Beethoven, 'Because' and John Lennon

[yowzephyr]

To quote the late, great Johnny Carson: "I did not know that."

[CuriousPassenger]

I also love how the song ends not resolving to the tonic, leaving an unanswered question hanging in the air.

[damilasa]

and let's not forget the fantastic harmonies of John, Paul and George on Because

[catsmeow]

Just came looking for this after reading an article about it. A quote from Paul: " I wouldn’t mind betting that Yoko was in on the writing of that. It’s rather her kind of writing: wind, sky, and earth are recurring. It’s straight out of [Yoko’s poetry book] Grapefruit.“

[louistyson]

You know what, I've never even thought about the lyrics in that way. John truly was a fantastic lyricist

[glennlopez]

Long ago, a senior choir conductor made this unsolicited remark about "Because" :
"It sounds so pure!"

[PinkyPuff]

"Because" is so beautiful and it's always been one of my favorite songs since Abbey Road was released the year I was born. My Auntie and my mom played the record constantly.

[jakobbauz]

Wow. Two of my all time favorite songs and I never realized how closely they're connected.

[joedoe]

Have listened to this song for years and had never noticed how great the lyric was.

[Nile]

This song has the most beautiful harmonies to me!

[jamesb.]

A perfect example of how John could summon so much beauty up in his songs & music!

[TheSomsom]

Lennon certainly knew how to write brilliant lyrics!!!

[tomd]

I am amazed at the talent and creativity of John and the other Beatles !

Without question one of the most beautiful songs ever composed. Over fifty years have passed since this masterpiece was written, and I still never tire listening to it. It even gives me chills sometimes.

[marcmaschal]

Well done sir.Im a huge Beatles fan and was vaguely aware John had borrowed from Beethoven when he wrote Because.Great way you wove it all together. That song does make me cry.It's so damn beautiful ..

[MrRichulan]

Man, this is so interesting. I didn't know that Yoko was an instrument player herself. I never before saw an analysis like this, especially with your demonstration on piano. And last but not least: Beethoven and the Beatles, say, pop music had indeed a lot in common. That's why the song was written: Roll over Beethoven!

[glenndespres]

Isn’t it amazing how you would never think of linking the two songs but when someone points it out, it seems so obvious!? Moonlight Sonata! I love both these songs and my love for Because just got bigger. Well done!

[rachelled]

John Lennon's mind was hauntingly beautiful.

[peteriker]

Masterpiece indeed. Loved it from the first moment I've heard it, and yes, it has blown
my mind. Had it played, even at my moms final parting ceremony.

[lynnturman]

Thanks for the clarification on this. I'd always heard that Because was Moonlight Sonata played backwards. But when I listened to the Beethoven backwards, I didn't really hear the connection. And that's because it really isn't the same progression, only backwards, is it? There are similarities that you pointed out but Lennon was basically inspired by Beethoven more than he was lifting a chord progression (which John claimed he did). It's much more of an original composition than given credit for.