the scariest beatles song is eleanor rigby. that string chord progression, melancholy vocal and haunting choral refrain ("ahhhh, look at all the lonely people") and the lyrics. simply haunting. kinda shocked no one's used it in a horror movie actually, probably because mccartney wouldn't allow it.
Here's a corny joke I thought of this morning (and I'm sure a hundred other people have thought of this, too): What song did Dracula like to sing to his wife? "All You Need Is Blood!"
Another great & funny Beatles video Matthew! When I was about 10 in 1974, I think that was the 1st time I heard "I Want You (She's So Heavy) & the ending scared the heck outta me! Happy Halloween!
This is funny! I remember as a child "I Am the Walrus" was so out there then with the insane hee-hees & ha-has, the cryptic "bury my body" bit from the King Lear recitation. Spooky yet completely compelling song. One of my favorites.
"Run for Your Life" is spooky in its implications. Maxwell and Norwegian also came to my mind. I'd include "Helter Skelter" too, but along with "Piggies" more so because of how the Manson Family misused them.
So jocularly presented, Matt! Loved it. Totally understand and dig it! I always thought it was quite peculiar that "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" is presented with such a kid's nonchalant Sesame Street melody about a mass murderer - and "Helter Skelter" is presented in such a heavy, nasty blast about a child's summer slide enjoyment. The 2 sides of McCartney, I guess....But - The ending of "Long long long" always woke me and scared the shit out of me.....That wailing Bruce Lee scream at the end....Chills on my arms now. But you got it right with "Revolution 9." There are countless moments of WTF - especially on the Giles Martin remix - where one should not listen to this art piece without being of right sound and mind. Not a lot of people really appreciate what John's got going on there - but it's an artistic exorcism of thoughts - maybe not in the same vein as their music - but still - it changed the way music was made or would be made. And it is scary as hell. "Welcome To My Nightmare" might not have been made if not for that one. Really loved this post. And I, too, totally got into Halloween back in the day. Thanx for the trip down memory lane. Until next time, take care my friend.
Yes cry baby cry is definitely haunting. And at the end of long long long long long, like you said, it's very hunting. Always thought that might have been a chain on the last guitar chord?
Fluffy😆🤣😂😅 - I got to tell you Matt Whats The New Mary Jane is really spooky, but the one song that gives me the chills is Helter Skelter, cant get the image of Charlie Manson out of my mind, especially Steven Railsback the actor who played Manson in the movie Helter Skelter, that movie still gives me the heebie jeebies, I must have been 11 or 12 when I saw that movie on TV back in the early 80's, I was really freaked out.
Nice Halloween Beatles celebration!! My song choices are Strawberry fields forever and Blue jay way for scariest songs!!! Matthew check out Blue jay way kinda of spooky!! My kids are afraid of Strawberry fields forever! Great presentation on scary Beatles! I love all Beatles songs! Thanks Matthew Happy Halloween early!!
Yes, I agree that "Blue Jay Way" has kind of an eerie sound and vibe to it. During the first few years I heard "I Want You (She's So Heavy)," every time it got to the end, with the tape suddenly cut off, my shoulders would twitch. It felt like something really bad had suddenly happened to the stereo. I can see what you mean about the end of "Long, Long, Long," but in my mind, I only ever saw George having a spaced-out hippie moment. "Helter Skelter" always sounded scary to me, from when I first heard it at the age of 12. There just seemed to be something dark and violent in it, and that was BEFORE I had heard about the Manson connection, of the killer interpreting it wrong. For a couple of honorable mentions, I always thought that the first minute or so of "Only A Northern Song" sounded a bit eerie, especially the opening organ intro. Also, "Run For You Life" could be considered a scary narrative, of a stalking, jealous boyfriend with an ax! No, an ax isn't mentioned in the song, but I can picture the boyfriend looking for her, carrying a weapon of some sort.
Well the Taxman is very scary... but on the topic of Beatles' songs (not necessarily in order but close) it goes: Revolution 9 Blue Jay Way I Want You (she's so heavy) Because Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds Eleanor Rigby I Am the Walrus Glass Onion Helter Skelter You Know My Name (look up the number)
Good scary choices. The final three are perfection in fear. I always thought Girl was creepy with that hiss Lennon adds, Run For Your Life seems like a prequel to Delilah, and then She Said She Said for obvious reasons. 😀
I never that of that part in Girl as a "Hiss",but more like somebody taking a hit off of a joint. Definitely agree with you about Run For Your Life and She Said.
@@matthewstreet1961 I'm not sure I can agree with that, but I guess the fact that it fades out might make some people think it's eerie. i thought it was playful, and a little mysterious. (it IS a MYSTERY tour, after all)
Yes, it's a little bit of all of that really. Whimsical, eerie, etc. Definitely a diversion from main part of the song as it kind of clatters and drifts away.😊
We would start trick or treating the first of October 😮hehehe it was no biggie back in early 60s people in the neighborhood didn’t think anything about it...we started running outta costume by the time the actual day rolled around 🤣😂
Yes, we're nearing that scary time of the year when we don't know if we'll get a trick or a treat. But enough about election day!!! 😂 Cry Baby Cry is spooky, especially the end .. "Can you take me back where I came from? Can you take me back?". Chilling.
Dan willenchik : since, for whatever reason they won't let me answer you the traditional way: " I was standing"; First line, first verse. What confuses you is that the narrator didn't commit the murder. It is still told in first person. What confuses me is why you would stray so far from the topic simply to disagree with someone you've never met. And that's on you.
First of all, I LOVE the Ringo pumpkin. I will give you my comments and opinions on your top ten picks, and then add some songs of my own for considerations, and the reasons why. Norwegian Wood: Well, it DOES have a vibe that invokes thoughts of Autumn in my mind, but I don't think it qualifies as a Halloween song per se. It does bring to mind, (My mind at least) Chilly, cloudy days where the only cheerful colors are the changing of the leaves. But nothing scary. In fact, quite romantic, even if only for one night. And I never understood why people associate the part about lighting a fire with arson. I've always associated it with starting a fire in a fire place, sitting in front of the fire, and having a cup of tea or hot cider. (OK, so I'm a weirdo, and a hopeless romantic. So sue me) Maxwell's Silver Hammer:OK, I can see how this might be considered a Halloween song. Yes it is a morbid subject, and the lyrics are about a mass murderer who goes around killing people with a hammer, including the judge at his own trial, and the fact that it's delivered with cheerful dance hall music, and a tongue in cheek sense of humor can be a little off putting, so, on many levels it qualifies. (And what was the word you wanted to originally use? I understand that you try to keep your channel kid safe and family friendly, and you don't swear too much if at all, so if you don't want to ell us, I'll understand, but I'm curious) Within You and Without You: Well, I can see how some might think the vocal delivery might be a little eerie, but I don't think this really qualifies as a Halloween song unless one is scared to contemplate and reflect on life in general. I always liked George's attempt at Ragas. Nope. Doesn't qualify as a Halloween song, in my opinion. I Am The Walrus: Nope. Gotta disagree with you on this. Just John being silly and nonsensical. I think it's rather whimsical myself. It was a favorite of mine when I was five. Sort of an Alice in Wonderland feel to it. (The Disney cartoon version, of course) Tomorrow Never Knows: OK, I can see how this could qualify on some levels as a Halloween song. I mean the speeded up laughter that some say sound like seagulls sounded like a panicking tribal village, and John's voice sounded like a military commander barking orders through a megaphone when I was five, and some of the sound effects can be jarring. And Ringo's stacatto style drumming adds to the atmosphere of a military invasion, so yeah, I could see on many levels how this could qualify. I'll give you that one. Blue Jay Way: PERFECT! It has that dark spooky organ that brings to mind old horror movies from the 30s and 40s, and even the first half of the 50s. The subject matter is also classic horror movie material, being lost in a fog, losing your way, and desperately trying to find your friend's house, plus George's vocal delivery, and narration. Yeah, this has Halloween written all over it. I'm surprised you didn't make it number one. I Want You (She's So Heavy): Perfectly understandable when I was five, while I wasn't scared of it, the long ending reminded me of descending down a long, never ending stair case, and then you get the sound effects toward the end as if maybe you're descending to the depths of Hell, although the rest of it reminded me of attending a ball, and everybody's waltzing, or ballroom dancing, but the more the ending goes on the more you decsend into Hades, and then it just STOPS! Quite jarring. On many levels it's almost Blue Jay Way territory, but not quite as spooky. It qualifies on many levels. Long Long Long: I never really thought of this song as spooky or scary, but the ending organ outro does lend a vibe of mystery, so I can understand why somebody might think it could be a Halloween song. I always thought it was rather calming, and the perfect song to calm people down and mellow them out after the intensity of Helter Skelter. Not sure I can agree with you on this, but I can understand why, on many levels why you would pick this. Helter Skelter: Even without the controversial aftermath surrounding the song, I can understand why this would go on the list. It's quite jarring, it's loud, it's very intense, and unlike anything The Beatles had done before. Plus Paul's vocal deliver sounds like he's very angry, and then those screams add to the jarring intensity of the song. That could be enough to scare the daylights out of some people. (Fun fact: You probably know this already, but the Ringo part was NOT on the mono version. Also the introduction on the mono version is slightly longer) Lyrically, it's a song about playing on a corkscrew slide. (Which is what a "Helter Skelter" is in England) I can understand why that would be included. Revolution #9: It's understandable why this would be on the list. I mean it's quite chaotic forwards, and backwards, and the wailing sirens adds to the confusion and can create a sense of panic. I'd put Blue Jay Wat an #1, but I understand why Revolution #9 would be on the list. It fits.
And now I present you with MY picks for what I think qualify for Beatles Halloween songs, and explanations to why. These are in random order. Run For Your Life: Very much in the same vein as Maxwell's Silver Hammer. Musically, it's very upbeat, and happy-go-lucky, but the lyrics are about a very jealous, possessive man who swears he will kill his wife/girlfriend if he even suspects she is cheating on him. It's Only a Northern Song: Although the lyrics are George spoofing on the press and public opinion about The Beatles, the music is very much in the vein of Blue Jay Way, with it's spooky organ intro, and weird sound effects, minor chords, and certain off key notes played in certain parts. It can make some people's skin crawl. Very atmospheric, and spooky sounding. Rocky Raccoon: I thought about this for some time, but I think a song about a jealous man gunning for the rival who stole his love and gets killed in a gun fight qualifies. (Of course people might argue that El Paso by Marty Robbins is the exact same thing, but they're not making this list, I am) She Said; There's Ringo's unusual rhythm and timeng, the guitar delivery, one person declaring they've seen the afterlife, and another declaring that they haven't, plus declaring that the other person is scaring them, as well as reflections on a "Perfect" childhood long since gone. I'd say that was some pretty spooky stuff. Rain: Again Ringo's stacatto drumming mixed in with dreary minor guitar chords played that the speed and tempo it's played at can sound creepy. Strawberry Fields Forever: Another dreary sounding song with minor chords, John's slowed down vocals and an ending that sounds like a marching band about to be run down by a steam roller, and that jarring chord getting louder and louder, until it changes into a piano and gets softer and softer, and John, recording still slowed declaring he buried Paul. (We all know that's NOT what he says but it adds to the eerieness of the atmosphere) Hey Bulldog: For the most part this sounds like incidental music out of a cop show or crime drama, but there's a jarring intensity in the chorus, especially with the chord build up as John declares that you can talk to him. Very intense on the verge of creepy, in my opinion. Dr. Robert. For the most part, a cheery song, except for the middle part. When I was young I lived around the corner from a funeral parlor, so I would hear sad funeral dirges played on the organ frequently. I didn't like that song as a child because the Well Well Well part reminded me of that music, and watching people enter and exit being very sad, and crying. It sounds like a funeral dirge so it goes on the list. Your Mother Should Know: First there's the Oohs at the very beginning of the song that reminds me of ghosts, and then there's the organ part that reminds me of haunted houses. Not in the same way as Blue Jay Way, or Northern Song, mind you, but similarly atmospheric in that sense, even though it's basically just an old dance hall style song about dance hall music. Well, Matt, that's my list of Beatles songs that I think are perfect for a Beatles Halloween play list. (And Mr. Moonlight is a fun song to play, especially if you play the ukulele)
Wow, you've given this a lot of thought! You're right, "Norwegian Wood" is more Autumnal than spooky. Thanks for the detailed breakdown of your picks, I appreciate it! You put a lot of work into this and I love it! 🎶🍻🤠🎵🎃👻
@@matthewstreet1961 Yeah, I have a bad habit of going into great details, especially when it concerns The Beatles. Thanks for taking the time to read it. I'll try my best to post shorter replies in the future, but I make no promises. Hope you, your friends and family have a hppy and safe Halloween. (Or Samhain, if you prefer)
John was wrong to denounce the song, it’s a good pop rock song. People should grow up and stop being so damned overly sensitive. I get it, if you take the subject matter literal, it’s dark. But it was never meant to advocate for violence. It’s just a pop song. No, doesn’t make my list, maybe yours, not mine. Thanks for commenting. 🎶🎵🎼🎃🤠
@matthewstreet1961 John needed 1 more song, stoled the " Rather see you dead little girl " from Arthur Gunter via Elvis, and was off and running. Nothing deeper or more controversial than that. We could talk about the folk and blues tradition of the murder ballad ( " Pretty Polly", "Stagger Lee") Nobody who covered those was accused of being a possible serial killer....Peace and Love, Terry and Julia Tutor
@@matthewstreet1961 I do like the song but the message wouldn't fly today. Lennon was quite violent back in the day. I don't think the song is scary and certainly doesn't promote violence the way some rap songs did many years later but Lennon himself said this was his least favorite song and any song about being violent especially towards women is not ok in my book. I listen to the song but I won't post it on any social media platform. The song is good musically but I don't like its message and apparently Lennon didn't either. Getting Better on Sgt.Pepper also depicts violence towards women but shows remorse about it which was very progressive for the time.
the scariest beatles song is eleanor rigby. that string chord progression, melancholy vocal and haunting choral refrain ("ahhhh, look at all the lonely people") and the lyrics. simply haunting. kinda shocked no one's used it in a horror movie actually, probably because mccartney wouldn't allow it.
Good selection! 🤠🎼🎵🍻🎃🎶
Cry Baby Cry / Can You Take Me Back has always kinda gave me the creeps.
Yeah you’re right Scott! 🎃🎵🎶🎼🤠🍻
Maxwell would be my 1st choice! I means a mass murderer? C’mon maaaan! 😂
Thanks for putting me in the mood for Halloween Mathew!❤
signed Thumbs Up #28
@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine thanks Michael! Happy Halloween!!👻 Good first choice! Maxwell is one nasty mutha! Ha! 🎃🤠🎵🎶🎼🍻
Here's a corny joke I thought of this morning (and I'm sure a hundred other people have thought of this, too): What song did Dracula like to sing to his wife? "All You Need Is Blood!"
😆👍
Ha ha!😂
Another great & funny Beatles video Matthew! When I was about 10 in 1974, I think that was the 1st time I heard "I Want You (She's So Heavy) & the ending scared the heck outta me! Happy Halloween!
That’s a great story! 🤠🍻🎶🎵🎼🎃
This is funny! I remember as a child "I Am the Walrus" was so out there then with the insane hee-hees & ha-has, the cryptic "bury my body" bit from the King Lear recitation. Spooky yet completely compelling song. One of my favorites.
Me too Dennis! 🎶🍻🤠🎵🎃👻
"Run for Your Life" is spooky in its implications. Maxwell and Norwegian also came to my mind. I'd include "Helter Skelter" too, but along with "Piggies" more so because of how the Manson Family misused them.
Yes Joshua! Great job! 🎶🍻🤠🎵🎃
Piggies with the carving knives affects was scary.
So true! Good one! 🎶🍻🤠🎵🎃
So jocularly presented, Matt! Loved it. Totally understand and dig it! I always thought it was quite peculiar that "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" is presented with such a kid's nonchalant Sesame Street melody about a mass murderer - and "Helter Skelter" is presented in such a heavy, nasty blast about a child's summer slide enjoyment. The 2 sides of McCartney, I guess....But - The ending of "Long long long" always woke me and scared the shit out of me.....That wailing Bruce Lee scream at the end....Chills on my arms now. But you got it right with "Revolution 9." There are countless moments of WTF - especially on the Giles Martin remix - where one should not listen to this art piece without being of right sound and mind. Not a lot of people really appreciate what John's got going on there - but it's an artistic exorcism of thoughts - maybe not in the same vein as their music - but still - it changed the way music was made or would be made. And it is scary as hell. "Welcome To My Nightmare" might not have been made if not for that one. Really loved this post. And I, too, totally got into Halloween back in the day. Thanx for the trip down memory lane. Until next time, take care my friend.
You nailed it, The wailing on "Long, Long, Long" is like something out of a horror movie! 🎃🎵🎶🎼🤠
Blue Jay Way and Rev 9 are my 2 and 1 for sure, very haunting!
Agreed Sam! 🤠🍻🎵🎶🎃🎼👻
Nice topic Mr. Street. Have to agree with most everything you said. White album definitely a dark album at times for sure.
No doubt on the White Album being dark in spots! 🎃🎵🎶🎼🤠
Yes cry baby cry is definitely haunting. And at the end of long long long long long, like you said, it's very hunting. Always thought that might have been a chain on the last guitar chord?
Maybe a power tool !!! Ha ha! 😂
Lol over and over, love the something new t-shirt. I have a ringo costume. Those costumes look like ice cream vendors...lol...I love your list!
Thanks Paul! I can’t fit into one of those Beatle costumes now! Ha ha! 😂 🎃🎵🎶🎼🤠
He blew his mind out in a car, he hadn’t noticed that the lights had changed!
Fluffy😆🤣😂😅 - I got to tell you Matt Whats The New Mary Jane is really spooky, but the one song that gives me the chills is Helter Skelter, cant get the image of Charlie Manson out of my mind, especially Steven Railsback the actor who played Manson in the movie Helter Skelter, that movie still gives me the heebie jeebies, I must have been 11 or 12 when I saw that movie on TV back in the early 80's, I was really freaked out.
I hear ya! 🎃👻
Dig It was a scary one too, and Doris Day. Dig it, dig it, dig it. Horrifying!
You bet! Spooky for sure! 🎶🍻🤠🎵🎃👻
I think Ringo's 'Rewind Forward' was pretty scary. Especially when you sang it.
Ha ha! 😂 good one! 🍻🎵🎶🤠🎃
I first thought of the ending of "Long Long Long". If I remember correctly, it's a wine bottle (or something similar) causing that "moaning" sound.
Whatever it was James, it’s creepy!! 🎵🎶🎼🤠
Talk about moaning spirits!🤣
It was a wine glass placed on the organ, and it's the origin of the rattling sound you hear at the end.
The 'moaning' is just George.
Number 9 is the scariest to me then cry baby cry happy Halloween
Nice Leonard! 🤠🍻🎵🎶🎃🎼
Nice Halloween Beatles celebration!! My song choices are Strawberry fields forever and Blue jay way for scariest songs!!! Matthew check out Blue jay way kinda of spooky!! My kids are afraid of Strawberry fields forever! Great presentation on scary Beatles! I love all Beatles songs! Thanks Matthew Happy Halloween early!!
Great picks! Thanks for sharing. 🎃🎶🎵🎼🤠 I did have Blue Jay Way in the top 10. Cheers 🍻👍👻
I put Strawberry Fields Forever on my list.
a day in the life scared me so bad that when i first heard it in a car i thought we were gonna crash
Good pick! 🎼🍻🎵🎶🎃🤠👻
Yes, I agree that "Blue Jay Way" has kind of an eerie sound and vibe to it. During the first few years I heard "I Want You (She's So Heavy)," every time it got to the end, with the tape suddenly cut off, my shoulders would twitch. It felt like something really bad had suddenly happened to the stereo. I can see what you mean about the end of "Long, Long, Long," but in my mind, I only ever saw George having a spaced-out hippie moment. "Helter Skelter" always sounded scary to me, from when I first heard it at the age of 12. There just seemed to be something dark and violent in it, and that was BEFORE I had heard about the Manson connection, of the killer interpreting it wrong.
For a couple of honorable mentions, I always thought that the first minute or so of "Only A Northern Song" sounded a bit eerie, especially the opening organ intro. Also, "Run For You Life" could be considered a scary narrative, of a stalking, jealous boyfriend with an ax! No, an ax isn't mentioned in the song, but I can picture the boyfriend looking for her, carrying a weapon of some sort.
Love your Only A Northern Song beginning Eric! 🎶🤠🎼🎃🍻🎵
Northern Song and Run For Your Life are on my list.
Awesome video have a great weekend Matthew also I got scared during the begging of the video ❤😅
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching. 🎃🍻
The only Beatles song I can think of that's scary is 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer'!
Ahh there’s plenty my friend! 😂🎃👻
My mom liked Maxwells silver hammer and believe me she scared the crap outta me for liking it, and yep I told her Matt what it was about
🎃🙏🤠👍🎵🎶🎼❤️
Tomorrow Never Knows and also Strawberry Fields Forever genuinely unsettled me as a kid,😟plus She Said She Said knowing what it’s like to be dead …….
Good picks David! 🎃🎵🎶🎼🤠
@@matthewstreet1961 Agreed, friend.👍
Well the Taxman is very scary... but on the topic of Beatles' songs (not necessarily in order but close) it goes:
Revolution 9
Blue Jay Way
I Want You (she's so heavy)
Because
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
Eleanor Rigby
I Am the Walrus
Glass Onion
Helter Skelter
You Know My Name (look up the number)
Excellent list! 🍻🎶🤠🎵🎃
Before clicking I’m guessing it’s Revolution 9
You nailed it!!!🎶🤠🍻👻🎵🎃
Good scary choices. The final three are perfection in fear. I always thought Girl was creepy with that hiss Lennon adds, Run For Your Life seems like a prequel to Delilah, and then She Said She Said for obvious reasons. 😀
Great Alastair! 🎃🎵🎶🎼🤠
I never that of that part in Girl as a "Hiss",but more like somebody taking a hit off of a joint. Definitely agree with you about Run For Your Life and She Said.
@@nankypooh655 I much prefer your explanation 😄
Love the Matt pumpkin! Or is that 2 Ringo's?
Hey I could make a Matt jack-o-lantern!!🎃 😀
LOL!
🎃😂🍻
Also, always thought the end of the song Magical Mystery Tour was rather a little bit scary.
You’re right that definitely has an eerie quality! 🤠👍🎃🙏🎵🎶🎼🍻
I never thought of it as scary. Quite the opposite, actually, rather whimsical, and even slightly adventurous.
@@matthewstreet1961 I'm not sure I can agree with that, but I guess the fact that it fades out might make some people think it's eerie. i thought it was playful, and a little mysterious. (it IS a MYSTERY tour, after all)
Yes, it's a little bit of all of that really. Whimsical, eerie, etc. Definitely a diversion from main part of the song as it kind of clatters and drifts away.😊
We would start trick or treating the first of October 😮hehehe it was no biggie back in early 60s people in the neighborhood didn’t think anything about it...we started running outta costume by the time the actual day rolled around 🤣😂
You had a cool Halloween tradition!! 🎃👻🎵🎶🎼🤠👍🍻
@@matthewstreet1961 hey Matt!! I just thought of the scariest Beatles song!!! TAXMAN ugh flippin scary lol!!
No one like TAXES!! Ugh!😩 ha ha!😂
@@L.E.55472 Now THAT'S SCARY!😮
@@nankypooh655 😖😳
Yes, we're nearing that scary time of the year when we don't know if we'll get a trick or a treat. But enough about election day!!! 😂 Cry Baby Cry is spooky, especially the end .. "Can you take me back where I came from? Can you take me back?". Chilling.
Good pick Rob! 🎃🎵🎶🎼🤠
What did Paul say to the Invisible Man? "I'm Looking Through You."
😂
She loves you is horrific if you are tied up in a dimly lit basement while a deranged ex girlfriend is chopping off body parts.
Ha ha 😂 ha! 🎶🍻🤠🎵🎃
Hey Bulldog used to scare me.
Dan willenchik : since, for whatever reason they won't let me answer you the traditional way: " I was standing"; First line, first verse. What confuses you is that the narrator didn't commit the murder. It is still told in first person. What confuses me is why you would stray so far from the topic simply to disagree with someone you've never met. And that's on you.
First of all, I LOVE the Ringo pumpkin. I will give you my comments and opinions on your top ten picks, and then add some songs of my own for considerations, and the reasons why.
Norwegian Wood: Well, it DOES have a vibe that invokes thoughts of Autumn in my mind, but I don't think it qualifies as a Halloween song per se. It does bring to mind, (My mind at least) Chilly, cloudy days where the only cheerful colors are the changing of the leaves. But nothing scary. In fact, quite romantic, even if only for one night. And I never understood why people associate the part about lighting a fire with arson. I've always associated it with starting a fire in a fire place, sitting in front of the fire, and having a cup of tea or hot cider. (OK, so I'm a weirdo, and a hopeless romantic. So sue me) Maxwell's Silver Hammer:OK, I can see how this might be considered a Halloween song. Yes it is a morbid subject, and the lyrics are about a mass murderer who goes around killing people with a hammer, including the judge at his own trial, and the fact that it's delivered with cheerful dance hall music, and a tongue in cheek sense of humor can be a little off putting, so, on many levels it qualifies. (And what was the word you wanted to originally use? I understand that you try to keep your channel kid safe and family friendly, and you don't swear too much if at all, so if you don't want to ell us, I'll understand, but I'm curious) Within You and Without You: Well, I can see how some might think the vocal delivery might be a little eerie, but I don't think this really qualifies as a Halloween song unless one is scared to contemplate and reflect on life in general. I always liked George's attempt at Ragas. Nope. Doesn't qualify as a Halloween song, in my opinion. I Am The Walrus: Nope. Gotta disagree with you on this. Just John being silly and nonsensical. I think it's rather whimsical myself. It was a favorite of mine when I was five. Sort of an Alice in Wonderland feel to it. (The Disney cartoon version, of course) Tomorrow Never Knows: OK, I can see how this could qualify on some levels as a Halloween song. I mean the speeded up laughter that some say sound like seagulls sounded like a panicking tribal village, and John's voice sounded like a military commander barking orders through a megaphone when I was five, and some of the sound effects can be jarring. And Ringo's stacatto style drumming adds to the atmosphere of a military invasion, so yeah, I could see on many levels how this could qualify. I'll give you that one. Blue Jay Way: PERFECT! It has that dark spooky organ that brings to mind old horror movies from the 30s and 40s, and even the first half of the 50s. The subject matter is also classic horror movie material, being lost in a fog, losing your way, and desperately trying to find your friend's house, plus George's vocal delivery, and narration. Yeah, this has Halloween written all over it. I'm surprised you didn't make it number one. I Want You (She's So Heavy): Perfectly understandable when I was five, while I wasn't scared of it, the long ending reminded me of descending down a long, never ending stair case, and then you get the sound effects toward the end as if maybe you're descending to the depths of Hell, although the rest of it reminded me of attending a ball, and everybody's waltzing, or ballroom dancing, but the more the ending goes on the more you decsend into Hades, and then it just STOPS! Quite jarring. On many levels it's almost Blue Jay Way territory, but not quite as spooky. It qualifies on many levels. Long Long Long: I never really thought of this song as spooky or scary, but the ending organ outro does lend a vibe of mystery, so I can understand why somebody might think it could be a Halloween song. I always thought it was rather calming, and the perfect song to calm people down and mellow them out after the intensity of Helter Skelter. Not sure I can agree with you on this, but I can understand why, on many levels why you would pick this. Helter Skelter: Even without the controversial aftermath surrounding the song, I can understand why this would go on the list. It's quite jarring, it's loud, it's very intense, and unlike anything The Beatles had done before. Plus Paul's vocal deliver sounds like he's very angry, and then those screams add to the jarring intensity of the song. That could be enough to scare the daylights out of some people. (Fun fact: You probably know this already, but the Ringo part was NOT on the mono version. Also the introduction on the mono version is slightly longer) Lyrically, it's a song about playing on a corkscrew slide. (Which is what a "Helter Skelter" is in England) I can understand why that would be included. Revolution #9: It's understandable why this would be on the list. I mean it's quite chaotic forwards, and backwards, and the wailing sirens adds to the confusion and can create a sense of panic. I'd put Blue Jay Wat an #1, but I understand why Revolution #9 would be on the list. It fits.
And now I present you with MY picks for what I think qualify for Beatles Halloween songs, and explanations to why. These are in random order. Run For Your Life: Very much in the same vein as Maxwell's Silver Hammer. Musically, it's very upbeat, and happy-go-lucky, but the lyrics are about a very jealous, possessive man who swears he will kill his wife/girlfriend if he even suspects she is cheating on him. It's Only a Northern Song: Although the lyrics are George spoofing on the press and public opinion about The Beatles, the music is very much in the vein of Blue Jay Way, with it's spooky organ intro, and weird sound effects, minor chords, and certain off key notes played in certain parts. It can make some people's skin crawl. Very atmospheric, and spooky sounding. Rocky Raccoon: I thought about this for some time, but I think a song about a jealous man gunning for the rival who stole his love and gets killed in a gun fight qualifies. (Of course people might argue that El Paso by Marty Robbins is the exact same thing, but they're not making this list, I am) She Said; There's Ringo's unusual rhythm and timeng, the guitar delivery, one person declaring they've seen the afterlife, and another declaring that they haven't, plus declaring that the other person is scaring them, as well as reflections on a "Perfect" childhood long since gone. I'd say that was some pretty spooky stuff. Rain: Again Ringo's stacatto drumming mixed in with dreary minor guitar chords played that the speed and tempo it's played at can sound creepy. Strawberry Fields Forever: Another dreary sounding song with minor chords, John's slowed down vocals and an ending that sounds like a marching band about to be run down by a steam roller, and that jarring chord getting louder and louder, until it changes into a piano and gets softer and softer, and John, recording still slowed declaring he buried Paul. (We all know that's NOT what he says but it adds to the eerieness of the atmosphere) Hey Bulldog: For the most part this sounds like incidental music out of a cop show or crime drama, but there's a jarring intensity in the chorus, especially with the chord build up as John declares that you can talk to him. Very intense on the verge of creepy, in my opinion. Dr. Robert. For the most part, a cheery song, except for the middle part. When I was young I lived around the corner from a funeral parlor, so I would hear sad funeral dirges played on the organ frequently. I didn't like that song as a child because the Well Well Well part reminded me of that music, and watching people enter and exit being very sad, and crying. It sounds like a funeral dirge so it goes on the list. Your Mother Should Know: First there's the Oohs at the very beginning of the song that reminds me of ghosts, and then there's the organ part that reminds me of haunted houses. Not in the same way as Blue Jay Way, or Northern Song, mind you, but similarly atmospheric in that sense, even though it's basically just an old dance hall style song about dance hall music.
Well, Matt, that's my list of Beatles songs that I think are perfect for a Beatles Halloween play list. (And Mr. Moonlight is a fun song to play, especially if you play the ukulele)
Also I don't think the hood would've fit over the horns.
Wow, you've given this a lot of thought! You're right, "Norwegian Wood" is more Autumnal than spooky. Thanks for the detailed breakdown of your picks, I appreciate it! You put a lot of work into this and I love it! 🎶🍻🤠🎵🎃👻
Totally awesome!!!😎 🎶🍻🤠🎵🎃
@@matthewstreet1961 Yeah, I have a bad habit of going into great details, especially when it concerns The Beatles. Thanks for taking the time to read it. I'll try my best to post shorter replies in the future, but I make no promises. Hope you, your friends and family have a hppy and safe Halloween. (Or Samhain, if you prefer)
Their scariest? Revolution #9 by far.
Yeah I see Run For Your Life was raised below. It's All Too Much - cranked up can be a little scary- otherwise good list matt- For Fun
You are so right! “It’s All Too Much” is a great one! 🤠🎶🎼🍻🎃
Hahaha fluffy! lol
Thanks Lis! 🎃🎵🎶🎼👻❤️ 🌈
MATTHEW SCARY FUNNY STREET! .❤✌PEACE AND LOVE, NO AUTHOGRAP, PLEASE 😮
Thanks Juan! 🎃🎶🎵🎼🤠
Run For Your Life!
😎👍🍻🎵🎶🎼🎃
Blue Jay Way...hands down
Yes indeed Lyla! 🎶🍻🤠🎵🎃👻❤️
Revolution 9
Yes indeed! 🦃🐿️🎼🎶🎵🤠🍻
@matthewstreet1961 🍻 cheers!
What about Run for Your Life? The message is very violent and scary. To his credit John Lennon denounced the song.
John was wrong to denounce the song, it’s a good pop rock song. People should grow up and stop being so damned overly sensitive. I get it, if you take the subject matter literal, it’s dark. But it was never meant to advocate for violence. It’s just a pop song. No, doesn’t make my list, maybe yours, not mine. Thanks for commenting. 🎶🎵🎼🎃🤠
@matthewstreet1961 John needed 1 more song, stoled the " Rather see you dead little girl " from Arthur Gunter via Elvis, and was off and running. Nothing deeper or more controversial than that. We could talk about the folk and blues tradition of the murder ballad ( " Pretty Polly", "Stagger Lee") Nobody who covered those was accused of being a possible serial killer....Peace and Love, Terry and Julia Tutor
Good points Terry! 🎶🎃🎵🎼🤠
@@matthewstreet1961 Well it's on my list, as you will see when you read my comments.
@@matthewstreet1961 I do like the song but the message wouldn't fly today. Lennon was quite violent back in the day. I don't think the song is scary and certainly doesn't promote violence the way some rap songs did many years later but Lennon himself said this was his least favorite song and any song about being violent especially towards women is not ok in my book. I listen to the song but I won't post it on any social media platform. The song is good musically but I don't like its message and apparently Lennon didn't either. Getting Better on Sgt.Pepper also depicts violence towards women but shows remorse about it which was very progressive for the time.
But CandyCorn tastes like poo
Agreed! 💩 ha ha!