10 Of The Incredibly Dark Songs By The Beatles

Nope, they’re not just an innovative group who occasionally throws in children’s songs or pop love songs in their repertoire; The Beatles know how to get dark when it’s important. The band’s darkest melodies are some of its most intriguing; the Fab Four were masters of the romantic ballad, as seen by songs like “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Love Me Do,” and countless others, but they were also adept at penning darker, more gloomy love ballads. They were aware of the benefits of having an all-consuming love, as well as the risks, uncertainties, and concerns that it may bring. Here are the 10 darkest songs by the Beatles that capture that feeling.

 

“Devil in Her Heart” – With the Beatles (1963)

The first lines of “Devil in Her Heart” have a sinister ring to them. The singer is open to being romantically involved with someone they know has the potential to destroy them, and with that, the song is toxic.

“Not a Second Time” – With the Beatles (1963)

It’s obvious that the person singing “Not a Second Time” is lamenting the end of a troubled or even evil relationship. Whatever the ex did, it was horrible enough for them to never give them another opportunity. There’s dishonesty, and they probably both cheated at some point in their relationship.

“Misery” – Please Please Me (1963)

The song “Misery” is about the agony of heartbreak. With lyrics like “I’m the kind of guy who never used to cry/ The world is treatin’ me bad/ Misery” have a grim undertone, making it dark for listeners. It’s kind of depressing because the speaker expects to suffer greatly in the absence of their romantic partner.

“Chains” – Please Please Me (1963)

One of the Beatles’ most melancholy love songs, “Chains” is about the emotional bonds that can become like chains for one person in a relationship. The speaker freely acknowledges that their beloved holds them in figurative shackles. It’s still oppressive and possessive, even when the singer wants to be tied.

“I’m a Loser” – Beatles for Sale (1964)

In “I’m a Loser,” the singer mocks his shortcomings. The inability to maintain the relationship has left the speaker feeling devalued and useless.

“No Reply” – Beatles for Sale (1964)

There’s no denying that the speaker in “No Reply” is a stalker.  The speaker is so anxious to get in touch with their ex that they have been phoning their number over and over, banging on their door, and staring up at their window. It’s all in the lyrics, go listen to it.

“I’ll Cry Instead” – A Hard Day’s Night (1964)

Another melancholic Beatles tune, “I’ll Cry Instead” is about going to great efforts to reunite with a lost love. Here, the author expresses a willingness to confine oneself.

“Baby’s in Black” – Beatles for Sale (1964)

The Beatles’ “Baby’s in Black” is both a gloomy love ballad and a creepy one. It’s like something out of a dark and mysterious love story. While their love is lamenting the loss of someone else, the speaker feels forlorn. She’s all dressed in black to match the depressive mood of the music.

“You Can’t Do That” – Single (1964)

John Lennon sings to his lover in “You Can’t Do That” that she will be dumped if they are caught cheating on him or her again. To put it mildly, it’s possessive and aggressive.

“Run For Your Life” – Rubber Soul (1965)

The Beatles’ “Run For Your Life” is unquestionably the darkest and most unsettling of their songs. It’s a terrifying and deadly reminder of how easily love can turn evil. The lover is told that the singer would prefer death to see them with another guy. There’s no denying the fact that the relationship is toxic.