The internet was taken by storm with the release of the new Beatles song, “Now and Then.” After five decades in the making, they were able to use new technology and John Lennon’s demos from the 1970s to create their final song to say goodbye.
Following the release of the song on Nov. 2, the music video was posted to their YouTube Nov. 3. With over 22 million views, the video is trending at number two for music on the platform. Using old home videos and AI to piece it together, present-day Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr stand beside their deceased bandmates, George Harrison and John Lennon– an image sure to warm the hearts of fans.
The chorus begins with the lyrics, “Now and then I miss you,” followed by “I want you to be there for me.” Images of Lennon and Harrison dancing, laughing, and singing play throughout the music video. As listeners hear the closing lyrics,“It’s all because of you, if I make it through, it’s all because of you,” a montage of videos from the band’s time together back in the 1960s flashes across the screen.
This song is heartfelt and creates an immense feeling of nostalgia. The video takes the viewer through time, showing different clips of the Beatles during the 60s, as well as current videos of McCartney and Starr. This evoked an emotional response for Beatles fans, as many took to the internet to share their feelings after listening to this song. One YouTube user commented, “This made me hurt so much inside and let all my tears out.”
Others shared how moved they were by the song, with another user saying, “This is the most moving, magical video I’ve ever seen. Even my goosebumps have got goosebumps.”
This song is both a goodbye for the fans and the band members themselves. It feels as though Paul and Ringo are singing directly to their old friends and, remarkably, we can hear John and George singing right back. There is an overall tone of love and appreciation, making this song feel like a tribute.
In the year 2023, asking a Beatles fan if they had heard the new Beatles’ song may normally cause some confusion. With the use of modern technology, this iconic group created a final song that nobody ever thought would be possible.