On Thursday, Nov. 2, the final Beatles song, “Now and Then,” was released with Artificial Intelligence (AI)’s help, leaving fans in awe as they indulged in The Beatles’ musical talent one last time. Along with triggering emotion in fans, this song affected the band’s two remaining members, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, tremendously.
In 1978, The Beatles’ vocalist and rhythmic guitarist, John Lennon, composed the song “Now and Then,” just two years before his untimely death. Lennon’s wife, Yoko Ono, provided the tape of Lennon’s voice, which, along with AI, McCartney and Starr used to release Lennon’s unfinished work. Along with marking the band’s end, the song represents McCartney and Starr’s grief over the loss of their two passed band members, Lennon, who was shot to death in 1980 at age 40, and George Harrison, who passed away in 2001 from lung cancer at 58. Essentially, “Now and Then’s” release reunited the band once again while also allowing fans to enjoy one last Beatles song.
“Overall, it is truly amazing to feel the two lost members of The Beatles come alive again,” Violet Paul, freshman, said.
When listening to the final song, Beatles fans worldwide took a particular interest in its lyrical meaning. Primarily, fans viewed the song as a farewell to the passed band members, as well as one to the band itself. These lyrics touched the fans’ hearts, as many anticipated the song’s arrival for months, leaving them in tears as they listened. Lennon and Harrison’s loss still affects fans to this day; hearing a final farewell to them was sure to bring heartache to Beatles enthusiasts, young and old.
“I believe [the song] is a great way for The Beatles to complete their musical legacy, which will forever be remembered,” Luke Lindberg, senior, said.
The song’s impact was exceptionally strong for fans, but it does not compare to the impact it left on the two remaining band members. While recording, both McCartney and Starr recalled feeling emotional while hearing Lennon’s voice and Harrison’s guitar play. When interviewed, Starr claimed that it was like Lennon was back with them; McCartney mentioned the sentimentality of hearing Lennon’s voice again.
“I think the releasing of ‘Now and Then’ brings a sense of fulfillment to the remaining Beatles,” Lydia Paul, sophomore, said.
“Now and Then’s” release marks the Beatles’ end, but their musical legacy still lives on through the fans, who hold their songs in a special place in their heart.
