For No One – Song by The Beatles

Written by: Lennon-McCartney
Recorded: 9, 16, 19 May 1966
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Geoff Emerick

Released: 5 August 1966 (UK), 8 August 1966 (US)

Available on:
Revolver
Give My Regards To Broad Street

Personnel

Paul McCartney: vocals, bass, piano, clavichord
Ringo Starr: drums, tambourine, maracas
Alan Civil: horn

About The Song

Delving into “For No One”: A Masterpiece of Melancholy and Reflection

Emerging from the creative minds of The Beatles, “For No One” stands as a poignant ballad that has captivated listeners for decades. Released in 1966 as part of their groundbreaking album Revolver, this song showcases Paul McCartney’s songwriting prowess, weaving a tapestry of emotions that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.

The song’s title, “For No One,” sets the stage for a contemplative journey into the realm of lost love and unfulfilled desires. The opening lines gently introduce the listener to the narrator’s melancholic state, as he reflects on a relationship that has faded into the past. The imagery employed throughout the song is evocative and understated, painting a vivid picture of the narrator’s emotional landscape.

McCartney’s delicate piano playing and the tender vocals of The Beatles create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, perfectly capturing the song’s poignant message. The lyrics delve into the depths of human emotion, exploring themes of regret, loneliness, and the yearning for a love that has slipped away.

The song’s bridge offers a glimmer of hope, as the narrator contemplates the possibility of rekindling the lost connection. However, this fleeting moment of optimism is quickly overshadowed by the realization that the relationship is truly over, leaving the narrator grappling with the weight of his solitude.

“For No One” concludes with a sense of resignation, as the narrator accepts the reality of his situation. The final lines, “And in the end, there was no one, no one to hear my cries, no one to wipe my eyes,” linger in the air, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.

The song’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. “For No One” speaks to the universal experiences of loss, loneliness, and the longing for connection, making it a timeless piece of music that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.

Video

Lyrics

Your day breaks,
Your mind aches,
You find that all her words of kindness linger on
When she no longer needs you.

She wakes up,
She makes up,
She takes her time and doesn’t feel she has to hurry;
She no longer needs you.

And in her eyes you see nothing,
No sign of love behind the tears cried for no one.
A love that should have lasted years.

You want her
You need her,
And yet you don’t believe her when she says her love is dead;
You think she needs you.

And in her eyes you see nothing,
No sign of love behind the tears cried for no one.
A love that should have lasted years.

You stay home,
She goes out,
She says that long ago she knew someone but now he’s gone;
She doesn’t need him.

Your day breaks,
Your mind aches,
There will be times when all the things she said will fill your head;
You won’t forget her.

And in her eyes you see nothing,
No sign of love behind the tears cried for no one.
A love that should have lasted years.