The Beatles: My Favorite Band's 10 Best Songs

It is indeed a tall order to single out ten favorite songs of the best band to ever grace a stage or recording studio. The Beatles, the late John Lennon, the late George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, changed the course of musical history, opened the door for the British invasion, and still, 40 years after its breakup, influence other musicians, young and old alike.

The three main songwriters of the band, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison, are/were musical geniuses individually, as well as part of the band, and each of them have (had) unparalleled lyric writing talent. Each could paint vivid pictures with words. Lennon and McCartney shared credit for most of the Beatles' songs, but assuming that what has been written on the subject is correct, the songs were usually written by one or the other, and the way to tell which one wrote it is by who sang it.

Although not as many of Harrison's songs were included on the band's albums, he received sole credit for each of his creations. He was known as the "quiet Beatle," but was every bit as talented as the others. His songwriting skill, along with his phenomenal guitar playing ability, is legendary in the music world. All three of these multi-talented musicians went on to have successful solo careers after the break-up of the band, which proved once and for all the superb talents of each one.

Ringo Starr, who has also enjoyed a successful solo career since the breakup, is solely credited with writing a few of the Beatles' songs, but the ongoing rumor is that Harrison and McCartney co-wrote most of his songs. Starr's importance, however, as a great and inventive drummer and as the "most grounded" member of the band is indisputable. His down to earth approach to success, and life in general, was an indispensable factor in the Beatles' success.

The Beatles' best ten songs, based on lyrical content, are listed below in no particular order.

"In My Life," a John Lennon song, is one of the most meaningful love songs ever written and showcases Lennon's talent for lyrics. Not only does he get right to the heart of the matter with his words, the music, soft and understated, is perfectly matched to the lyrics. This is a beautiful song of never-ending love and devotion.

Paul McCartney's "I Saw Her Standing There" is just plain fun. From the beginning count to the last note, he makes the listener feel good. This song symbolizes the feeling of that first love. It makes the ten favorites list because it is upbeat, fun, and great to sing along with.

"Here Comes the Sun" by George Harrison is a song of hope. He tells the listener that even though things seem bleak now, everything is about to get better. He says, "Little darlin' it's been a long, cold, lonely winter." But, he says, "Here comes the sun. And I say, it's alright." This is a classic song of the kind hope and optimism that George Harrison was known for.

John Lennon's "Twist and Shout" showcases his vocal ability, and the loud, raspy sound is a perfect choice for the song. During live performances, he always saved this song until last because of the effect it had on his voice. "Twist and Shout" proves Lennon's ability to write strictly fun and entertaining lyrics, which is an important balance for the more serious and meaningful songs he usually wrote.

The beautiful love song "I Need You" by George Harrison is a perfect example of his sincere, quiet nature. Harrison pleads, "Please come on back to me. I'm lonely as can be. I need you." Later in the song, he begs, "Please remember how I feel about you. I could never really live without you. So come on back and see just what you mean to me. I need you." His words are simple and to the point, yet they paint a beautiful picture of love and devotion mixed with sadness.

"For No One" by Paul McCartney is a song of loss and heartache. His words, "And in her eyes you see nothing; no sign of love behind the tears cried for no one, a love that should have lasted years" describe his feelings of emptiness when he realizes that the object of his affection no longer loves him. McCartney's lyrics are obviously written from experience as no one that had not experienced the devastating loss of a relationship could describe it so eloquently.

George Harrison's "Taxman" is as timely today as when it was written. He laments unfair government taxation through sarcasm with lines such as, "If you drive a car I'll tax the street. If you try to sit I'll tax your seat. If you get too cold I'll tax the heat. If you take a walk I'll tax your feet." Harrison's wit and activism come through loud and clear in these lyrics. The song ends with, "Cause I'm the taxman, yea I'm the taxman, and you're working for no one but me." These words just as perfectly describe the position of taxpayers now as well as in the nineteen-sixties.

"You're Going To Lose That Girl" by John Lennon is a zippy tune that showcases John's lyric writing talent and vocal ability. It is a song of warning to a friend who is not treating his girlfriend right. John warns the friend, "You're gonna lose that girl, your gonna lose that girl. I'll make a point of takin' her away from you, yeah. The way you treat her what else can I do?" Also evident throughout the song is the famous Beatles' harmony.

John Lennon's "It's Only Love" is a classic love song that chronicles both the wonderful and the difficult sides of love. He says, "I get high when I see you go by, my oh my," and "Just the sight of you makes nighttime bright, very bright." He describes the warm feelings that love brings. On the other side, though, he bemoans the fact that love can be difficult. He says, "But it's so hard lovin' you" and "Is it right that you and I should fight every night." He is obviously trying to balance the good and the not so good feelings.

Paul McCartney's "I've Just Seen a Face" is a catchy, upbeat tune that accurately describes the feelings of new love and how it is often found strictly by chance. McCartney says, "Had it been another day I might have looked the other way and I'd have never been aware, but as it is I'll dream of her tonight." He recognizes the importance of the moment, and goes on to say, "I have never known the likes of this, I've been alone and I have missed things and kept out of sight but other girls were never quite like this." The acoustic guitar throughout the song is a nice touch.

There are literally hundreds of wonderful songs by the Beatles. Nothing less would be expected of a band that changed the course of musical history and had such a profound impact on society. Their music has stood the test of time like no other, and all these years later, other musicians still want to record their songs and still cite them as a source of inspiration. The ultimate compliment, though, is that people of all ages love their music. Forty years later, they are still acquiring new fans!