Every time I’m interviewed, I’m asked the same question: “What is it that keeps the phenomenon of The Beatles going and going and going?” And if you can explain it, you’re a better man or woman than I.
We all know the music’s unparalleled. The sheer diversity and depth of Beatles’ music (not to mention the incredible beauty of it) cannot be rivaled. But I don’t think the music alone would stir as much emotion as The Beatles do 50 years after the fact.
And yes, the boys are wonderfully unique…witty, urbane, and talented in so many other areas besides music! They are gifted writers, artists, actors, and activists. So that’s another piece of the puzzle that makes them exceptional.
But I think one reason that they continue to affect lives and change lives is that they taught us (and are still teaching us) lessons we’ll never forget. Here, for example, are 10 of the most important things that we all learned from The Beatles:
1. Love is all you need.
2. Life is very short, and there’s no time for fussing and fighting, my friend.
3. Money can’t buy me love. (and in a later song, “Love is the one thing that money can’t buy.”)
4. Tomorrow may rain, so I’ll follow the sun.
5. …love is to share.
6. No one, I think, is in my tree.
7. I get by with a little help from my friends.
8. Pride can hurt you, too. Apologize.
9. It’s getting better all the time! (Can’t get much worse!)
10. Give peace a chance.
And so many more. (Help! me by adding them in your comments. I know I’m missing some of the best!)
The Beatles, quite frankly, taught us all. And they cleverly used “music-instruction” which imbeds a lesson in one’s memory in a powerful way that no other form of learning can. Still today in 2015, the lads are teaching people ages 2-92 about what really matters and what does not. Expression and freedom matter. Lives, all lives, matter. And love…love matters. It was and is their bottom line.
For years they’ve been our beloved mentors and guides, and with them we “have memories longer than the road that stretches out ahead.” That, I believe, is the best part of their magic. Let it be.
They taught us also to
Let it be
In the end the love you make is equal to the love you take