Mean Mr. Mustard – 4 of Pentacles (Lennon/McCartney) Abbey Road, 1969 As an astute observer and storyteller, John was often inspired by things he read in the newspaper and saw on television. In June of 1967, the Daily Mirror and Daily Record both ran stories about a John Mustard, who was being divorced for being…
It Won’t Be Long – 9 of Cups (Lennon/McCartney) With The Beatles, 1963 By late 1963, the Beatles were a phenomenon in their native UK. Anyone who doubted if they could last were sure to be won over from the first notes of their second album; “It Won’t Be Long” is the fantastically energetic opener…
Baby You’re a Rich Man – 9 of Pentacles (Lennon/McCartney) Magical Mystery Tour, 1967 “Baby You’re a Rich Man” is typical psychedelic-era Beatles; it has mystical lyrics and features an exotic, Indian-flavored arrangement. Its meandering instrumental introduction was made with a clavioline, a precursor to the synthesizer. The song was released as a B-side to…
Slow Down – Knight of Wands (Williams) Long Tall Sally EP, 1964 Available on Past Masters There was such demand for Beatles music in 1964 that even two albums weren’t nearly enough. To fill the gap in anticipation of their third album, A Hard Day’s Night, the fab four hastily recorded a 4-song EP in…
Mother Nature’s Son – Page of Pentacles (Lennon/McCartney) The Beatles (The White Album), 1968 “Mother Nature’s Son” perfectly captures the tranquility of communing with the wonders of nature. Take a deep breath and allow it to wash over you. Paul has said the song was influenced by an old favorite, “Nature Boy” by Nat King…
Baby’s In Black – Death (Lennon/McCartney) Beatles For Sale, 1964 On the heels of the cheerful A Hard Day’s Night album and movie, the Beatles made a conscious decision to write songs that were a little darker and more serious for their follow-up. The first song they recorded for their next album, Beatles For Sale,…