The Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood” and the Surprisingly Violent Origins Behind It
The Beatles’ 1965 track “Norwegian Wood” contains surprisingly sordid and violent details of an extramarital affair that turned violent, marking a career turning point.
This turning point led the band to explore themes of lust, jealousy, violence, and pain, a departure from their earlier, lighter love songs.
The song's title, "Norwegian Wood," was chosen because their alternative title didn't flow as well, according to Paul McCartney.
John Lennon claimed the song was entirely his, inspired by an affair he had, written to obscure the truth from his wife, Cyn.
The song's title refers to cheap wood paneling. McCartney explained that the line about lighting a fire was a tongue-in-cheek reference to setting the wood on fire as revenge.