OTD - Eleanor Rigby
-
OTD in ‘66, ‘Eleanor Rigby’ was recorded.
The song was a shock to many pop listeners in 1966, with its bleak message of depression and desolation, with a somber, funeral-like backing.
“The first few bars just came to me,” said Paul.
"Daisy Hawkins picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been."
According to Paul, Daisy Hawkins was an older woman who he got to know very well. He would go shopping for her and sit in her kitchen listening to stories and her crystal radio set.
"Just hearing her stories enriched my soul and influenced the songs I would later write."
Paul explained that her name did not work in the lyrics.
“Then the name "Father McCartney" came to me – and "all the lonely people". But I thought people would think it was supposed to be my dad, sitting knitting his socks. Dad's a happy lad. So I went through the telephone book and I got the name McKenzie.”
Paul said he made up the name “Eleanor Rigby” because he liked it but it was pointed out that the graveyard at St. Peter’s Church in Liverpool where John and Paul first met has a gravestone with the name “Eleanor Rigby.” Paul admits he may have been subconsciously influenced by the gravestone.
None of the Beatles played instruments on the song, although John and George did contribute harmony vocals with Paul’s lead vocals.
Instead, the song employs a classical string ensemble – an octet of studio musicians, comprising four violins, two violas and two cellos, all performing a score composed by George Martin.
-
@jon-nyc said in OTD - Eleanor Rigby:
It’s such a haunting song.
I find the history of Beatles' compositions just fascinating. Once you get past the "pop stuff" of early Beatles, the later stuff is interesting.
"Dear Prudence" was written about Mia Farrow's sister, Prudence. Apparently, she was on the excursion the Beatles took to India, where they hooked up with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
"Prudence" was really into all that stuff, and didn't want to participate in the "off hours" fun stuff. She was too serious, and too devoted.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_Prudence
"Savoy Truffle" was all about Eric Clapton's addiction to chocolate.
