About the song
“Hello, Goodbye,” a quintessential creation by the Beatles, encapsulates the band’s transitional phase in late 1967, marked by experimentation and introspection following the profound loss of their manager, Brian Epstein. Crafted by Paul McCartney and nestled against John Lennon’s avant-garde “I Am the Walrus,” this single emerged as a global sensation, topping charts across continents.
The genesis of “Hello, Goodbye” is steeped in whimsy and spontaneity, reflecting McCartney’s fascination with duality. During a casual session with Beatles aide Alistair Taylor, McCartney toyed with opposites at a harmonium, birthing a song that contrasts light and dark, beginnings and endings. This playful exploration of dualism, a theme close to McCartney’s astrological sign Gemini, permeates the song’s lyrics and melody.
Musically, “Hello, Goodbye” unfolds in C major with a straightforward 4/4 time signature, showcasing McCartney’s knack for catchy, melodic structures. The composition, praised for its pop sensibilities yet critiqued by some for its perceived simplicity, bears hallmarks of the Beatles’ evolving style post-“Sgt. Pepper.”
Recording at Abbey Road Studios saw the Beatles augmenting the track with layers of instrumentation and experimental touches. From McCartney’s vibrant piano to Harrison’s shimmering guitar treated with Leslie effects, the song took shape over several meticulous sessions. The addition of classical violas, arranged by George Martin, added a lush, orchestral dimension, underscoring the song’s grandeur.
The song’s production process, surprisingly linear amidst the band’s studio innovations, culminated in a harmonious blend of vocals and instruments. The memorable coda, an improvisational flourish during recording, punctuates the song with exuberance and flair, emblematic of the Beatles’ signature charm.
Beyond its musical merits, “Hello, Goodbye” remains a cultural touchstone, featuring prominently in Beatles retrospectives and compilations. McCartney’s affinity for the song endures, as he continues to include it in his concert repertoire, underscoring its enduring appeal.
In essence, “Hello, Goodbye” not only represents a pivotal moment in the Beatles’ career but also a testament to McCartney’s lyrical wit and the band’s enduring musical legacy. Its dualistic theme resonates with listeners, inviting reflection on life’s perpetual cycles of greeting and parting, making it a timeless classic in the Beatles’ illustrious catalogue.
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Lyrics
You say, “Yes”, I say, “No”
You say, “Stop” and I say, “Go, go, go”
Oh no
You say, “Goodbye” and I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello”
I say, “High”, you say, “Low”
You say, “Why?” And I say, “I don’t know”
Oh no
You say, “Goodbye” and I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello”
Why, why, why, why, why, why, do you
Say, “Goodbye, goodbye, bye, bye”?
Oh no
You say, “Goodbye” and I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello”
You say, “Yes”, I say, “No” (I say, “Yes”, but I may mean, “No”)
You say, “Stop”, I say, “Go, go, go” (I can stay still it’s time to go)
Oh, oh no
You say, “Goodbye” and I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello-wow, oh, hello”
Hela, heba, helloa, hela heba, helloa, hela, heba, helloa
Hela, heba, helloa, (hela) hela, heba, helloa, hela, heba, helloa
Hela, heba, helloa, hela, heba, helloa, hela, heba, helloa…