The Beatles and Their Enigmatic Songs: 'Come Together' and 'Abbey Road'
The Beatles, the legendary rock band that shaped music history, left behind a rich legacy of enigmatic songs. Among these is the puzzling track 'Come Together,' which raises more questions than it answers. Meanwhile, 'Abbey Road' offers a subtle yet profound message resonating with the social and political climate of its time. This article delves into the deeper meanings behind these songs, exploring the historical context and cultural significance.
Untangling 'Come Together'
Written by John Lennon and released in 1970, 'Come Together' has intrigued listeners for decades with its obscure references and cryptic lyrics. Originally intended for Timothy Leary, an activist and presidential candidate who was later arrested on drug charges, the song has an underlying complexity that has confounded fans and scholars alike.
The Historical Context: 'Come Together' is inspired by the mysterious death of Paolo 'Chicken' Pizzco, a competitor in the joo-joo eyeball business. Pizzco, who was killed by an elaborate assassination on a Ferris wheel, elicits a mix of shock and intrigue. The song's verses describe this unsettling event, intertwined with surreal imagery and abstract references to the five Italian Mafia families and their involvement in manipulating justice through the Supreme Court.
Paul McCartney, who was closely following the Pizzco case, saw 'Come Together' as a reflection of a larger societal issue. Lennon's interpretation, as shared with John Moores University Students in 1971, was that the song mirrors the act of counting and torturing individuals, possibly even killing them.
Allegorical Interpretations:
There are two predominant interpretations of the song. One is that the line 'Now I’ve got to find my hidden mind' suggests John Lennon witnessing his own murderer. Another perspective is that it serves as an introduction to an upcoming album where William Campbell, a character, replaces Paul McCartney.
Regardless of its true intent, 'Come Together' has become a somewhat controversial song amongst Beatles fans and scholars due to its explicit references to adult content, particularly from a time when such topics were unusual in mainstream rock music.
The Symbolism of 'Abbey Road'
A Social Statement: 'Abbey Road,' the ninth studio album by The Beatles, was released in 1969 and is often interpreted as a call for unity and togetherness. Pointedly, it reflects the social and political climate of an era marked by civil unrest, protests, and a quest for genuine human connection.
The album's cover, a group photo of the band collectively crossing Abbey Road, symbolizes the band's desire to transcend their personal differences and existential angst. Their iconic image conveys a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, a message that resonated deeply with listeners of that era and has endured over time.
The Lyrics: The lyrics of 'Abbey Road' are filled with surreal and abstract imagery, making them open to multiple interpretations. Some believe these lyrics allude to various figures and themes, including political commentary and personal experiences. The character in the song might embody multiple personas, reflecting the complexities of society and the need for collective action.
Conclusion
Whether 'Come Together' and 'Abbey Road' represent John Lennon's fractured psyche or a broader social commentary, these songs remain pivotal in understanding the cultural milieu of the 1960s. They highlight the band's ability to use their music as a vehicle for social critique and personal introspection.
As listeners and scholars continue to analyze and debate these works, one thing is clear: The Beatles continue to captivate and challenge, paralleling their journey from a rock band to a cultural institution.