Posted in: Rock by Alistair Briggs on October 26th, 2009 | 19 Comments
The Beatles took their name from an animal (well ok, an insect and a misspelled one at that!) so it is no surprise that they also included animals names in their song titles. Here we will take a look at all 15 of them.
Originally a hit for Little Willie John in 1959 and covered by Johnny Preston in 1960, the Beatles recorded this in 1964 and it appeared on their Anthology 1 album. It was at the time that the Beatles were making their album Beatles For Sale that they recorded 5 takes of this song for inclusion, they ended up dropping it.
This song, written by John Lennon, describes an affair he had when he was married to first wife Cynthia. It appeared on the Beatles album Rubber Soul. It was the first time the Beatles had used a sitar on one of their songs.
Ringo Starr only wrote two songs for the Beatles, this was one, the other was Don’t Pass Me By. Although Ringo often got other songs to sing, it is a misunderstanding that he wrote the ones he sang. Only these two were written by him. Octopus’s Garden definetly got the attention of the rest of the band as they put a lot of effort into it.
Another song that appeared on the ‘White Album’, this one is a George Harrison composition. It was written as a social commentary on class and corporate greed. Charles Manson thought it meant something else and inparticular the line ‘what they need is a damn good whacking’. (the line was actually suggested by Harrison’s mother as it rhymed with the previous line.
Another song with an animal in the title, another song from the ‘White Album’. This folk-rock song was written by Paul McCartney but again came under the Lennon/McCartney songwriting umbrella. He wrote most of it in India while studying with the Maharishi.
This song was originally released by the Coaster in 1958 and was written by Leiber and Stoller (who wrote often for Elvis). The Beatles version saw George Harrison take the lead vocals and has Pete Best on drums. It appeared on the Anthology 1 album.
This Chuck Berry song, released in 1956, has been covered on many ocassions by many different bands. The Beatles recorded their version in the 60’s for the BBC. It was released on the Beatles Live at the BBC album in the mid 90’s.
If you liked this, check out the website: Beatles Details
cardy October 26th, 2009 at 6:57 am
A good fun article I really enjoyed it thanks for the share
Blade619 October 26th, 2009 at 8:26 am
ahh… another excuse to get the old CD’s out, thanks
cutedrishti8 October 26th, 2009 at 8:43 am
A unique one to share…Will listen all the music
papaleng October 26th, 2009 at 8:47 am
I lover your list. cool stuff.
Faith Hodge October 26th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Sure do like your article here. Love the Beatles too. Your take is pretty cool with this. Love the music! Very good post. TU
Valerie Curtiss October 26th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
The beatles were the greatest, thanks for sharing
speckledlily October 26th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Nice post. I love Beatles, too.
I thought Free Bird is from Lynyrd Skynyrd. I really love this song.
Juancav October 26th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
15 cool songs,not the best but pleasant to listen them.
Sourav October 26th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Nice article… interesting songs.
revivor October 26th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
you know your stuff – very impressive!!
deklin42 October 26th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Great article. I love learning new things.
jesse lennon October 26th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Some of these songs I never heard they ever did. But fifteen gotta say what went thru their minds as writers.!
Luve your piece which included music videos as well nice!
*Jesse
9rty Agisti October 26th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
They seemed to have love “bird’ than the other animals.
9rty Agisti October 26th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
They seemed to have love to bird than the other animals.
Chris Stonecipher October 26th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
My wife is a huge Beattle Fan. Great list. Thanks for sharing.
Phaoloo October 27th, 2009 at 4:51 am
Awesome list, never think of the idea of making a list like this. I have been a big fan of Beattle since listen Yesterday.
Seth Heartnett October 27th, 2009 at 6:07 am
This is just about my favorite article!
Jimmy October 20th, 2011 at 3:52 am
Your missing Good Morning Good Morning
Alistair Briggs October 20th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
Good Morning Good Morning does NOT have an animal in the title!