Randoms by Rach

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
Album: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967
Lead vocalist: Paul




Lyrics ▼

It was twenty years ago today,
Sergeant Pepper taught the band to play.
They’ve been going in and out of style,
But they’re guaranteed to raise a smile.
So may I introduce to you the act you’ve known for all these years? Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
We’re Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, We hope you will enjoy the show,
We’re Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Sit back and let the evening go.
Sergeant Pepper’s lonely, Sgt. Pepper’s lonely, Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
It’s wonderful to be here.
It’s certainly a thrill.
You’re such a lovely audience, We’d like to take you home with us. We’d love to take you home.
I don’t really want to stop the show,
But I thought you might like to know
That the singer’s gonna sing a song
And he wants you all to sing along.
So let me introduce to you,
The one and only Billy Shears,
And Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, yeah.

This song holds a special place in my heart for a couple of reasons. Yes; I know it’s not the most musically imaginative or complex, but it always — always — makes me smile. The first reason is that one year, when I was in the school choir, we held our annual Christmas concert, and we chose to sing a few songs from this album. (Our music teacher, Mr Hughes, always had a non-Christmassey section in the concert. He was amazing.) So, we sang along to this, and I got to play the drums on a couple of songs (this one included). It was a magical time. Probably where I was at my happiest.

But, anyway. That is by the by. This song also means a lot to me because it is the only Beatles song I’ve ever seen performed by a Beatle live. It was in 2005, at the Live8 Concert in Hyde Park, London. Paul McCartney opened the gig with this song. And it was glorious.

I know that both John and George were not happy with the Pepper album. John later claimed that Sgt Pepper was, “not on the same level as ‘The White Album.’” And, probably, that’s true. Musically, at least. But it was original. I can’t think of any concept album released before this one. And it’s breaking out from the old Beatles image of smart suits and mop tops. I think this album is more grown up. Or, at least, it explores the process of growing up and maturing as people.

Just my thoughts.