Hip Hop Fan's First Listen To Yesterday by The Beatles 

It's weird - I have trouble thinking of The Beatles as a "rock band"... i.e., if you asked me what the most iconic rock band was I'd talk about Zeppelin vs. The Stones, Floyd, etc. etc. Meanwhile The Beatles are unquestionably the biggest band in rock history and largely responsible for what "rock" became as a genre. They're THE BEATLES, like they're their own, separate thing in my mind, separate and above the rest of the genre.

Paul McCartney lost his mother to cancer when he was young and although not conscious of it at the time, he has years later come to acknowledge that he wrote the song about the loss of her. Using the term “mournful” to describe this song is a one word perfect description by you of it.

The Beatles were more than a musical phenomenon - they were a movement that incorporated everything from fashion to politics. They were the world's biggest celebrities, and everyone was in their shadow. In a career that spanned LESS than a decade (they only toured for six? years) what they did was unprecedented.

My dad was a professional jazz musician in the '50's and '60's--completely anti-rock music...until he heard Abbey Road. I still remember the day in 1970 when he came running into the living room, put the record on the stereo, and had us listen to the whole album, from "Come Together" to "The End." I was 11 years old at the time, and it was the first time I truly became obsessed with any kind of music. Even my mom, who was from Germany and was interested mostly in classical music, was blown away. Her favorite composer was Beethoven, and her favorite song on the album was "Because," which none of us knew was inspired by Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata (played backwards, lol). Suddenly the rock floodgates opened for all of us, including my dad, who even started growing his hair long.😂

Scrambled eggs were the words Paul used as a place holder for Yesterday as he was writing the music. He also kept asking people have you heard this music before for a year. He thought he had heard it before from someone else. Nobody had, George Martin added the strings Paul found the words, the story. A Classic. Haven't we all lived this song at sometime of our life? Great Reaction, glad you finally got it published.

You won't be surprised to find that most musicians over a certain age will reference the Beatles as one of their inspirations. Even Lemmy from Motorhead was a massive Beatles fan, as is Jesse the singer of the Eagles of Death Metal.

The influence the Beatles had on rock and pop music simply cannot be overstated. Love that you’re diving in and seeing that.

I find it amazing that younger people are rediscovering this tune as though it is buried treasure. It not only was extremely popular, but one of the most covered songs in pop history, performed by hundreds of other singers. This was also one of the first Beatles songs that featured Paul McCartney doing a solo, without the participation of the other Beatles.

Yesterday is the most covered song in music history with over 3'000 versions in existance.

He did the vocal for "I'm Down" later that same afternoon. True story. Listen to "I'm Down." It couldn't be any more different. LOL... Amazing artist.

Paul’s mother died from cancer when he was 14. I have to wonder if that was a subconscious influence here. The melody came to him entirely in a dream. He thought someone else had written it! There have been thousands of covers of this song. The “ fifth Beatle” , IMO, was brilliant producer , George Martin who produced classical music, jazz and comedy before the Beatles. He added the cellos for this. Cobain, as you’ve astutely noticed, was a huge fan of the Beatles.

I personally have always loved The Beatles. Before even realizing who they were. My mother was a fan and passed away early last year. So I have been going back and listening again. I appreciate your analysis from a different perspective, it is really cool to go back and listen to all the music you cover on your channel with new ears.

If you want to go further back I would highly recommend “If I Fell”. One of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard

I heard this on the AM radio as a kid when it was released. Hearing now with headphones is an amazing new experience.

Fantastic to see somebody of your age getting into the Beatles for the first time, there is a huge rabbit hole of talent to explore, hope you enjoy absorbing it all. Love the honesty of your reaction.

I was there. The Beatles were a musical tsunami. I saw the wave.

It was the most played song on radio for the next 7 years and is the most covered song of all time. McCartney is a master melody maker and his voice is second to none. I suggest you check out “Here, There and Everywhere.” It’s pure perfection. Enjoyed watching your reaction ❤️ BTW, are you still a Hip Hop fan? I was until the 2000s hit and now I just think it’s crap rap (I sound like an old lady lol.)

Something that always astonishes me about them is that when they were recording their final album (Abbey Road was recorded last), not one of them had attained the age of 30. For despair and loss, and a gut punch (or a possible change in where one's sympathies might be directed) in the last verse, try She's Leaving Home.

I grew up with the Beatles in realtime, starting from just before the Ed Sullivan debut. As with all of my generation, their music was the soundtrack to my life. So it's fascinating to me to hear you identifying their influence in music that you grew up with decades later, never having heard them first. Thanks for this!

McCartney originally titled this song Scrambled Eggs. There were top bands, and then there's The Beatles. Beyond top tier.

I was 9 when this single came out. It was shocking in a way. The first Beatles song that didn't sound like a rock band. Absolutely groundbreaking.

For a follow up to this, you can watch Paul signing this live on the Ed Sullivan Show... it's so great you can actually hear the girls in the audience tell each other to stop screaming!

I'm 50 years old... haven't listened to this song in a long time. Now I get it.

Ouch, uploaded four weeks ago and available just now. Still, I hope you continue to react to The Beatles. They are an integral part of Rock history with many great reaction-analysis worthy songs. I recommend Helter Skelter, a song infamous for being misinterpreted by the Manson family and directly inspiring the Tate-LaBianca murders. The song is also regarded as a key influence in the development of metal and punk.

Beatles song Oh Darling.....an underrated song

I watched this when you posted it .. still has my "like" attached, hehe

I'd say Lennon had a more "special" voice but McCartney's was more versatile and technically superior. They're both great in their different ways and how wonderful that they (and George) ended up singing together

Beatles recordings with understated post production are absolutely mind-blowing.

It was only the melody that came to him in his sleep. An early version of the lyrics he tried went thus: "Scrambled eggs, Oh my darling, how I love your legs...." I do think the final version was an improvement (though that could just be me...) Staying back around mid to early Beatles, Helter Skelter is another must hear Paul composition/ lead vocal, if you haven't already indulged.. definitely one that demonstrates his range both vocally and in musical taste when you compare it to Yesterday and Blackbird. Unlike them, HS is big, loud and dirty as f.... , and has one interesting and cool and one very strange and disturbing story attached to it. And any Beatles live performance from the 1960s with Paul covering Little Richard's Long Tall Sally (Have Some Fun Tonight) is sure to please - it's another high energy showstopper.

This song, originally titled "Scrambled Eggs" (before it had lyrics) is probably their most covered number. Its universal appeal is right on its face. Simple, but haunting.

I demur from your implication that the Beatles were not an experimental band. They were crazy experimental. They were arguably the first experimental rock band.

I just went through their early stuff, their pre-Rubber Soul albums, and Help! is really their first impressive album from a songwriting perspective. So, of course “Yesterday” appears there.

Say Hey Syed, Your commentary on Yesterday and the Beatles influence is the best I've ever heard. I happened to be listening to the radio the first time a Beatles song was played in the USA. The remarks you make here have brought it all back to me in the most pleasant way. Thanks.

Do more beatles. Please! I love them so much!!!!❤

It is better to listen to The Beatles in sequence just to see the growth of their music in just such a short amount of time. A Hard Day's Night or Can't Buy Me Love are two bangers from their first movie,

Get into the sheer exuberance of their earlier recordings. Of course, people who saw them as kids in Hamburg and, after that, in Liverpool, say they were the toughest punk band of all time. While many English groups and individuals went to Hamburg, none transformed like John, Paul, George, Stuart, and Pete transformed

That's an impressive analysis. You do one of the most jobs in this regard as any site I've seen.

this is such a good review, and fascinating to hear your own take listening for the first time.

Clearly the most played song in history, most covered song in history. From the worlds greatest songwriter. Hard to believe the story about how he dreamt the melody, and to help remember it in the morning while cooking breakfast he came up with ":Scrambled eggs, oh my baby how I love you legs, oh and how I love my scrambled eggs...." He wrote the words later on holiday in Spain or Portugal.

Love your channel! I've been watching you expand your musical horizons for a few months now, and it's fun traveling with you and reminding myself why I love this music so much. As a long-time Beatles fan, may I make a suggestion of where you should explore next? That is, the album, Rubber Soul, and the songs "Norwegian Wood" and "I'm looking Through You." They reflect where John and Paul were going as they were maturing as song writers after meeting Bob Dylan, while at the peak of their popularity in the midst of "Beatlemania."

One important aspect of the backing tracks on Beatles songs is the contributions from their producer George Martin. If you hear strings on their songs it's almost certain that their parts were written and conducted by George. He was sometimes referred to as the fifth Beatle. I am doing videos on legendary music producers and I chose George for the first one.

Good stuff man, I always enjoy your analysis, nicely done..

Great job as usual, Syed.

I just know how the song and lyrics can make one feel...this song does that...💔 You have become my favorite channel to watch Syed...your style and depth of understanding is refreshing...

Keep reacting to the Beatles!

Your reactions are excellent. Your commentary is of the highest order.

Hw many bands do you see where they write their own music, perform so tightly and have 4 different singers, yes I include Ringo, who can all deliver with sincerity. They each had well developed styles as musicians where each member molded themselves togethers to the point where they are not individual but well - The Beatles. I am old, 13 in 1963, and my privileges at the end are my family and frankly the change from black and white to a world of color that they brought to me.

I was born in 1963, a year before the big British invasion. I always had the Beatles as background music to my childhood. Songs like these, be they country or rock fans, these type of songs make you become introspective! I don't care if 50 years old through 85 years old a song like this for my generation spurs emotional thoughts

Great song, great reaction by you always. I enjoy your reactions because your analysis are always excellent. thank you!

I've seen recent interviews where Pual says the 'girl' in this song is his mom, Mary who died when he was 14. Let it be is also a Mary inspired song....check it out too.

Just came across your channel. As a charter member of Beatlemania starting in 1964 I love seeing younger generation discovering the Beatles greatness. More Beatles please Hey Jude. Something, you ve got to hide your love away to start. I’ll be tuned in

Haven't we all experienced lost love and have poignant memories of yesterday? Universal topic and yes, many musicians have picked up the idea and ran with it....thus we have Tool, and so many more. Were the Beatles influenced by Beethoven's Sonata 14, 3rd Movement? "Moonlight" has that same poignancy.

The quality of production with The Beatles is light-years ahead of its time. Also a great lot of credit needs to go to the studio musicians (mostly Violins on this track).

The greatest aspect of The Beatles is you do not have to choose between John or Paul. You get them both. Oh, and of course, George writes two of their greatest songs in "Here Comes The Sun" and "Something."

I have to say, you are really an EXCELLENT reactor. ✌️

On June 14, 1965, Paul sang the country tune "I've Just Seen A Face" and the Little Richard-esque rock and roll "I'm Down," followed by "Yesterday. The extraordinary genius of the songwriter and vocalist is evident in this single day of recordings alone.

Brilliant analysis

"Scrambled eggs. All I really want is scrambled eggs." The first lyrics he put to the tune after stumbling out of bed.

Paul McCartney lost his mum as a teenager..I think that's where the mournful sound (and the lyrics) come from

Paul says in his book the lyrics that subconsciously this very well could’ve been about the loss of his mother when he was about 14 years old. He wasn’t conscious of it at the time when he wrote the song but looking back now says it is quite feasible.

The funny thing is that when you tell someone who's not familiar with who did what in the Beatles that the guy who wrote and sung this is the same one that wrote and sung Helter Skelter.

200 years from now if we are still around, the Beatles will remain and all others will be forgotten.

Yes, I'm one the old people who were crazy for the Beatles back when. I still like some of their work and I agree this is an amazing song. I actually stopped to watch a Pink Floyd analysis and you mentioned this, so here I am. Now, I would like to recommend a particular cover of this song done by Angelina Jordan. She recorded the video during covid lock-down days. I'd be interested to hear your take on it.

Definitely do more beatles, even just songs or go through the albums I would love to see mate

The Beatles transcended any genre, they are simply the Beatles

The fact that you have two amazing vocal artists in one band says it all and you’ve George And Ringo singing Some of the best Beatles songs ever the greatest band ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever egos yes production and editing perfection

Great song and Reaction Video. Check out "Tomorrow Never Knows" from REVOLVER.

In his later years McCartney has mentioned a few friends suggesting to him it might be about losing his mother when he was 14, and he thought there might be some credence to the idea.

The lyrics for yesterday came later after Paul made sure that the melody was original and not something someone else had already published.

One of my favourite Beatles songs. Now you need to watch the film of the same name.👍

Brilliant reaction! You're the quintessential reactor.

You said it...."2 minutes & 3 seconds ...of genius."

If you want to hear him cover the same break up in a more brutal fashion, go listen to "For No One" off the revolver album.

"Woke up. Fell out of bed. 'Yesterday' was in my head."

When I was in my teens and 20s (which was a long time ago) I always liked John Lennon's writing and vocals but now that I'm older I really appreciate Paul McCartney and his songs and vocals. He is just amazing... and yes, this is one of my favorite songs of all time. This and 'Let it Be.'

Yesterday is the most recorded, covered song in history and still holds that record I believe. You could substitute Love with the word "Life" on the line love was such an easy game tp play and still get the same message and effect, perhaps larger scope. If you were a boomer like me, you would find this scene from the recent Yesterday movie [2019] astounding...the story is a guy wakes up from an accident, and finds out almost no one has ever heard the Beatles, because they are now living in an alternate world, the Beatles do not exist... ...ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5VgRuLQgeSE.html

I think it's wonderful that you acknowledge the influence the Beatles had on diverse groups. Their appearance on Sullivan in 1964 caused many young people to take up instruments and create music. Osborne, Joel and untold others were galvanized by their music.

The Long and Winding Road is another that might swing you to the quality of Paul's voice and some of his solo work like Maybe I'm Amazed and the Wings song Jet have some pretty good vocals from Paul.

"Yesterday" is the most-covered song in history. When McCartney first wrote it, he had the melody, but no words just yet. So he inserted some words as placeholders until he could write the lyrics. Originally "Yesterday" was replaced by "Scrambled Eggs." To know that today is just kind of mind-blowing. This is one of the greatest songs ever written in any genre. The Beatles changed society in ways no other musical artist ever has. If that sounds like an exaggeration, go rent the movie, "How the Beatles Changed the World." It will open your eyes.

From an influence standpoint, three tracks to check out are Helter Skelter, Tomorrow Never Knows and Revolution. You'll hear the first metal song, the invention of samples and arguably John Lennon's best straight rock track.

I appreciate your appreciation. More trivia: the classical string arrangement was the fifth Beatle--George Martin's--idea and composition. It was a clear step in their innovation, and McCartney initially questioned the idea. Agreed that McCartney's voice is exceptional with a round tone, and perfect pitch with very little vibrato, which I believe is hard to do. Thanks for your thoughtfulness and enthusiasm.

Paul was the more dynamic vocalist, but thats not taking anything away. Paul was a chameleon as a singer though and he killed it in every mode. Have you heard Oh Darling? You need to. Lady Madonna is another good example.

Only the tune of "Yesterday" came to him in his sleep. That's why when it was referred to when he was working on it, it was called, "Scrambled Eggs!" There were no lyrics initially, they came much later when he was working out the song.

The first title to Yesterday was "Scrambled Eggs" as Paul woke up and couldn't find a title for the song....

This is kind of the beginning of the middle period of the Beatles, which then includes Rubber Soul and Revolver, arguably the 2 most perfect pop records ever made. It's not really possible to overstate the influence the Beatles had, and still have really. The great thing about JOhn and Paul is... you don't have to choose. They're both uniquely great singers and writers, and together, well, that's why the Beatles are so influential. Add George and Ringo, and it's just an avalanche of greatness.

Every word is true to life my heart breaks as I'm listening

All great songwriters believe in the concept of a muse. They all think that the music comes from somewhere, and they don’t know where that is, but they know it didn’t come from them.

McCartney was 21 when he wrote this

AND YOU KNOW THERE'S SEVERAL SONGS OF THEIRS THAT REPEAT ITSELF BUT IT CHANGES MUSICALLY, JUST TIMELESS AWESOME STUFF SYED!😊2 THAT COME TO MIND ARE THE HUGE HITS : HEY JUDE & LET IT BE ( MOTHER MARY COMES TO ME, SPEAKING WORDS OF WISDOM, LET IT BE ) 😊 MARY BEING PAUL'S MOM SO YEAH, VERYYYYY COOL AND NEVERRRR GETS OLD MAN.😊 I LOVE YOUR SONG LISTENING TECHNIQUE AND BREAKDOWNS, EXCELLENT! OH YEAH, I WAS BORN IN 60 SO, I WAS JUST 5 WHEN THEY TOUCHED DOWN IN AMERICA!

McCartney is amazing & his voice is incredible & versatile. But all of them, except maybe Ringo, had very good voices.

simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

McCartney woke up with the tune in his head and had a piano next to his bed and picked out the tune on his piano. He didn't write the lyrics until many weeks later. Until then he had the temporary title of scrambled eggs.

This is the most covered song in history. Pure genius. He had the full tune in his head when he woke up. He had to work on the lyrics. The working title was "Scrambled Eggs" after his placeholder lyrics, "Scrambled eggs, oh how I really love your legs."

Regarding what you said about Lennon vs McCartney... What I feel is like asking which one of your kids is your favorite! I'm just a huge Beatles fan and I grew up picking up the white album out of my parent's LP collection and being hooked from then on!! In a sense, for me it started from there and I branched out to other contemporary bands like the Doors and the Who... Not to mention Hendrix... After that, I just started digging back further back in the jazz and blues roots of these bands. Today, you can flip through my discography and find a bunch of stuff dating from the 20's right up to today and that's a thing I'm quite proud of... Don't be the "get off my lawn" type, there's new stuff out there that's just as amazing, it's all about keeping your ears open!!!!

Let it be. Another great McCartney song.

Could you have imagined say a few years ago you would want to listen to songs that are 55 to 60 years old and not notice the quality of the production they achieve using only 4 track recording? On the financial side, the British Prime Minister jokingly said that "If the UK has a balance of trade deficit with a country they would send the Beatles there for a concert tour."

Think of it: Yesterday sounds strange on the LP HELP. But it's much like the song Help.

McCartney was 14 when he dreamed it, the lyrics were written years later until they were written Paul referred to it as his scrambled eggs song. It is the most covered song in the history of music.

Is Paul thinking about his loss of his mother subconsciously. This song is bittersweet but it's genius

I believe you should react to the beatles everybody s got something ro hide except for me and my monkey