Long time watcher, first time commenting. This one really hit me, this was my granddad’s favourite song. We played it at his funeral as he requested it before he died. My god I wish he was here to watch this with me and breakdown McCartney’s genius. Thank you Rick for helping me understand what my grandad heard in this masterpiece.
Yeah im still not sure why rick didnt add it to his greatest 2-chord song. He says its because of the line cliche? But the line cliche works so well here
I had a HS English teacher in the early 70s who used Beatles songs in our poetry explorations. Not the music, just the words. We spent a whole class dissecting the meanings and emotions of Eleanor Rigby. It is a very special memory that I cherish. Thank you, Mr. John Sollers.
My ear is not nearly as developed as it should be, but ER is so lush and sophisticated that it never dawned on me that it only has two chords. Fricken Beatles man.
When I discovered The Beatles, I was immediately drawn most to Mccartney's songs without understanding why. Songs like And I love her, Eleanor Rigby, For No one, Good Day Sunshine, She's Leaving Home, Penny Lane, Martha my dear, Hey Jude, (the list goes on) they all pluck at your heart strings. Their music seems simple yet they contain some elements which always move and surprise you. But in all these songs the lyrics have the same quality. They seem simple but they all contain some beautiful images. Also, the music fits so well with the sentiment of the lyrics.
One of my peeves is the "Beatles are overrated" stuff that goes around these days online... obviously no one who's ever tried to play a Beatles song correctly. It's just mind blowing how complex their songs can be yet still be as palatable to a mainstream listener as it is.
Most of the arguments I see whenever someone says that The Beatles are overrated are centered upon "even I can play their songs on the guitar, they are not difficult". They forget that having a ton of shred licks or complicated riffs in your songs does not mean that they are memorable or of good quality.
The Beatles totally transformed popular music and popular culture. They were the first self contained pop group, writing their own songs and using chords and musical forms that had never been seen in pop music before. They were revolutionaries and everyone since has been merely a follower.
Let's be real, we're never gonna really be *done* talking about the Beatles. I've been listening to them for my entire 24 years of living and I'm still catching things I've never noticed before. Not many bands can say they have 13 albums and every single one is a masterpiece.
I'm 72 and have been listening to them since the beginning and yet here's Rick Beato dissecting and revealing to me things about a piece of music I've listened to 1,000's of times in such a way as to make me understand that there's so much more to hear.
It is very very comforting to know that these guys still Rock for the younger Generations as well. I'm 42, I didn't really fall in love with the Beatles until I was 17 and it was forced on me by one of my friends dads so many years ago. I was very thankful, yet I was way overdue for opening that book, and was not real intrigued or interested in their music until then, even though I had heard many of their songs growing up. There is so much to explore, i still havent heard every song they sent out to the world. John was killed shortly before I was born. Keep passing the music down through the generations, it is well deserved. These gentlemen have definitely made the world a better place.
@@newfreenayshaun6651 I'm glad my dad collected the vinyl albums and later the CDs. I remember loving Sgt Pepper from some of my earliest memories. I'm always trying to turn people on to their music, and even blowing their minds with something like Taxman, Rain or even Within You Without You when people try to tell me they were "just a pop group/boy band." Of course being my age, a lot of my friends and peers just don't get it..
You can’t have rock w/o Bach, Beethoven & Brahms. You can’t have jazz w/o Miles , Monk & Moody. You can’t have modern music w/o the Beatles. Don’t listen to them much - but I probably should.
This not only shows McCartney's genious but shows that you dont have to craft a song from complex chord sequences. You can use simple chords and then build interesting melodies around them. Songwriting at its best.
I am a retired music teacher and I used this song for years in my arrangement and composition classes as a perfect example of creative 'less is more' writing. Apart from the fantastic melody there is the syncopated rhythm of the melody set against the steady quarter note beat of the strings that really propels the song forward. Also there is the strange harmonic rhythm. (three measures of Em followed by one and a half measure of C followed by three and a half measures of Em) which gives this song this weird sense of instability. Pure genius. And there's the lyrics of course.
This song is so good it's scary. If it were any other band, it'd be regarded as the best song ever. But since it's the Beatles, it's one among many. To me, it's untouchable.
One of the greatest songs in the modern era, IMO. Brilliant melody, superb orchestration (the dramatic strings), incredibly evocative, poignant lyrics. It's a melancholic short story in music--short, simple, powerful.
Great video as usual.... During Rick Wakeman's 2006 solo piano tour he covered a "Help/Elenor Rigby" medley and stopped in the middle.... explaining to the crowd precisely the melody changes you taught us about here... spot on dude as always!!!
Wakeman is also funny as hell in addition to being a virtuoso player and educator. I also strongly believe that when public K-12 school music programs were better funded these types of discussions were common. In the 70s, I had an old high school piano teacher who would routinely break down tunes like this for us in great detail (jazz and show tunes too) and we would be tested on the material or be asked to develop a motif based on it. This was not unusual. I regret that those teachers weren’t better paid. Of course, public K12 music programs were later seen as optional and the trend became to defund them. What a shame. It also led to a drought of musical knowledge on even foundational concepts such as the modes and counter-point. In any case It’s great that Rick Beato benefit can from his knowledge.
The strangest thing is that George Harrison and Paul worked out that part together. You would think that only one mind could be across this song in order to keep the whole thing unified - but it was Paul and the two Georges. And you're absolutely right - those harmonies are perfect.
When I listen to it, I can't believe its only 2:38 long. It's so jammed packed musically. instrumentally and emotionally. George Martin was genius working the Beatles.
I'm so glad you took the time to analyze Eleanor Rigby. This is probably my favorite Beatles song, along with Magical Mystery Tour. Also, I think if there is ever a time when there is nothing else to say about the Beatles, then the world is done. Last one out the door, make sure the lights are turned off.
starting in my teenage years I began the listening to The Beatles.. and over time their music created hundreds of thousands of neural pathways throughout my auditory cortex.. thank you so much Rick for being passionate while you share musical knowledge and analyze great songs.. it is very enjoyable to witness.
Eleanor Rigby has the right combination of complexity and simplicity that it works so well and makes for so many possibilities in covering it in different styles and it works in so many ways
My wife and two sons joined me at your show at the Park West in Chicago and yes Rick, we were very entertained! To all of my fellow fans, go see Rick! It’s a great evening of musical dissections and all you’ve come to appreciate from Professor Beato. Thank you, Rick!
When I was a kid, this song always made me very sad. I always thought it was the lyrics doing it to me. This video showed me that it was also the music doing it to me, maybe more so than the lyrics. Thank you Rick, I always learn something new when I watch your videos!
Great video, as usual. Also, proof that sometimes you DON’T have to use the original recording to teach about the song. Hope you can use this format more often for the blockers. Thank you, Rick!
The new Revolver mix is incredible. Eleanor Rigby gives me full body goosebumps. Just amazing how much clarity they were able to pull out for the new release.
Great breakdown! Paul is the ultimate melody man. I recall back in the day, seeing no less than Leonard Bernstein on TV saying how sophisticated the Beatles music was. But what makes it even more amazing is they didn't even read music; they did it all in their heads! They're in a league of their own creating lush rhythmic, tonal and lyrical landscapes. You could do 187 more videos like this one... and I hop you do!
@Unlikable Avenue Wow, so the Beatles writing amazing music without being able to read the sophisticated, mathematical language of music is not amazing. Boy, you're in a league of your own too.
Hearing the notes played on the piano without the lavish production really illustrates the stark power and drama of the song. I can imagine building a piano concerto around this song.
I think the #4 sounds sad only after a while is because at first it's just a C chord being played so the brain thinks "we must be in C lydian". However, the actual key of E minor quickly becomes established (since it's more stable than lydian and also emphasised). In the key of E minor, F# is the 9th, which has a haunting quality (think of the m9 chord).
Nailed it. I liken this moment in the song to the overall key of Em kind of seeping back into our brains...or we're anticipating the Em tonality we been hearing in the song coming back at any second.
You were wondering about a 10th in another song. "Don't Know Why" by Norah Jones has a 10th a few times in the song. It's obvious because it leads into the beginning of the phrase. I love your videos.... especially the one you did on Michael Brecker (my jazz hero).
Not sure where you're getting the 10th, as it begins with a jump from the 1 to the 7th, 5, 3,3, 1, and the other verses are 7, 5, 3, 3, 1. The chorus jumps an octave at the beginning.
@@mikenitchie5849 I will check my transcription when I have time. I like playing this song, so I transcribed it. If my transcription turns out to be correct, I will share it with you.
Its especially interesting how he really wasn't one to think much at all about theory, those melodys just.. came to him. Its stunning that someone could have something like that simply flow from them and with such great consistency
There is no bottom to the depth and the poignancy of The Beatles. This is why we are all still standing still in awe, bowing to their majesty. What makes it even more endearing is the fact that they never had the pretension of believing in their own splendor. They just, were!
My emotions when listening to Eleanor Rigby always bounce back and forth between melancholy and sadness. It feels like McCartney pulls the emotional rug out from under us with his soaring octave changes. Bloody genius is what it is.
I agree with Peter Green word for word from a Guitar Magazine I have. "Macca Macca all the way" Especially if you know theory he is just so varied from simple yet complex to Jazz Vaudeville Tin Pan Alley Show tunes and more.
Such a great analysis and example! McCarteny's music is deceptively complex, the weird stuff just sounds so right, I still can't get over the time I realized Yesterday is in 7-bar phrases! like no other pop song.
It's interesting to note that George Harrison came up with "look at all the lonely people," and Ringo wrote some of the lyrics ("writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear"). Lennon later claimed major credit for the song, which was disputed by the entire band and Lennon's childhood friend Pete Shotton, who was there as McCartney worked on the song and said Lennon's contribution was "virtually nil." One of my absolute favorite songs not just from the Beatles, but of all time. It's simply brilliant, whomever contributed to the writing (although I do believe that the entire thing has much more the air of McCartney than it does of Lennon, and that seems to be the opinion of everyone involved in its writing.)
TS is a good fun song. It's way past nauseating when people choose a few of Paul's songs for slaughter. Maxwell's Silver Hammer was good fun song too. Just b/c John hated it doesn't make it a bad song. Same with Your Mother Should Know. Everyone knows Paul wrote 'period pieces' occasionally. Songs such as Honey Pie, Martha My Dear and When I'm 64, along with the other two were the types of songs Paul would have heard on the BBC radio broadcast in the 40's & 50's. It's what his parents listened to b/c that was the music of that era. So he writes a few of those on his own from what he remembers as a kid. Nothing wrong with it. It wasn't rock & roll but who cares. They were cool songs and shows how musically intelligent Paul was compared to John/George or anyone else writing songs back then. I say good for Paul!!
Was in Chicago for the show. I was entertained. Thank you for all you do. You handled the crowd questions so well and I loved the Beatles breakdown there. I half expected to see a white board. Great job on this video too..
Great video analysis of a beautiful song. Yesterday gets most of the attention, but I always thought this was equally as great. I assume all the jazz Paul heard from his father made it's way into Paul's writing.
Rick, you spoke about jumping a 10th and it being so unusual. My music theory is definitely pre-infancy, but the second time you demonstrated it the first thing that came to mind was Van Halen's "I'll Wait" the beginning of the song keyboard synth introduction which I suppose is a bit more of a slide and not a jump. I could be way off with my initial thought, but I find it similar.
Paul has been my favourite since Ed Sullivan show Feb 18 1964 I’m still playing still performing so much love for those guys, the world was saved when they came along
The sound system at the store where I work is messed up, and only plays one main channel (you can faintly hear the other one). When this song comes on, as soon as Paul sings, all you hear is, "El...". However, you get to hear the string section very well, which I've always loved, so that's a small consolation...lol. They all come back in on the chorus, only to disappear again when the next verse begins...lol. It does the same thing on songs like "Bus Stop", "Aquarius", "Foxy Lady", "Good Lovin'"...anything that may have been recorded on two main tracks. They sound more like karaoke tunes! lol Thanks for this post, I really enjoyed Rhett's input! He (as well as you) has a great ear for hearing things we laypeople may miss! 🎶♥
In fairness, I don't always agree with all that you do, but dude, you're amazing. Your analysis is consistently helpful to me and hopefully others. It pushes me to really try to more fully understand so much more of what I hear in the music that I listen to and play. I couldn't possibly overstate my appreciation.
In some ways, this song is THE song. All of that aural and emotional information jam-packed into 2 minutes. Great Beatles songs are SO unique right from the jump. You hear the opening of Elenor Rigby, or Come Together or Hard Days Night (et al!) ... you don't need lyrics to know what song it is. The instrumentation and opening melodies/harmonies are absolutely unique. When I turn on the radio today, it is often (not always, but often) impossible for me to know what song is playing. I may know the BAND, but what SONG by them ... not so much. The Beatles sounded like the Beatles without having to stay locked in a "format" like many bands today are forced to do. The Beatles didn't have a "lane" ... they off-roaded and made everyone follow them! And I mean, that string arrangement! Come on!!
I'm a 45 year drummer and I've been listening to this song my entire life. Very interesting and cool to hear the complexities explained. I also love George Martin's contribution to this song.
Well said. It’s a shame that many people don’t realise the contributions George Martin made towards their songs. He was a huge part of their song craft
A brilliant breakdown of the song, but I didn't not realize it only had 2 Chords!! it is amazing how music can instill sadness yet but yet be so memorable. It's one of my favourites, what other song out there ever written sounds like it? None that I can think of its so unique. The Beatles were a very rare combination of really 4 geniuses that got together very young as a band, and created masterpieces. i would say they probably knew they were good as time went on, but not as good as we think of them. Eleanor Rigby always gives me goosebumps when I hear it...
My Desert Island Discs song is "A Day in the Life" because I never, ever get tired of it, and it's a great Lennon-McCartney collaboration. But "Eleanor Rigby" is my fave!
@@phronsiekeys Frank Zappa had no small mind. Musically/intellictually, most Beatle's songs bored him. He said "The Walrus" was a song that caught his ear and he played it live on his 1988 tour.
McCartney is the most versatile genius. "Making lydian mode sound sad" when his music is usually (wrongfully) regarded as over optimistic, cheerful, etc. He has the range to do almost everything.
I’ve always envisioned McCartney just letting his fingers do the walking, when he wrote songs. You know, “Wow. I like those two notes, one after the other. Now, what if I add this…nope. Not that. Then what about this? Nope, not that either. Maybe this one instead? Cool! Yep. That one! Okay, now…” And so on. The melodies just organically arrived, as opposed to being planned in any way. It’s only in the transcribing by music-theory-trained musicians that the technical intricacies of it all are revealed. I may be way off on this, but NOT being hemmed in by music theory was one of McCartney’s best assets. Sometimes, not knowing you can’t do something, is your super power in doing it. McCartney noodled his way into many a masterpiece, as a result. Love your content, Rick. Much of it is over my head, but I always learn something. Cheers
Yes, it is very often noodling. Although sometimes it's also something you hear in the head first, then you find the chords/harmony/melody on the instrument later on. The more familiar you are with your chosen instrument, the easier it is to find. Sometimes, it can feel like the music is just being channeled through the fingers- kind of spooky but it's like a trance-state where the fingers just sort of go where they're meant to, without much conscious thought.
McCartney's genius is that he seems like the guy next door. I can imagine him humming a a 7 note melody and thinking ''Yeah, I can make a song out of this .''
Would love to see you break down Cobain's most advanced vocal melodies in this same way. Like a Top 5 list of "How did he hear that line during this progression?"
Totally agree..i think the vast majority of modern musicians have ideas for melodies, chords etc and just play what sounds good and feels right without having a clue about the so called theory behind it....people read far too much into it..hindsight is a wonderful thing
Kind of yes, kind of no. I doubt Paul was thinking about the b6 and the natural 6, however he had the ear to conceive of that melody. People who aren't musically minded would never in a million years use the note C# when humming over Em and C.
... while I failed music in elementary school (because of a lack of interest), my interest is now sky high with these breakdowns of these drums. The Beatles have indeed greatly shaped the way I write songs (my dad was a huge Beatles and Pink Floyd fan). Thank you, Rick, for this presentation. This is why I love your channel so much.
Watching the great Rick Beato talk about the great Paul McCartney, and understanding these musical analyses the way I do, a million light years ("Across The Universe") from today's pop, is just a pleasing privileged thing to do. 🙂
Riders on the Storm switches between E Dorian to E aeolian at the end of each verse (it ends on a C chord then the melody switches straight back to Dorian with the C# as the fourth note)
I've always liked the feel and sound of this song and I'm not a great Beatles fan generally. Really interesting to have it broken down and made sense of. Real skill for it to use these unusual intervals yet sound perfectly natural. Really amazing what you can do with two chords!
Not only is Paul McCartney a great songwriter, he really is an underrated bass player. If you really listen to the way he plays bass in many or most of the Beatles songs, he plays in a most melodic and lyrical way. Of course, without John, George and Ringo, they wouldn't be The Beatles. And I would be remiss if I didn't add the musical genius of the "5th Beatle," George Martin, into the mix. Also, I want to acknowledge Master Musician Rick Beato's knowledge, expertise, musicianship, and true appreciation for music as a whole. Grazie, Rick.
Great analysis. Great to hear what a musical genius Paul was. All this is lost on 99% of listeners, to them it's just a song like any 1,3 song might be.
I think this is the wrong attitude. Sure, maybe 99% of people don't have enough of an education in music theory to understand Rick's explanation for why the song is awesome. But what matters more is one's ability to appreciate it, and regardless of one's technical knowledge, that change from the natural 6 to the flat 6 has a powerful impact on listeners all the same. Understanding music theory is great, but you don't need it to understand music on an emotional level. If they didn't, The Beatles probably wouldn't have been so popular, now would they?
@@evanwilliamson8338 My point was that most people don't realize the subtlety and complexity that some of the Beatles songs contain. I certainly didn't. As for my attitude, give me a break, dude.
Wish I’d known this two years ago instead of watching this now in 2024. Anyone else still watching Rick’s old videos years later? So much musical knowledge archived here, love it ❤
Rick, I absolutely love the way you break things down and explain things. You are a really great teacher. Thank you for all you do and thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
Another great and remarkable thing is that the melody of the verse is a five measure melody! I cannot thing any other melody that lasts five bars. Nice video. Greetings from Greece.
Nice breakdown, interesting the 10th jump, and yes I think it is because the song really pivots around that Em that the "happier" chords feel melancholy.
Think Macca knew what a flat 4th was when he wrote this? Wonder how much theory he actually knew (his ears are incredible)…plus he was taking piano lessons from Jane Asher’s Mom….
From listening to every Macca interview I've ever been able to find, including McCartney 3-2-1 with Rick Rubin, I don't believe he knew any theory as theory per se. He certainly knew how different intervals sounded! We know Mr. Lennon didn't know music theory. Per Wikipedia, "Not a Second Time" inspired a musical analysis from William Mann of The Times, citing the "Aeolian cadence" (Aeolian harmony) of Lennon's vocals as the song draws to a close, and noting that the same chord progression appears at the end of the final movement of Gustav Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde.[3] Lennon, years later, remarked: "To this day, I have no idea what [Aeolian cadences] are. They sound like exotic birds."[4] How fortunate the world is that four exotic birds roosted in George Martin's nest for a while...
0:03 Rick literally killing it in Chicago. In the other hand, all my life listening and loving this song, without noticing is funeral and burial music.
Long time watcher, first time commenting. This one really hit me, this was my granddad’s favourite song. We played it at his funeral as he requested it before he died. My god I wish he was here to watch this with me and breakdown McCartney’s genius. Thank you Rick for helping me understand what my grandad heard in this masterpiece.
I’m so sorry for your loss, but what a special thing y’all shared.
Oh no. R.i.p grandad. He obviously had great taste. Hope you're ok
That is awesome dude, I can feel ya
RIP grandad
beautiful! I Share the feelings.
It is not only one of the greatest 2-chord songs ever written, it is one of the greatest songs ever written period.
Yeah im still not sure why rick didnt add it to his greatest 2-chord song. He says its because of the line cliche? But the line cliche works so well here
agreed!
Contenders for best one-chord song?
The Fixx - One Thing Leads to Another
Alabama 3 - Woke Up This Morning
What say you?
@@YechielLevin The Beatles - Tomorrow Never Knows
Everything always comes back to them.
@@bassesatta9235 yeah, dreams has a 6minor chord in the guitar solo, so if dreams was in that video, eleanor rigby could've been there
I had a HS English teacher in the early 70s who used Beatles songs in our poetry explorations. Not the music, just the words. We spent a whole class dissecting the meanings and emotions of Eleanor Rigby. It is a very special memory that I cherish. Thank you, Mr. John Sollers.
Dang me too!
The irony is they wrote I am the walrus to poke fun at people looking too deeply into their lyrics
My Polish mom learned English at university coz she was translating The Beatles songs to friends in th 70/80s
My ear is not nearly as developed as it should be, but ER is so lush and sophisticated that it never dawned on me that it only has two chords. Fricken Beatles man.
My thoughts exactly. When I read the title and saw ER in the description I went ‘Really!?
I think it's fair to say we would never tire of you analyzing, discussing, praising, playing the Beatles. A bottomless well.
When I discovered The Beatles, I was immediately drawn most to Mccartney's songs without understanding why. Songs like And I love her, Eleanor Rigby, For No one, Good Day Sunshine, She's Leaving Home, Penny Lane, Martha my dear, Hey Jude, (the list goes on) they all pluck at your heart strings. Their music seems simple yet they contain some elements which always move and surprise you. But in all these songs the lyrics have the same quality. They seem simple but they all contain some beautiful images. Also, the music fits so well with the sentiment of the lyrics.
One of my peeves is the "Beatles are overrated" stuff that goes around these days online... obviously no one who's ever tried to play a Beatles song correctly. It's just mind blowing how complex their songs can be yet still be as palatable to a mainstream listener as it is.
Most of the arguments I see whenever someone says that The Beatles are overrated are centered upon "even I can play their songs on the guitar, they are not difficult".
They forget that having a ton of shred licks or complicated riffs in your songs does not mean that they are memorable or of good quality.
Individuals might make that claim but the Beatles popularity BLOWS it all away.
A simple answer I use is- The best cannot be overrated. Whether in terms of influence or sheer record sales.
The Beatles totally transformed popular music and popular culture. They were the first self contained pop group, writing their own songs and using chords and musical forms that had never been seen in pop music before. They were revolutionaries and everyone since has been merely a follower.
@@Timliu92 And that is the truth of it.
Let's be real, we're never gonna really be *done* talking about the Beatles. I've been listening to them for my entire 24 years of living and I'm still catching things I've never noticed before. Not many bands can say they have 13 albums and every single one is a masterpiece.
I'm 72 and have been listening to them since the beginning and yet here's Rick Beato dissecting and revealing to me things about a piece of music I've listened to 1,000's of times in such a way as to make me understand that there's so much more to hear.
It is very very comforting to know that these guys still Rock for the younger Generations as well. I'm 42, I didn't really fall in love with the Beatles until I was 17 and it was forced on me by one of my friends dads so many years ago. I was very thankful, yet I was way overdue for opening that book, and was not real intrigued or interested in their music until then, even though I had heard many of their songs growing up. There is so much to explore, i still havent heard every song they sent out to the world. John was killed shortly before I was born. Keep passing the music down through the generations, it is well deserved. These gentlemen have definitely made the world a better place.
@@newfreenayshaun6651 I'm glad my dad collected the vinyl albums and later the CDs. I remember loving Sgt Pepper from some of my earliest memories. I'm always trying to turn people on to their music, and even blowing their minds with something like Taxman, Rain or even Within You Without You when people try to tell me they were "just a pop group/boy band." Of course being my age, a lot of my friends and peers just don't get it..
@@newfreenayshaun6651 that’s so funny. I’m 42 and started loving the Beatles when I was 18
You can’t have rock w/o Bach, Beethoven & Brahms. You can’t have jazz w/o Miles , Monk & Moody. You can’t have modern music w/o the Beatles. Don’t listen to them much - but I probably should.
This not only shows McCartney's genious but shows that you dont have to craft a song from complex chord sequences. You can use simple chords and then build interesting melodies around them. Songwriting at its best.
I am a retired music teacher and I used this song for years in my arrangement and composition classes as a perfect example of creative 'less is more' writing. Apart from the fantastic melody there is the syncopated rhythm of the melody set against the steady quarter note beat of the strings that really propels the song forward. Also there is the strange harmonic rhythm. (three measures of Em followed by one and a half measure of C followed by three and a half measures of Em) which gives this song this weird sense of instability. Pure genius. And there's the lyrics of course.
This song is so good it's scary. If it were any other band, it'd be regarded as the best song ever. But since it's the Beatles, it's one among many. To me, it's untouchable.
One of the greatest songs in the modern era, IMO. Brilliant melody, superb orchestration (the dramatic strings), incredibly evocative, poignant lyrics. It's a melancholic short story in music--short, simple, powerful.
Completely unfalsifiable, meaningless, armchair claim
Great video as usual.... During Rick Wakeman's 2006 solo piano tour he covered a "Help/Elenor Rigby" medley and stopped in the middle.... explaining to the crowd precisely the melody changes you taught us about here... spot on dude as always!!!
Wakeman is also funny as hell in addition to being a virtuoso player and educator. I also strongly believe that when public K-12 school music programs were better funded these types of discussions were common. In the 70s, I had an old high school piano teacher who would routinely break down tunes like this for us in great detail (jazz and show tunes too) and we would be tested on the material or be asked to develop a motif based on it. This was not unusual. I regret that those teachers weren’t better paid. Of course, public K12 music programs were later seen as optional and the trend became to defund them. What a shame. It also led to a drought of musical knowledge on even foundational concepts such as the modes and counter-point. In any case It’s great that Rick Beato benefit can from his knowledge.
And the dynamic sadness of the harmonies on “ah look at all the lonely (lovely) people” is truly heartbreaking. Where John’s note is, is just stunning
The strangest thing is that George Harrison and Paul worked out that part together. You would think that only one mind could be across this song in order to keep the whole thing unified - but it was Paul and the two Georges. And you're absolutely right - those harmonies are perfect.
Cosmic stuff
When I listen to it, I can't believe its only 2:38 long. It's so jammed packed musically. instrumentally and emotionally. George Martin was genius working the Beatles.
This is why this song has never sound to me like a two chord song. It's so complex in its melody and arrangement.
that, and the fact it's not a two-chord song.
@@biffDipstick yeah, I have no idea why Rick called it a two chord song.
@@gregoryl.levitre9759 right? He's smarter than that.
I'm so glad you took the time to analyze Eleanor Rigby. This is probably my favorite Beatles song, along with Magical Mystery Tour. Also, I think if there is ever a time when there is nothing else to say about the Beatles, then the world is done. Last one out the door, make sure the lights are turned off.
I have no knowledge of any of this, but I cannot stop watching Rick explain these intricacies. That's what makes Rick great!
starting in my teenage years I began the listening to The Beatles.. and over time their music created hundreds of thousands of neural pathways throughout my auditory cortex.. thank you so much Rick for being passionate while you share musical knowledge and analyze great songs.. it is very enjoyable to witness.
In Wings it feels like he does interval jumps in "Let em in" (Someone's knocking at the door)
Eleanor Rigby has the right combination of complexity and simplicity that it works so well and makes for so many possibilities in covering it in different styles and it works in so many ways
My wife and two sons joined me at your show at the Park West in Chicago and yes Rick, we were very entertained! To all of my fellow fans, go see Rick! It’s a great evening of musical dissections and all you’ve come to appreciate from Professor Beato. Thank you, Rick!
I wish I had known about this appearance. I would have definitely been there, but I don't follow Rick so closely.
Bach, Beethoven, the Beatles... their music is immortal.
when you vocalize it almost sounded like robert wyatt - so good.
When I was a kid, this song always made me very sad. I always thought it was the lyrics doing it to me. This video showed me that it was also the music doing it to me, maybe more so than the lyrics. Thank you Rick, I always learn something new when I watch your videos!
Fabulous as usual, Rick reminds me of my organ teacher in the 70s same passion and similar shock of hair. Thank you.
Great video, as usual. Also, proof that sometimes you DON’T have to use the original recording to teach about the song. Hope you can use this format more often for the blockers. Thank you, Rick!
The new Revolver mix is incredible. Eleanor Rigby gives me full body goosebumps. Just amazing how much clarity they were able to pull out for the new release.
I started listening to Revolver deluxe in it's entirety this morning. Just finished. Mind blown.
The more you examine the Beatles' music the more impressed you are of their genius.
And the times of playful innocence . . . ?
Great breakdown! Paul is the ultimate melody man. I recall back in the day, seeing no less than Leonard Bernstein on TV saying how sophisticated the Beatles music was. But what makes it even more amazing is they didn't even read music; they did it all in their heads! They're in a league of their own creating lush rhythmic, tonal and lyrical landscapes. You could do 187 more videos like this one... and I hop you do!
@Unlikable Avenue Wow, so the Beatles writing amazing music without being able to read the sophisticated, mathematical language of music is not amazing. Boy, you're in a league of your own too.
Hearing the notes played on the piano without the lavish production really illustrates the stark power and drama of the song. I can imagine building a piano concerto around this song.
All my favorite Beatles songs were written by Paul. Blackbird. Eleanor rigby. Martha my dear. Such a genius.
One of your best so far Rick - thank you
I agree 100%
This is one of the most beautiful song ever written (and also one of the most difficult to sing)
Loving the new mix of Revolver, so many great songs on one album.
it really is remarkable what they did for music and how its still unmatched to this day
The chord progression with 6ths and flattened 6ths reminds me of Cry Me A River (Arthur Hamilton) and the Bond theme by Monty Norman.
One of my favorite renditions of Eleanor Rigby is the one with Wes Montgomery. It's so beautiful. Great tutorial!
Oh boy. Gonna have to check that out. Thanx.
@@dudemcrude2023 On it, mate. Thank you.
I think the #4 sounds sad only after a while is because at first it's just a C chord being played so the brain thinks "we must be in C lydian". However, the actual key of E minor quickly becomes established (since it's more stable than lydian and also emphasised). In the key of E minor, F# is the 9th, which has a haunting quality (think of the m9 chord).
Nailed it. I liken this moment in the song to the overall key of Em kind of seeping back into our brains...or we're anticipating the Em tonality we been hearing in the song coming back at any second.
You were wondering about a 10th in another song. "Don't Know Why" by Norah Jones has a 10th a few times in the song. It's obvious because it leads into the beginning of the phrase. I love your videos.... especially the one you did on Michael Brecker (my jazz hero).
Norah Jones has a Beatles connection. She's the daughter of Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar who was a friend of George Harrison.
Not sure where you're getting the 10th, as it begins with a jump from the 1 to the 7th, 5, 3,3, 1, and the other verses are 7, 5, 3, 3, 1. The chorus jumps an octave at the beginning.
@@mikenitchie5849 I will check my transcription when I have time. I like playing this song, so I transcribed it. If my transcription turns out to be correct, I will share it with you.
@@mikenitchie5849 I always find mistakes in sheet music, so I usually transcribe songs I like to play.
There’s nothing better than watching Rick use his encyclopaedic music knowledge to break down a song. How do I support you Rick?
Its especially interesting how he really wasn't one to think much at all about theory, those melodys just.. came to him. Its stunning that someone could have something like that simply flow from them and with such great consistency
Long time player- man, I learn so much from your channel. And I am as old as dirt. Thank you Rick!
Let’s be honest there’s a fair argument for this not being a two chord song at all.
There is no bottom to the depth and the poignancy of The Beatles. This is why we are all still standing still in awe, bowing to their majesty. What makes it even more endearing is the fact that they never had the pretension of believing in their own splendor. They just, were!
Soooo glad you’re not done talking about The Beatles! Thank You Sir!! 😇
Amen!!!
She's Leaving Home is sad and beautiful also.
My emotions when listening to Eleanor Rigby always bounce back and forth between melancholy and sadness. It feels like McCartney pulls the emotional rug out from under us with his soaring octave changes.
Bloody genius is what it is.
I agree with Peter Green word for word from a Guitar Magazine I have.
"Macca Macca all the way"
Especially if you know theory he is just so varied from simple yet complex to Jazz Vaudeville Tin Pan Alley Show tunes and more.
If Rick ever decided to do Close to the Edge by Yes, it probably would be an hour long video...and I would gobble up every second of it.
Such a great analysis and example! McCarteny's music is deceptively complex, the weird stuff just sounds so right, I still can't get over the time I realized Yesterday is in 7-bar phrases! like no other pop song.
It's interesting to note that George Harrison came up with "look at all the lonely people," and Ringo wrote some of the lyrics ("writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear"). Lennon later claimed major credit for the song, which was disputed by the entire band and Lennon's childhood friend Pete Shotton, who was there as McCartney worked on the song and said Lennon's contribution was "virtually nil." One of my absolute favorite songs not just from the Beatles, but of all time. It's simply brilliant, whomever contributed to the writing (although I do believe that the entire thing has much more the air of McCartney than it does of Lennon, and that seems to be the opinion of everyone involved in its writing.)
Now I know why I love that tune so much
Paul's brilliance with songs like this is almost enough to make one forgive him for "Temporary Secretary."
TEMPURARY. SECRETARY! TEMPURARY. SECRETARY!
Almost enough being key words here. You can never truly forgive the man for that song. NEVER. 😂
I can forgive him for writing it. But putting it on an album???
Temporary Secretary is awesome. Probably my favorite on McCartney II. Just totally weird and not afraid to be. To each their own.
TS is a good fun song. It's way past nauseating when people choose a few of Paul's songs for slaughter. Maxwell's Silver Hammer was good fun song too. Just b/c John hated it doesn't make it a bad song. Same with Your Mother Should Know. Everyone knows Paul wrote 'period pieces' occasionally. Songs such as Honey Pie, Martha My Dear and When I'm 64, along with the other two were the types of songs Paul would have heard on the BBC radio broadcast in the 40's & 50's. It's what his parents listened to b/c that was the music of that era. So he writes a few of those on his own from what he remembers as a kid. Nothing wrong with it. It wasn't rock & roll but who cares. They were cool songs and shows how musically intelligent Paul was compared to John/George or anyone else writing songs back then. I say good for Paul!!
Was in Chicago for the show. I was entertained. Thank you for all you do. You handled the crowd questions so well and I loved the Beatles breakdown there. I half expected to see a white board. Great job on this video too..
Thanks John! Great idea about the whiteboard:)
Great video analysis of a beautiful song. Yesterday gets most of the attention, but I always thought this was equally as great. I assume all the jazz Paul heard from his father made it's way into Paul's writing.
Rick, you spoke about jumping a 10th and it being so unusual. My music theory is definitely pre-infancy, but the second time you demonstrated it the first thing that came to mind was Van Halen's "I'll Wait" the beginning of the song keyboard synth introduction which I suppose is a bit more of a slide and not a jump. I could be way off with my initial thought, but I find it similar.
Well done! Such a beautiful melody - your insight re: modalities, harmonic progression, etc are awesome.
One of my favorite songs. Beautiful...
Paul has been my favourite since Ed Sullivan show Feb 18 1964 I’m still playing still performing so much love for those guys, the world was saved when they came along
Digging the detailed analysis - forever a fan of The Beatles.
The sound system at the store where I work is messed up, and only plays one main channel (you can faintly hear the other one). When this song comes on, as soon as Paul sings, all you hear is, "El...". However, you get to hear the string section very well, which I've always loved, so that's a small consolation...lol. They all come back in on the chorus, only to disappear again when the next verse begins...lol. It does the same thing on songs like "Bus Stop", "Aquarius", "Foxy Lady", "Good Lovin'"...anything that may have been recorded on two main tracks. They sound more like karaoke tunes! lol
Thanks for this post, I really enjoyed Rhett's input! He (as well as you) has a great ear for hearing things we laypeople may miss! 🎶♥
In fairness, I don't always agree with all that you do, but dude, you're amazing. Your analysis is consistently helpful to me and hopefully others. It pushes me to really try to more fully understand so much more of what I hear in the music that I listen to and play. I couldn't possibly overstate my appreciation.
What do you mean you don't agree with what he does? That's like saying you don't agree someone makes bread everyday. What?
5:43 The Star Spangled Banner has a major 10th interval in it!
I always said you have to interview Paul Mccartney
Hope someone sends this to Paul - That would be a great interview :)
In some ways, this song is THE song. All of that aural and emotional information jam-packed into 2 minutes.
Great Beatles songs are SO unique right from the jump. You hear the opening of Elenor Rigby, or Come Together or Hard Days Night (et al!) ... you don't need lyrics to know what song it is. The instrumentation and opening melodies/harmonies are absolutely unique. When I turn on the radio today, it is often (not always, but often) impossible for me to know what song is playing. I may know the BAND, but what SONG by them ... not so much. The Beatles sounded like the Beatles without having to stay locked in a "format" like many bands today are forced to do. The Beatles didn't have a "lane" ... they off-roaded and made everyone follow them!
And I mean, that string arrangement! Come on!!
Got to chuckle and feel satisfied.
I'm a 45 year drummer and I've been listening to this song my entire life. Very interesting and cool to hear the complexities explained. I also love George Martin's contribution to this song.
Well said. It’s a shame that many people don’t realise the contributions George Martin made towards their songs. He was a huge part of their song craft
@@taylorplayed2529 You can say that, again!
@@stevenhubbard8445 😂
And the irony is that there's no drums.
@@alexandermckay8594 Yes. One would expect drums from a rock n roll band, but there aren't any. Another cool trick on their part.
A brilliant breakdown of the song, but I didn't not realize it only had 2 Chords!! it is amazing how music can instill sadness yet but yet be so memorable.
It's one of my favourites, what other song out there ever written sounds like it? None that I can think of its so unique.
The Beatles were a very rare combination of really 4 geniuses that got together very young
as a band, and created masterpieces. i would say they probably knew they were good as time went on, but not as good as we think of them.
Eleanor Rigby always gives me goosebumps when I hear it...
"Eleanor Rigby" is in my top-two Beatles songs (along with "A Day in the Life"). The minor chords and the sad lyrics make it unbearably good.
Yeah, I love these songs too very much. Plus, Strawberry Fields Forever. And Because. And...Ok, you get it, I stop it now.
A Day in the Life is also one of my favourites. The verse "now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall" gets me every time.
Eleanor Rigby has always been my favorite song since childhood. A Day in the Life is my husband's favorite song.
My Desert Island Discs song is "A Day in the Life" because I never, ever get tired of it, and it's a great Lennon-McCartney collaboration. But "Eleanor Rigby" is my fave!
@@phronsiekeys Frank Zappa had no small mind.
Musically/intellictually, most Beatle's songs bored him. He said "The Walrus" was a song that caught his ear and he played it live on his 1988 tour.
McCartney is the most versatile genius. "Making lydian mode sound sad" when his music is usually (wrongfully) regarded as over optimistic, cheerful, etc. He has the range to do almost everything.
I’ve always envisioned McCartney just letting his fingers do the walking, when he wrote songs. You know, “Wow. I like those two notes, one after the other. Now, what if I add this…nope. Not that. Then what about this? Nope, not that either. Maybe this one instead? Cool! Yep. That one! Okay, now…” And so on. The melodies just organically arrived, as opposed to being planned in any way. It’s only in the transcribing by music-theory-trained musicians that the technical intricacies of it all are revealed. I may be way off on this, but NOT being hemmed in by music theory was one of McCartney’s best assets. Sometimes, not knowing you can’t do something, is your super power in doing it. McCartney noodled his way into many a masterpiece, as a result. Love your content, Rick. Much of it is over my head, but I always learn something. Cheers
Yes, it is very often noodling. Although sometimes it's also something you hear in the head first, then you find the chords/harmony/melody on the instrument later on. The more familiar you are with your chosen instrument, the easier it is to find. Sometimes, it can feel like the music is just being channeled through the fingers- kind of spooky but it's like a trance-state where the fingers just sort of go where they're meant to, without much conscious thought.
Another song that has a 10th jump in the melody is Seasons by Chris Cornell.
"I'm left -> behind"
I saw an interview with Paul McCartney once in which he said that that melody came to him in a dream.
If McCartney saw this, I bet he would do an interview with you. You need to make it happen.
McCartney's genius is that he seems like the guy next door. I can imagine him humming a a 7 note melody and thinking ''Yeah, I can make a song out of this .''
Would love to see you break down Cobain's most advanced vocal melodies in this same way. Like a Top 5 list of "How did he hear that line during this progression?"
I still remember the first day in which I heard that major 6th over E minor and I was like "wait, what the hell was that?". Probably 25 years ago.
Another great video from Professor Beato! Can we please appreciate his singing on this one! Every falsetto is spot on 😮
@@williamwilson6499 Exactly William. I love Rick but come on!!! The dude is NOT a vocalist.
I seem to remember that "Ahh look at all the lonely people" was actually George Harrison's idea.
Rick. You make me look and hear all these songs I have known forever in such a new and amazing way! You’re a gift to music.. thank you!
I'm not sure Paul did this intentionally. Maybe that's just how it came out because he thought it sounded nice to him. That's his genius.
I agree, I doubt Paul was even a chord-scale guy to be honest
He had good instincts, probably learned a lot from songs, just seeing/hearing how things work together, practice. Boggles my mind, at least.
Totally agree..i think the vast majority of modern musicians have ideas for melodies, chords etc and just play what sounds good and feels right without having a clue about the so called theory behind it....people read far too much into it..hindsight is a wonderful thing
Kind of yes, kind of no. I doubt Paul was thinking about the b6 and the natural 6, however he had the ear to conceive of that melody. People who aren't musically minded would never in a million years use the note C# when humming over Em and C.
... while I failed music in elementary school (because of a lack of interest), my interest is now sky high with these breakdowns of these drums. The Beatles have indeed greatly shaped the way I write songs (my dad was a huge Beatles and Pink Floyd fan). Thank you, Rick, for this presentation. This is why I love your channel so much.
I grew up on that song. I get it. Sad and melancholy. Lost souls searching.
Watching the great Rick Beato talk about the great Paul McCartney, and understanding these musical analyses the way I do, a million light years ("Across The Universe") from today's pop, is just a pleasing privileged thing to do. 🙂
Riders on the Storm switches between E Dorian to E aeolian at the end of each verse (it ends on a C chord then the melody switches straight back to Dorian with the C# as the fourth note)
Two-chord magical song: Here’s Where the Story Goes by the Sundays 💜💜💜
Yes, and with a different kind of haunting story than Rigby has.
I've always liked the feel and sound of this song and I'm not a great Beatles fan generally. Really interesting to have it broken down and made sense of. Real skill for it to use these unusual intervals yet sound perfectly natural. Really amazing what you can do with two chords!
If I’m not mistaken, Ram on (also by Paul McCartney) has a 10th interval jump in the verse
I love this song! A remaster just came out so I am listening to it all over again!
A born musical genius, Paul McCartney. Tuned into the music of the spheres
Not only is Paul McCartney a great songwriter, he really is an underrated bass player. If you really listen to the way he plays bass in many or most of the Beatles songs, he plays in a most melodic and lyrical way. Of course, without John, George and Ringo, they wouldn't be The Beatles. And I would be remiss if I didn't add the musical genius of the "5th Beatle," George Martin, into the mix. Also, I want to acknowledge Master Musician Rick Beato's knowledge, expertise, musicianship, and true appreciation for music as a whole. Grazie, Rick.
Great analysis. Great to hear what a musical genius Paul was. All this is lost on 99% of listeners, to them it's just a song like any 1,3 song might be.
And that is what brings a few million people to Rick Beato's channel. I enjoy it even more when I understand what is going on.
I think this is the wrong attitude. Sure, maybe 99% of people don't have enough of an education in music theory to understand Rick's explanation for why the song is awesome. But what matters more is one's ability to appreciate it, and regardless of one's technical knowledge, that change from the natural 6 to the flat 6 has a powerful impact on listeners all the same. Understanding music theory is great, but you don't need it to understand music on an emotional level. If they didn't, The Beatles probably wouldn't have been so popular, now would they?
@@evanwilliamson8338 My point was that most people don't realize the subtlety and complexity that some of the Beatles songs contain. I certainly didn't. As for my attitude, give me a break, dude.
Wish I’d known this two years ago instead of watching this now in 2024.
Anyone else still watching Rick’s old videos years later?
So much musical knowledge archived here, love it ❤
BRING BACK WHAT MAKES THIS SONG GREAT PLEEAAASSEEE 🙏🙏🙏
It’s too late 😥
@@willettej7988 Why??
Rick, I absolutely love the way you break things down and explain things. You are a really great teacher. Thank you for all you do and thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
Another great and remarkable thing is that the melody of the verse is a five measure melody! I cannot thing any other melody that lasts five bars. Nice video. Greetings from Greece.
Nice breakdown, interesting the 10th jump, and yes I think it is because the song really pivots around that Em that the "happier" chords feel melancholy.
Think Macca knew what a flat 4th was when he wrote this? Wonder how much theory he actually knew (his ears are incredible)…plus he was taking piano lessons from Jane Asher’s Mom….
I very much doubt he even thought of Lydian or even knew about any of it or all the other things Rick talks about. He just came up with the tune.
From listening to every Macca interview I've ever been able to find, including McCartney 3-2-1 with Rick Rubin, I don't believe he knew any theory as theory per se. He certainly knew how different intervals sounded!
We know Mr. Lennon didn't know music theory. Per Wikipedia, "Not a Second Time" inspired a musical analysis from William Mann of The Times, citing the "Aeolian cadence" (Aeolian harmony) of Lennon's vocals as the song draws to a close, and noting that the same chord progression appears at the end of the final movement of Gustav Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde.[3] Lennon, years later, remarked: "To this day, I have no idea what [Aeolian cadences] are. They sound like exotic birds."[4]
How fortunate the world is that four exotic birds roosted in George Martin's nest for a while...
0:03 Rick literally killing it in Chicago. In the other hand, all my life listening and loving this song, without noticing is funeral and burial music.