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Rediscovering The Magic: The Story of John Lennon’s Now and Then
Revisiting a Forgotten Piece of the Beatles’ Legacy
With the release of Now and Then, the Beatles once again captured the world’s attention, uniting fans in a moment of nostalgia and excitement.
Decades after their last single, this track represents the enduring magic of John Lennon’s voice, reimagined through advanced technology and the heartfelt commitment of his bandmates.
Now and Then began as a raw Lennon demo, but today, it arrives as a poignant finale, symbolising the “last song” of one of history’s most influential bands.
The Origins of Now and Then: Lennon’s Intimate Home Demo
In 1977, Lennon recorded Now and Then in his apartment at the Dakota Building in New York.
This song, like many of his later works, reveals Lennon’s introspective and often melancholic side, touching on themes of yearning and emotional vulnerability.
During the Beatles’ Anthology project in the 1990s, Yoko Ono passed this demo to Paul McCartney with a note marked “For Paul.”
The song joined other demos in what was an ambitious attempt to reconnect the Beatles with their legacy, which included Lennon’s Free as a Bird and Real Love.
Why the Beatles Shelved Now and Then in the 1990s
During the initial Anthology sessions, the Beatles tried to complete Now and Then, but technical issues made it nearly impossible.
The demo’s poor quality—Lennon’s piano was too loud, his voice barely audible—made it difficult for the band to create a clear, cohesive recording.
George Harrison, in particular, was openly sceptical, reportedly dismissing the demo as “rubbish.”
This reservation, combined with the technical difficulties, led the band to abandon the project.
Harrison’s guitar contributions and the rough initial arrangements remained archived, preserving his influence on the song’s eventual sound.
Reflecting on this period, McCartney later acknowledged Harrison’s feelings about the demo, but his desire to finish the song persisted.
Technological Resurrection: AI Brings Lennon’s Voice into the Present
In 2021, the Get Back documentary, directed by Peter Jackson, introduced McCartney and Ringo Starr to sound-separation technology, opening the door for a fresh attempt at Now and Then.
This advanced AI tool, called MAL, isolated Lennon’s vocals from the background noise, finally providing a clean vocal track that allowed McCartney and Starr to finish the song without compromising Lennon’s authentic sound.
For McCartney, completing Now and Then was more than a technical challenge; it was an opportunity to fulfil Lennon’s legacy and honour their creative journey.
As he explained, using this technology let him and Starr bring Lennon’s vision to life with the same sincerity that defined the Beatles’ music.
The Creative Process: Contributions from All Four Beatles
In the final version of Now and Then, all four Beatles contributed, even those who had passed away.
McCartney and Starr recorded new sections, while McCartney added a slide guitar solo in homage to Harrison’s distinctive playing style.
Harrison’s preserved guitar parts from the ’95 sessions were also included, enhancing the song’s emotional depth.
The production team, led by Giles Martin, son of the legendary Beatles producer George Martin, ensured the track balanced nostalgic reverence with a modern finish.
Now and Then lyrics reveal the song’s layered structure, a blend of past and present that captures the Beatles’ essence.
The lyrics reflect a deep yearning for connection, making Now and Then feel both timeless and uniquely relevant to today’s listeners.
Lennon’s Lyrics and Their Timeless Message of Longing
Lennon’s lyrics in Now and Then encapsulate a longing for connection, a theme that resonated throughout his life and music.
His words, “Now and then, I miss you / Now and then, I want you to be there for me,” strike a universal chord, while McCartney’s harmonies add even more emotional weight, symbolising the bond between the two friends.
The chorus, with its heartfelt simplicity, has struck a chord with fans worldwide, capturing Lennon’s introspective style and giving listeners a glimpse into his personal reflections.
This depth makes Now and Then feel like an authentic piece of the Beatles’ story, one that serves as a powerful farewell to both Lennon’s legacy and the Beatles’ unique influence on music.
A Global Phenomenon: Now and Then’s Chart Success and Cultural Impact
Now and Then has achieved global success, topping charts and sparking discussions across social media.
Since its release, it has become the Beatles’ first UK number one in over fifty years, a testament to the band’s enduring legacy.
This unprecedented chart performance has also been mirrored in countries such as Germany and Austria, proving that the Beatles’ impact remains strong across generations.
Critics have debated Now and Then’s place within the Beatles’ discography, with some hailing it as a fitting final chapter and others viewing it as a complex experiment in nostalgia.
This mixture of acclaim and critique reflects the song’s unique role as both a nod to the Beatles’ past and a fresh addition to their legendary catalogue.
A Bittersweet Farewell: The Beatles’ Legacy Lives On
For McCartney and Starr, Now and Then represents closure—a chance to reconnect with Lennon’s voice and celebrate the Beatles’ legacy one last time.
This track doesn’t merely close a chapter; it completes a journey that began with “Love Me Do” and now concludes with this “last song.”
Visit Imagine Peace to learn more about Lennon’s message and influence, which continue to inspire new generations of listeners.
Through Now and Then, McCartney’s dedication to Lennon’s memory shines, creating a song that serves as both a tribute to their friendship and a testament to the Beatles’ unparalleled impact on music history.
Rediscovering the Beatles’ Magic, One Last Time
Now and Then isn’t just a song; it’s a reminder of the magic the Beatles created together and a poignant farewell that echoes across generations.
Lennon’s voice, brought to life through modern technology, allows us to feel the band’s camaraderie and connection one final time.
This song is more than music—it’s a celebration of the Beatles’ legacy, reawakened for a new era of listeners, allowing us to rediscover the timeless brilliance of their journey.
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The Beatles Now and Then Lyrics
Intro: Paul McCartney
One, two, three
Refrain: John Lennon
I know it’s true
It’s all because of you
And if I make it through
It’s all because of you
Verse 1: John Lennon & Paul McCartney
And now and then
If we must start again
Well, we will know for sure
That I will love you
Chorus: John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Now and then
I miss you
Oh, now and then
I want you to be there for me
Always to return to me
Verse 2: John Lennon
I know it’s true
It’s all because of you
And if you go away
I know you’ll never stay
Chorus: John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Now and then
I miss you
Oh, now and then
I want you to be there for me
Bridge: George Harrison
(Ah)
(Ah)
(Ah)
(Ooh)
(Ah)
Refrain: John Lennon
I know it’s true
It’s all because of you
And if I make it through
It’s all because of you
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