Rubber Soul. The song was written by John Lennon and signaled a shift in style to more introspective lyrics.
The song’s lyrics talk about Lennon’s past along with the friends that he had made and lost along the way. Lennon would refer to the song as his first «real major piece of work» due to the songs lyrics.
The Lyrics
All my life, though some have changed. Some forever, not for better.
Some are dead, and some are living. In my life, I’ve loved them all.
I know I’ll often stop and think about them.
Notable Vocabulary
Recall: To remember
Affection: A feeling of love
Often: Regularly
