“Who doesn’t like The Beatles?”
Father Richard Munkelt couldn’t have said it any better. The legendary band came from Liverpool, England and changed the world of music forever. From Please, Please Me to Let It Be, professors agree that The Beatles are the greatest band of the 20th century. They can remember where they were when they first listened and watched them debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, and how they felt when they let the words trickle through their minds.
“I love The Beatles’ combination of classical and popular music,” said Professor Elizabeth Petrino.
It’s hard to pinpoint the group’s finest work. What professor could possibly lay a finger on their favorite Beatles song? When asked, many were left speechless, while others asked for more time to think about the question.
“Well I’ll tell you one thing, it’s not Imagine,” Father Munkelt said after pondering the question. “I really like Norwegian Wood. I have a memory of the melody, which I really used to like. It was almost plaintiff.
“To look at a Beatles play list and pick a song is overwhelming, but the first song that comes to mind is Imagine. I love Eva Cassidy’s cover of it. It is extremely moving,” said Professor Elizabeth Boquet, defending Imagine.
Professor Dennis Keenan put his hand on his chin and sighed. “Oh my God, I’m trying to think… Paperback Writer. I couldn’t tell you why, but the other day I caught myself humming it. That’s got to mean something.”
“I love Eleanor Rigby because it is such a poetic song about modern alienation,” said Professor Petrino.
“A Hard Day’s Night has to be my favorite. I don’t know if this is a myth or a legend, but apparently John Lennon needed another song for an album, so he went into a room and stayed there all night. He emerged with the song. I find that remarkable and it deserving great praise,” said Professor Nalini Jones, whose eyes danced when she thought of the song.
“Across The Universe. I love the philosophical attitude of centeredness and living in a world that is ever rapidly changing. People need that feeling. That song expresses how I live in such a crowded world yet I’m real and valid- that I have a place, and I’m not angry for being so small in comparison. I also love the imagery in the song- what great lines,” said Professor James Mullan.
With overwhelmingly enthusiastic Beatle-loving teachers, one begins to wonder, does everyone love them? Of course, there had to be at least one professor who didn’t love the Beatles! We found her, but her comments were not solely negative- she too could name her favorite song.
“Theoretically, I understand their place and importance in music, but I never liked The Beatles or listened to them. But the fact that their music gets revisited at political moments much like the times at which their songs were written means that their music still speaks to people. Their music is important because of this,” said Professor Boquet.
Other songs professors mentioned were Dear Prudence, Revolution, Octopus’s Garden and The Long and Winding Road and its symbolization of life.
Words cannot describe the light that went off in professors’ eyes when they thought about The Beatles. It brought back a musical experience that influenced their lives at a young age. Wherever you go, you find people of all different ages who are familiar with the names John, Paul, George and Ringo. These four men affected the world, changing music, fashion, politics, society, and even the standard way of life. Their songs grab hold of listeners, making them feel and relate to their lyrics. What is your favorite Beatles song? Perhaps the man who teaches you politics feels the same way.
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