The Beatles' Now And Then - Understanding Paul's Piano Part 

Paul's genius shines throughout the entire song; the piano augmentation, the vocal arrangement, the lead guitar in homage to George...everything. God bless his resolve in giving this demo the perfect treatment for a final Beatles release. Aimee, thank you for your insightful analysis.

When a supremely talented musician like Aimee is so insightful and shows such generosity of spirit, we should all take notice and think ourselves fortunate.

Have watched many videos on now and then.Without a doubt yours summed up the boys exactly as they were..I was 10 when I first saw the Beatles

The musical analysis is wonderful, but the emotional and psychological analysis is even better. No one can truly understand what those four individuals went through, with the world in their hands but also imprisoned by their fame and expectations, but I think you come as close as one can to expressing the emotional weight that Paul carried when putting this song together, and how masterfully he pulled it off. Just great, great stuff. Subscribed.

A 70yo lifelong Beatles fan, and all I can do is echo other comments: what an insightful, powerful analysis. Truly and beautifully done.

This song, stripped down, piano only and female vocal is superb. It takes on a melancholy vibe that’s hard to shake. Bravo Aimee

This is the best 'reaction video' of the actual musical piece, and of McCartney's intentions in building some sections and dropping others. Some online commentators seem to think Paul would do anything he could to screw John's work over. That was never, ever how it was with Paul, or any of the others for that matter. On the "cheezie" bits when the old footage of John and George come up; I've been a Beatles fan for the best part of 60yrs and I reacted the same way as you described but, by the end, I realised 'Nope... That's exactly how John and George would goof off during filming. They all did this in their time. I came to think that these were lovely depictions of the lads in their true form; none of that 'legend tribute' footage we might have expected. The joy of playing IS a part of the Beatles' legacy. And there it is, in the footage. In short, Sir Paul did a brilliant job. 💜

Wow, as an original Beatle fan born in 1951, this is by far the best analysis I have seen. What a great time to live! Peace…

I love the Beatles, I was there, and in my eyes they can do no wrong and all imitators are inferior. But your rendition is beautiful. Your voice is amazing and your video is so gentle and loving. Thank you so much.

You are remarkable.

This is such an amazing deep dive into all the many lovely details McCartney added to this song. Thanks so much for sharing all of your insights and feelings about "Now And then". You are such an outstanding communicator/teacher/musician/singer.

Brilliant on so many levels but your stark performance …. superb.

Aimee, I am 66. Lifelong Beatles fan and McCartney fanatic. Have a replica 1964 Hofner 500/1 Beatles bass handmade in Germany at Hofner factory and I’m left handed as well! You are so spot on in this video. Incredible job!

This is the best musical analysis of this song I've seen on RU-vid. Thanks.

I didn't think I could love this song more than I already did, but this analysis totally upended that. How have I not come across your channel before this??! Thank you for your time breaking down the song and bringing voice and reason to the impact this song has had on my emotions.

What a beautiful vocal! You really capture the feeling of the song!

You are phenomenal and the real deal. Really enjoyed that. It's always nice to hear an analysis from a real musician.

Extraordinary analysis! What a sublime song and beautiful closure of the greatest band that the world ever saw!

I love your voice !!! What a GREAT VERSION !!! Thank You !!!

Couldn't agree more regarding your interpretations (Paul's 'working' with John throughout the entire creative process). Well done.

Beautiful video 👏👏👏you know, when I first heard it, without images, it didn't catch me, but I cried every time I watched "Now and Then" videoclip. So many "affective memories"! In the end of the instrumental part, D, Dm, they revisited the song "Because", for example. Espetacular!

Sounding magnificent as always😊

I love your "strings " transition to John's unused pre-chorus. You could be the 6th Beatle on this song.great ears!

So insightful, Aimee. Thanks for this.

Aimee, your version of N&T is so beautiful. Your voice is perfect. I’m a fan. ❤

I think the funny goofing around bits in the video were just perfect. The Beatles always made you laugh as well as cry. If you watch the reaction videos, those bits always bring a smile - even as people wipe away tears. I think Peter Jackson did a great job on the video. I totally agree that old man Paul's voice sounded wonderful with John's 40 year voice. I wish we could have gotten to hear John's old man voice too. Thanks for a very interesting analysis.

This is fabulous Aimee

7:16PM Love it. A Beatles fan since 1964.

Superb transcription and analysis. Kudos.

Elegant simplicity demonstrated and explained. Thanks Aimee.

Beautiful song, beautiful voice, beautiful playing and beautiful. Perfect combo.

Beautiful analysis and commentary.

Thanks so much for this! I’m a guitar and harmonica player who has been asked to play piano and Thisnwill help me survive a gig tomorrow.

Aimee, you are so awesome

Beautiful ❤️

Wow, you are so good, I wish I had your talent, interesting things you explain here! I don't know why some people say it's not a masterpiece - how do you define a masterpiece? It touches me and many people, what more can I ask from music?

Thanks for showing Mccartney contributions 😊 in a very beautiful way

I love the video too..... I agree with you... well done !!!!!!

Terrific insight on the piano part and exceptional decisions on the arrangement. Over the years it can seem at times that appreciating the skill and technical aspects can get in the way of enjoyment, but this track manages to capture the Beatles magic. Maybe it’s the heart of all 4 that went into it, particularly the compassion of those still with us.

Love your reaction. It gave me a new, or another, appreciation of this song. Just like The Beatles video did. And you're right about Get Back. John is constantly joking around and I wondered myself how they were going to get things done. But then they go up on the roof and nail every song. Thanks for your insights.

Your rendition is beautiful

I love your voice!

Amazing insight into the music, the playing, the production, emotions and relationships. And very movingly expressed. Thanks for this Aimee

excellent transcription, your ears are finely tuned, thank you, the tonal chord change in bar 13, etc., by Paul is remarkably tasteful and is the highlight of the song along with the chorus, the chord can also be looked at as being an: "E minor 7 sus 4 / A" , which is used in jazz frequently.

Early in the "Double Fantasy" sessions, Lennon admitted to producer Jack Douglas that he missed McCartney's input into his songs and missed running things by Paul, and said (I think) that he was looking forward to speaking with him soon.

Hi Aimee, just happened on your channel because of all the reaction videos. Gotta compliment you on your perfect voice pitch. Your piano sounds great too, perfect tune and good action on the keyboard. You remind me of my friend's wife Cindy who is a music teacher in public school. Your analysis on Paul's piano track is wonderfully unique and gets me excited about the piano again. I get so much in my feed about guitar and drums that I forgot I used to play piano. I was inspired to play piano by Carole King, Billy Joel and Barry Manilow but I haven't played in years. You're one of the few music experts, along with Rick Beato, (a guitar and keyboard guy) that explains the writing style differences between Paul and John, and speculates why Now and Then was written / recorded this way. Few of these reaction videos get into any meaningful details.

Thanks Aimee from New Zealand....i think the goofing off on the video is to lighten the mood of the song..after all the Beatles always walked a thin line between pathos and comedy and so the video reflects that.

Lovely, Aimee. Thank you.

Thank you, I couldn't agree more!

Great video !

Wonderful video, your singing here makes me emotional and makes me want an acoustic version of this without the new arrangement. Just beautiful, I don't even play but I loved this video so full of love

This was a really nice listening experience. Thanks Aimee. 😎🤓

I love how the younger generations, who weren't born when the Beatles were still together, love them and are moved as much as us fans who witnessed their music when it came out.

Well presented. Truly showcasing your skills. Delightful

Thank you Aimee

Well done Aimee! Brilliant!!

Beautifully done. Thank you

thank you very much. it was very emotional and great for me to see how you explain the beauty of this song.

Really great video. Thank you!

Absolutely fantastic. I love the Beatles. I love the project. I play piano and haven't started working on trying to play this yet. Your fantastic video has provided such an insight and more importantly, insparation. Thank you very much.

Very good analysis!

Your voice is beautiful!

I love this deep dive into “Now and Then” as a song. Thank you for sharing your incredible insight. The 3/4 end of the song recalls the end of the song “Wait” from Rubber Soul. Give a listen to the piano from McCartney’s “At the Mercy” and “Too Much Rain” from Chaos and Creation in the Backyard. The piano on “Now and Then” reminds me of the piano on those songs. As for the video, I think your take is spot on. I would add that the video showed how John and George were in the room in spirit and how Paul and Ringo aways have the ghosts of their past aways over their shoulders. Especially when Ringo is drumming with his 1967 self. I loved it.

❤😎🎶🎶👏🏼👏🏼 thank you for breaking down this video you are so right I totally agree with you and thank you Paul and Rego for not giving up on this song. We all know that George can totally disagree but hey, that’s what made them.😊❤❤

Well played! 👍

Lovely playing of a lovely song by a lovely player.

Wonderful dissection !!! Thank you soooo much I’m going to pick up the old 1900 piano I have in my garage 🤗

I love this video! Congrats on your insight… very on point and moving!

Very haunting melody. Paul was always a better piano player than John I know Paul had a piano in his house growing up I don’t think John even did in Aunt Mimi’s house but he must have started playing keys during the early Beatle years, I know he wrote a lot of his later songs on piano. This is an amazing song, I think the new production made possible by the new separation technology really made the new recording possible , it’s a masterpiece for me. GREAT VIDEO ! Thanks.

Great insights! I learned alot from watching this about so many things. I am a guitar and bass player so it's nice to hear your expertise and point of view on th piano part. Plus I think tou love the Lads as much as I ❤😅

Thx Aimee, super!

Thank you for your great analysis and kind homage.

Apart from being a talented pianist and tutor, Aimee's melancholic tone brings out the sadness that John may have felt when penning this song

Lovely version

Wow! What a great video. I have liked and subscribed. You are a talened musician and make an interesting and informative educational video. Look forward to viewing your other content.

Wow Did not know how amazing and light transformation Paul did to this song

Thankyou for Playing it for us Aimee and breaking it down and explaining baci x

Great video...I learn a lot watching your videos!

Great piano playing ❤

Thank you! ❤❤❤

I know probably not your intention, but I think you captured the emotion in this better than they did on the recording. What a pleasure to listen to.

Nice cover. Wow

Genius, Aimee. Thank you. You know, Paul has said that John often comes to him in his dreams. And I do hope you've inspired some bass player to do a tutorial on pop/rock music's all time greatest bass player, McCartney

1:30 into the video, the line "Now and then I miss you". I totally lost it.

Thanks for this interesting analysis. I agree with your basic premise that Paul's piano part is both in the style of John's original demo cassette and is also self-effacing. This is not Let It Be! Paul also contributes his own characteristically lyrical bass part, which to continue the under-played theme is kept at a low level in the final mix. Sometimes less is more and here is Paul's way of reaching out in sound and spirit. Thanks.

Amazing video

Thanks for a real professional and nice explanation - this music piece is really a milestone for music in our times and it is really unbelievable how these guys are still able to influence music also after such a long time with two of them who have already passed away. The song is surely a nice song but that is not the main thing, this experiment to bring back the past is really something new an ocean of different emotions and feelings for all those of us who have lived that era. A era full of hope and enthusiasm!

Outstanding Aimee! An excellent Beatle Feeling in your voice and good capture on the keys also. So cool that you’re a Beatle Fan, I know I mentioned that before on your get back vid Yes John was a one of kind. I think they had the gentleman from elo helping with some stuff also. he was also there in the early studio days. I wouldn’t doubt if Allen Parsons stoped by too. I’m pretty sure Jeff Lynn was doing some back up vocals also. Just my opinion I am a huge fan of all three of those bands.

Well done, sounds right to me!

Gracias por compartir tu ecencia y sencibilidad voz y piano😊❤

Amazing analysis as usual! The talking hands always amaze me!

Nicely done!

I had the same initial reaction to the official video, but now I see it as a loving tip of the hat to the old days.

Beautifully done - I love listening to your performance. I wonder if the pre chorus was left out because it would Paul would have had to construct 80% of it, making it a Lennon-McCartney song instead of a John song produced by Paul and Giles. Just a thought.

Bravo!

The "I don't want to lose you" part is used as an interlude. Change the key and start from Dm. At the second Dm chord, you can hear the melody of "I don't want to lose you" behind the slide guitar. It looks like the viola is playing this melody, but it's probably Paul's instructions. Thank you for the great video.

Lovely work, as ever. It's not their best song ever but it is a perfect reminder of how good they could be, even at less than their best. And doesn't the nostalgia card get played so beautifully with accompanying music video.

❤❤❤ THANK YOU AIMME FOE THIS AMAZING BREAKDOWN OF THIS BEAUTIFUL MELODY + WOW YOUR VOICE SO 2023 ...REALLY MODERNIZES IT , IF SUCH WORD EXISTS haha....but I LOVED IT !!!!

I love this song.

Very thoughtful, I think.