About the Song
In the twilight of the 1960s, as the Summer of Love faded into a more complex era, The Beatles gifted the world with their final masterpiece, the album Abbey Road. Opening this sonic journey was a track that would become an anthem of its own – “Come Together”, a song that encapsulated the band’s evolution and John Lennon’s unique lyrical prowess.
From its opening bassline, a sinuous groove courtesy of Paul McCartney, “Come Together” establishes an irresistible pull. The song’s foundation is built on the blues, a genre The Beatles had explored throughout their career but never with such raw intensity. The rhythm guitar churns with a hypnotic riff, while Ringo Starr’s drums maintain a steady, driving beat. The overall effect is one of controlled chaos, a musical reflection of the changing times.
At the heart of “Come Together” is Lennon’s enigmatic lyricism. The verses are a series of seemingly disjointed images and phrases, delivered in Lennon’s signature half-spoken, half-sung style. “Here come old flat-top, he come groovin’ up slowly,” he intones, conjuring a cast of characters who remain tantalizingly out of focus. Some have interpreted these lyrics as a commentary on the political and social upheavals of the late ’60s, while others see them as a playful stream of consciousness. Regardless of their intended meaning, the words possess a hypnotic quality, drawing the listener into Lennon’s idiosyncratic world.
The chorus, with its simple yet powerful refrain of “Come together, right now, over me,” provides a sense of unity amidst the lyrical and musical complexity. Lennon’s voice, layered with harmonies from McCartney and George Harrison, soars above the instrumentation, delivering a message of hope and solidarity.
“Come Together” is a testament to The Beatles’ enduring genius. It is a song that defies easy categorization, blending elements of rock, blues, and psychedelia into a cohesive whole. It is a song that challenges the listener, inviting multiple interpretations and rewarding repeated listens. And most importantly, it is a song that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, a reminder of the power of music to connect and inspire.
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Lyrics
“Come Together”
(“Abbey Road” Version)
Here come old flat-top, he come groovin’ up slowly
He got ju-ju eyeball, he one holy roller
He got hair down to his knee
Got to be a joker, he just do what he please
He wear no shoeshine, he got toe-jam football
He got monkey finger, he shoot Coca-Cola
He say, “I know you, you know me”
One thing I can tell you is you got to be free
Come together, right now
Over me
He bag production, he got walrus gumboot
He got Ono sideboard, he one spinal cracker
He got feet down below his knee
Hold you in his armchair, you can feel his disease
Come together, right now
Over me
Right!
Come, come, come, come…
He roller-coaster, he got early warnin’
He got muddy water, he one mojo filter
He say, “One and one and one is three”
Got to be good-lookin’ ’cause he’s so hard to see
Come together, right now
Over me
Ugh!
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Agh!
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Come together…