To me, being asked to write about The Beatles is like being asked to write about the air or the sky or water. They are like elements of nature, so immersing and vast it is difficult to grab on to a small enough aspect to be able to articulate it in words.
Ever since Max asked me to be a part of this series it’s been clear I want the topic to be balanced between all four of them because it is all four of them mixed together like essential ingredients in a prize-winning recipe that the magic happens.
Right now I’m thinking of a delicious cake and what ingredient each of the guys would be. Paul would for sure be the sugar. Who else looks as dreamy as he does. As a young girl his puppy dog eyes and chubby cheeks and innocent smile won me over. It is his soulful melodies with Cupid’s lyrics that continue to win me over. “Leaving Home” plucks my heart strings every time.
The flour for the cake would be Ringo. There cannot be cake without flour. It is the foundation. Ringo’s steady drumming gave the other three the freedom to create whatever they wanted. They knew Ringo would have their back with the beats, and he stepped in with grace when it was time to sing, acting naturally.
John would be the salt in the cake. His salty comments to the media come to mind. His bold publicity stunts to call attention to important matters come to mind. The depth of his feelings shines through in his leavening lyrics. For example, “In My Life.” When I think of John I think of The Bible verse Matthew 5:13: You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. I think if any of the other three weren’t there, The Beatles would still have existed and they would have been good, but without John there would not have been the essential savor. Without John there would have been no Beatles.
Most everyone knows that George is my favorite Beatle, so you may be wondering by now what part of the cake he is. Easy answer would be the cherry on top, but I’m not going for the easy answer. George would be the spice in the cake, as you see, this is a spice cake. I think of India when I think spices, and George brought an Indian influence to the group. Also spices are subtle, and with George’s contribution, the flavor of his music and lyrics are both subtle and lasting. One of the last ones he wrote for Patti before she wandered off has got to haunt her just a little.
When you mix their ingredients together with other carefully selected musicians, instruments, and producers in the right proportions and cook for just the right amount of time, you come out with the perfect cake. Add a secret ingredient for the icing and you’ve got a cake whose taste stays fresh in your memory forever.
Just like there is no view without a viewer, there is no taste without the Apple Scruffs. Each fan of The Beatles and Their Music effectively immortalizes them and it. I’m happy to be part of that group of individuals. I also hope that once we’re in the afterlife, the party continues with John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
Thank you, Max, for asking me to be a part of this writing challenge. Can’t wait to hear what others will write.
This essay first appeared on Max’ blog, PowerPop… An Eclectic Collection of Pop Culture .
Tao Talk 
I sure do still love the Beatles. My very first concert was them in 1964. My motorcycle has the Beatles theme. One day I will post some photos, but I never get tired of reading everyone’s luv experiences with their music. It made history and broke away many music boundaries.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Am I understanding that you saw them live in 1964??? I would love love love to see the photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was 11. Cow Palace. My dad took me and my brother. I didn’t have a camera but my mind remembers every bit of it. Jelly beans being thrown on stage and hats, screaming, and big smiles. It was really a once in a lifetime experience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never thought of comparing the Fabs to food, but it does go well. Cake for sure. When I’m eating breakfast tomorrow, I’ll spin Rubber Soul or Abby Road, might give me some inspiration. Good job.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Phil. I’m glad the boys will be joining you for breakfast.
LikeLike
I dunno, Lisa. I’m thinking your cake needs butter – and I was half expecting you to say that was George 😉 Butter oozes and makes it all come together.
Nicely done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dale, I think the butter/grease would be Allen Klein, but not in a good way… Thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah well… I have no idea who that is so…
LikeLike
After their wonderful manager, Brian Epstein, died, they decided to have a sleazebag named Allen Klein manage them. He did some real dirty deeds on the boys 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhh. Not cool.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Lisa for doing this! The article was awesome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome and thank you. Glad you liked it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are right, they all needed each other. And this is a good way to show how essential each one was. The Beatles always sound fresh to me, and the early music can always make me dance. (K)
LikeLike
Kerfe, I’m glad you’re a fan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As I just noted on Max’s blog. I think the picture you painted of The Beatles as a delicious cake is a great way to communicate that the sum was clearly more than the parts. I enjoyed reading it.
From the songs you highlighted my favorite would be “In My Life”, a tune I’ve always loved and would consider as one of John’s highlights.
That said, I picked a different tune. The beauty is there are so many great Beatles songs. It’s nearly impossible to pick just one. It’s also a nice problem to have! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks much, Christian. I totally agree about having so many songs to choose from. Looking forward to your write-up 🙂 Hey, I just got home from the Pink Floyd show. It was amazing! More on it later.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
Pink Floyd, right, do tell whenever it’s convenient! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will. I actually videotaped 3 songs, one from the opening act, Flexidecibal, to YouTube but they still haven’t shown up there. I wonder if YouTube blocks copyrighted material? I have a few pics and may upload them to my computer and post them that way. It may take some time to get to it, but it will be posted.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome! It can take a while for videos to upload to YouTube, depending on your Internet speed. They also check for copyright claims. Thus far, in all of my cases where copyrights were claimed, I was informed the copyright holder allowed the publishing but there would be advertising along with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to know, Christian, thanks. The speed I used is the usual speed I use to upload to youtube.
LikeLiked by 1 person