The Beatles And Their Impact On The Society

The Beatles are considered the highest selling and influential band in history. The Beatles are a music staple and first became popular in the 1960’s. They released music relevant to social issues and personal struggles. In the Beatles songs Blackbird and Elenor Rigby, they tackle social issues like racism, loneliness in society and what we do to fit into society. When The Beatles first arrived in the United States in the 1960’s the president had just been assassinated, the civil rights movement was in full force, and racial tension was at an all-time high. The song “Blackbird” written by Paul McCartney depicts a small helpless bird waiting for its moment to break free. Given the time period it was written and performed in, the late 1960’s, this song is written about the struggle that African Americans faced at the time in the United States. He show his support for African Americans to keep trying and not to give up. His somber yet kindhearted tone tells the listener that he cares deeply, and that he believes in their ability to break free. It is rumored that The Beatles actually refused to play in front of segregated audiences on their American tours. Due to them beings to against segregation. A recurring line in the song is, “Blackbird singing in the dead of night” (verse 1). This is in reference to the dark times that African Americans faced with segregation and racism. The singer want the listener to know that this is not the end and that there will be a happy ending. His line, “You were only waiting for this moment to arise,” (verse 1) shows that the equal rights movement is worth it and that once they accomplish their goals they will be able to “fly”(chorus). McCartney also refers to “Broken wings”(verse 3), this is in reference to how they have to rebuild the United States after centuries of racism and how everyone needs to, “Learn to fly” (verse 3), in a new and different society.

The song Elenor Rigby tells a story about two lonely people, that live in a church community and never find a way to meet. They never found a way to meet until one buries the other. The line 'Ah look at all the lonely people' is found at the beginning of the song and at the end, coming full circle. This creates a sense of loneliness for the listener. The lines 'Eleanor Rigby, died in the church/And was buried along with her name/Nobody came/Father McKenzie, wiping the dirt/From his hands as he walks from the grave', tells us that Father McKenzie was the only one at the funeral and may have been the one to physically bury her. In the song we also learn that Father McKenzie's congregation is falling out of their faith and makes him feel no longer needed. But why would Father McKenzie feel the need to personally bury Eleanor and be the only at her funeral? Perhaps she found comfort in the church but she never crossed paths with Father McKenzie.

The fashion and beauty standards of the late 60’s and early 70’s have a high impact on what people thought about others. And were often used as justification for discrimination because some did not fit into a box. The line 'Wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door' refers to cold cream or a makeup product that she uses to look younger. She thinks that if she uses cosmetics she will be more desirable to others. The 60's was all about youth and rebellion, it brought us hippies. The ideal image was girly or ultra-feminine with curvy. The hippie movement started later in the decade, and have a strong influence on ladies' style, with casual materials and shapes like bell-bottoms and platform shoes. It also featured long hairstyles with natural makeup. Social movements of the time where the Black Power helped shape the perception of beauty in the 60's. Many African-Americans rejected white-influenced styles and adopted the Afro as a sign of black pride. Some might feel as if the Beatles didn’t have a big impact on society, but they were, and some would argue that they still are the biggest band in the world. Being the biggest band in the world gives a certain amount authority. People are already listening to them for their music, so now they have a big platform to display your message and people would listen. In the Beatles songs Blackbird and Elenor Rigby, they tackle social issues like racism, loneliness in society and what we do to fit into society. If The Beatles were not as out spoken as they were then I believe fans would not have had a change in opinion.