The Meaning Behind The Song: “Come Together” by The Beatles
“Come Together” is a classic song by The Beatles. Written by John Lennon in 1969, it was released as part of their album, “Abbey Road.” The song has a catchy rhythm and melody, but it’s the lyrics that truly stand out. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind “Come Together” and what it says about the culture and society of the time.
The Creative Process
Before diving into the meaning behind the song, it’s essential to understand the creative process behind its creation. John Lennon wrote the lyrics, but the song was inspired by a campaign slogan of Timothy Leary, a counterculture icon in the 1960s. Leary ran for governor of California in 1969 with the slogan, “Come together, join the party.”
Lennon used this slogan as a starting point for the song’s lyrics. He also incorporated elements of other songs he had been working on before “Come Together.” The rhythm and melody were created collectively by The Beatles during a jam session.
Creating a Message of Unity
The lyrics of “Come Together” convey a message of unity, a typical theme of many songs from the 1960s. The opening lines, “Here come old flattop, he come grooving up slowly,” suggest that the protagonist is a positive, confident person. This portrayal of the protagonist serves as an invitation to join their community, to become a part of something larger than oneself.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase, “Come together,” which serves as a clear call to action. The repetition of this phrase creates a sense of urgency, emphasizing the importance of uniting for a common cause.
Exploring Themes of Individuality
Despite the message of unity, “Come Together” also explores themes of individuality. One of the most memorable lines in the song, “He got monkey finger, he shoots Coca-Cola,” portrays the protagonist as a unique individual. This line suggests that the protagonist has quirks, strange habits, or anything else that makes them different.
This theme of individuality is also present in the line, “One and one and one is three,” which is a nod to the idea that everyone is unique, and together, they can create something greater than the sum of their parts.
Social Commentary About Society
In addition to exploring themes of individuality and unity, “Come Together” also provides social commentary about society. The lines, “Got to be a joker, he just do what he please,” are a clear reference to the Vietnam War, which was a topic of great controversy at the time.
This line suggests that the protagonist has a devil-may-care attitude and doesn’t care about the consequences of his or her actions. This idea can be seen as a commentary on the government’s attitude towards the war.
The Legacy of “Come Together”
“Come Together” continues to be a popular song to this day, almost 50 years after its initial release. Its message of unity and individuality are timeless themes that resonate with audiences of all ages.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Aerosmith, Michael Jackson, and Elton John, among others. These covers demonstrate its lasting impact on popular culture.
In Conclusion
“Come Together” is undoubtedly one of the most iconic songs of The Beatles’ catalog. Its message of unity and individuality remains as relevant today as it was in 1969. The song’s success is a testament to the importance of creating music that speaks to universal themes and ideals. As John Lennon once said, “music is everybody’s possession; it’s only publishers who think that people own it.”
