Keith Urban Reveals His Favorite Beatles Song Is An Underrated One
via Keith Urban / Youtube
In the Beatles’ illustrious career, there exists a gem that, according to country music sensation Keith Urban, stands out for its “exquisite arrangement.” Urban’s favorite Beatles song may not be a chart-topping hit, but its depth and originality have captured the heart of the renowned country singer.
In an 2009 interview with Cleveland.com
Keith Urban was asked to reveal his favorite Beatles song. To everyone’s surprise, he chose “She’s Leaving Home,” a poignant ballad nestled within the iconic ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.’ Urban expressed his admiration, stating,
“What an exquisite arrangement. The originality of that band continues to dumbfound me. I don’t know where they were drawing from, but it was such a magnificently original place.”
“She’s Leaving Home” is often overshadowed in The Beatles’ extensive catalog, making it one of the most underrated tracks. Its beauty lies in the fact that it borrows elements from Western classical music, showcasing The Beatles’ mastery in transforming old ideas into something uniquely their own. As Paul McCartney revealed in the 1997 book ‘Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now,’ the song’s inspiration stemmed from a newspaper article about a young girl who had left home and gone missing.
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The collaboration between McCartney and John Lennon birthed a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings.
McCartney reminisced,
“We’d seen a story in the newspaper about a young girl who’d left home and not been found, there were a lot of those at the time, and that was enough to give us a storyline.”
The poignant lyrics depict a daughter slipping away, leaving a note that awakens her unsuspecting parents. McCartney further explained,
“It was rather poignant. I like it as a song, and when I showed it to John, he added the Greek chorus, long sustained notes, and one of the nice things about the structure of the song is that it stays on those chords endlessly.”
Urban’s fascination with “She’s Leaving Home” might extend beyond its musical brilliance.
Rooted in classic country music tradition, which thrives on storytelling, Urban himself is renowned for weaving narratives through his songs. Much like country legends Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash, “She’s Leaving Home” paints a vivid picture, allowing listeners to empathize with the characters in the story. Despite lacking the stadium appeal of hits like “Come Together” or “Let It Be,” the song’s detailed storytelling resonates with the essence of classic country music.
While “She’s Leaving Home” may have faded from the mainstream, Urban recognizes it as one of The Beatles’ finest achievements. Its timeless storytelling and musical arrangement have left an indelible mark on the country star, showcasing the enduring influence and versatility of The Beatles’ unparalleled artistry. As we delve into the depths of their discography, let’s not forget the hidden treasures like “She’s Leaving Home” that continue to captivate hearts, even those of seasoned musicians like Keith Urban.
