The Beatles – Norwegian Wood (1979, Vinyl) - Discogs

Did You Know

Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) is a song by the English rock band the Beatles from their 1965 album Rubber Soul. Written by John Lennon, the song is a complex and evocative meditation on love, loss, and betrayal.

The song begins with a simple, but effective, guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The riff is played in a minor key, which creates a sense of melancholy and sadness. Lennon’s vocals are also in a minor key, and he sings with a sense of longing and regret.

The lyrics of the song tell the story of a man who is invited to a party by a woman named Mary. The man and Mary spend the night together, but in the morning, the woman leaves without saying goodbye. The man is left alone in the apartment, feeling confused and betrayed.

The song is full of symbolism. The title, “Norwegian Wood,” is a reference to a traditional Norwegian folk song. The song also contains references to Buddhism, which Lennon was interested in at the time.

“Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” is a classic example of the Beatles’ experimental and innovative approach to music. The song is a departure from the band’s earlier, more straightforward rock and roll sound. It is a more complex and sophisticated song, with a darker and more introspective tone.

The song has been praised by critics and fans alike. It has been ranked as one of the greatest Beatles songs of all time. It has also been covered by many other artists, including the Byrds, the Grateful Dead, and Norah Jones.

“Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” is a timeless and enduring song that continues to resonate with listeners today. It is a song about love, loss, and betrayal, but it is also a song about the human condition. It is a song that is both beautiful and haunting, and it is a song that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Here are some specific things that I would like to highlight about the song:

  • The song’s use of a minor key creates a sense of melancholy and sadness. This is in contrast to the Beatles’ earlier songs, which were often in a major key.
    Lennon’s vocals are full of longing and regret. He sings the song with a sense of vulnerability that is both relatable and moving.
  • The song’s symbolism is complex and evocative. The title, “Norwegian Wood,” is a reference to a traditional Norwegian folk song. The song also contains references to Buddhism, which Lennon was interested in at the time.

I believe that these elements contribute to the song’s lasting appeal. “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” is a song that is both beautiful and haunting. It is a song that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.