The Beatles, a band that defined an era, subtly wove references to their own catalog into their music. While their active career spanned less than a decade, their rich discography offers fans a treasure trove of self-referential nods.
Hidden Connections in Beatles’ Hits
Fans often discover new layers in The Beatles’ music, with some songs intentionally referencing earlier works.
- Several Beatles songs contain direct lyrical references to other Beatles tracks.
- “What Goes On” from 1965’s Rubber Soul is believed to reference “Tell Me Why” (1964).
- “Lady Madonna” (1968) includes a nod to “I Am The Walrus” (1967).
- “Glass Onion” from the 1968 White Album is packed with self-references.
- George Harrison’s “Savoy Truffle,” also from the White Album, references “Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da.”
Could The Beatles have been intentionally embedding musical Easter eggs throughout their prolific career? Many listeners believe so, pointing to specific lyrical connections that create a fascinating dialogue between their songs.
“What Goes On”: A Subtle Echo
Released on the 1965 album Rubber Soul, “What Goes On” is thought by some fans to subtly reference “Tell Me Why,” a track from the 1964 album A Hard Day’s Night. The lyrics “It’s so easy for a girl like you to lie / Tell me why” bear a striking resemblance to the sentiment and phrasing found in the earlier song.
“Lady Madonna”: Psychedelia’s Callback
The energetic 1968 single “Lady Madonna” offers a nod to the surreal, psychedelic sounds of “I Am The Walrus,” a standout track from the 1967 record Magical Mystery Tour. The line “Monday’s child has learned to tie his bootlace / See how they run” echoes the fragmented imagery and whimsical nature of “I Am The Walrus.”
“Glass Onion”: A Lyrical Maze
Released in 1968 on the iconic White Album, “Glass Onion” is arguably the most self-referential song in The Beatles’ catalog. This psychedelic rock deep cut is a complex tapestry, weaving in lyrical references to numerous other Beatles tracks, including “I Am The Walrus,” “I’m Looking Through You,” “The Fool On The Hill,” “Fixing A Hole,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” and even “Lady Madonna.” Many believe the song’s intricate layers invite endless interpretation, with listeners still dissecting its meaning today.
“Savoy Truffle”: A Sweet Reference
Also featured on the 1968 White Album, George Harrison’s “Savoy Truffle” contains a reference to “Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da,” another track from the same album, which appears shortly after “Glass Onion.” The lyrics “You know that what you eat you are / But what is sweet now turns so sour / We all know-how / But can you show me where you are?” playfully allude to the earlier song.
