John Lennon Once Shared His Favorite Tracks In ‘A Hard Day’s Night’
John Lennon - johnlennon / Youtube
In 1964, The Beatles starred in their first movie, A Hard Day’s Night. John Lennon, along with Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, not only acted in the film but also wrote the music. While Lennon found some parts of the movie embarrassing, he was proud of the songs he and McCartney penned for it. Here are the tracks Lennon cherished the most from A Hard Day’s Night.
Challenges of Songwriting
Lennon and McCartney, the primary songwriters of The Beatles, embarked on the daunting task of crafting all 13 tracks for the album. Despite the weight of expectation, they found joy in the collaborative process. Lennon candidly shared, [QUOTE] “Paul and I enjoyed writing the music for the film.” Recounting their journey in The Beatles Anthology, Lennon admitted, “There were times when we honestly thought we’d never get the time to write all the material.” Yet, amidst the uncertainty, their creative spirit persevered. Despite the challenges, they thrived in diverse locales, drawing inspiration from the bustling streets of Paris to the sun-soaked shores of Miami Beach. Each setting infused their compositions with a unique energy, resulting in a timeless soundtrack that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
Lennon’s Top Picks
Of all the songs they composed, Lennon singled out four as his favorites.
He expressed,
“There are four I really go for.”
These included ‘Can’t Buy Me Love,’ ‘If I Fell,’ ‘I Should Have Known Better,’ and ‘Tell Me Why.’ Each held a special place in Lennon’s heart, showcasing the diversity of their musical talents.
While Lennon and McCartney took the helm as the primary songwriters for the album, it was an unexpected remark from Ringo Starr that sparked the creation of the iconic title track. Recalling the moment, Paul McCartney reminisced,
“After a concert, Ringo said, ‘Phew, it’s been a hard day’s night.’”
This seemingly casual observation piqued the interest of Lennon and McCartney, who recognized its potential as a lyrical centerpiece. Delving deeper into the genesis of the title, Lennon elaborated,
“Dick Lester suggested the title from something Ringo had said.”
Thus, a spontaneous utterance from Starr morphed into the defining moniker of their musical masterpiece.
The Writing Process
Reflecting on the songwriting process, Lennon likened it to the excitement of a new relationship. He described the early phase as “the sexual equivalent of the beginning hysteria of a relationship.” However, as their collaboration matured, their creativity evolved. Lennon shared, “The Sgt. Pepper–Abbey Road period was the mature part of the relationship.”
A Hard Day’s Night not only marked the beginning of The Beatles’ successful film career but also showcased their prowess as songwriters. Lennon’s fondness for certain tracks from the album highlights the enduring impact of their music on pop culture.
