The Fab Four were only together for less than a decade, but their discography really runs deep. And within that discography, there are quite a few Beatles songs that actually reference other Beatles songs. Let’s look at a few deep cuts that do exactly that. A few of these references might have escaped you the first time you heard them!
“What Goes On”
“What Goes On” comes from The Beatles’ 1965 album Rubber Soul. If you read between the lines, this song actually references the song “Tell Me Why” from the 1964 record A Hard Day’s Night. Though, some fans think this is just a coincidence. However, I’m inclined to agree that the song is referencing the Fab Four’s earlier hit.
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The other day I saw you
As I walked along the road
But when I saw him with you
I could feel my future fold
It’s so easy for a girl like you to lie
Tell me why.
“Lady Madonna”
“Lady Madonna” is a later-career hit by The Beatles, released as a non-album single in 1968. This little rock and roll tune references the surreal psychedelic pop tune “I Am The Walrus” from the group’s 1967 record Magical Mystery Tour.
Friday night arrives without a suitcase
Sunday morning creeping like a nun
Monday’s child has learned to tie his bootlace
See how they run.
“Glass Onion”
Remember the psychedelic rock deep cut “Glass Onion”? This song was released in 1968 and included on the band’s famed White Album. And “Glass Onion” refers to quite a few Beatles songs, including “I Am The Walrus”, “I’m Looking Through You”, “The Fool On The Hill”, “Fixing A Hole”, “Strawberry Fields Forever”, and “Lady Madonna”.
Some believe even more songs are being referenced in “Glass Onion”, and the song is still being picked apart today. Honestly, you might as well look up the lyrics to the entire song, as the whole thing is just one big self-referential piece.
“Savoy Truffle”
This entry on our list of Beatles songs that reference other Beatles songs comes from the White Album. This George Harrison-penned track references “Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da”, which follows “Glass Onion” on the album.
You know that what you eat you are
But what is sweet now turns so sour
We all know Ob-La-Di-Bla-Da
But can you show me where you are?
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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