While working on matters of intense theological and pastoral intensity I was treated to a backdrop of a little known Beatles song entitled “No Reply.” Issued in 1964 on the album Beatles for Sale, it led off the album.
Written and sung by John Lennon, it is a classic tale of a guy being dumped by a girl who doesn’t have the courage or decency to tell him, and ignores all his visits and attempts at communication. As I was listening, I thought, how little has changed in human nature and society. Of course, women have the same thing happen to them, neither sex has a monopoly on it.
I also thought how impoverished the current generation is in terms of music. Being exposed to the trash also known as rap, and pop icons more distinct for their sex appeal than musical talent, and having many songs filled with filth or violent overtones — providing of course, that you can understand what they are saying — these kids would have no clue of their heritage in rock and pop music were it not for their parents, who often pass it down.
I remain amused by children who really like the Beatles, even though their parents were born after the Beatles broke up. The Beatles music is timeless. When I hear songs like No Reply, which contain infectious clapping hands in the middle chorus that invite the listener to follow suit, I can’t help but regret the drug culture of rock music. How much less we received from these gifted artists because they took frequent refuge in the escapes of recreational drugs.
No Reply is a fun, fast-moving, high energy song with poignant lyrics and amazing phrasing and melody that reminds us why the Beatles remain in a class by themselves in terms of popular music.
Commentary and insights are most welcome. Of course, if you disagree with me, kindly follow the song and give me No Reply.
Thank you.
I’d never heard of “No Reply”. Just checked it out on You Tube. Some Beatles songs have great inspirational lyrics. “We can work it out” should be played at every dispute; marital, business, friendship whatever. Same for “Hello Goodbye”. “All you need is love” seems appropriate in this loveless world of today. Same applies for other Group’s lyrics. They can be quite meaningful if one listens carefully.
God bless.
“No Reply | Karl A. Schultz’s Blog” was in fact a delightful blog, can’t help but wait to browse much more of your blogs. Time to spend a bit of time on the internet lmao. Thanks a lot ,Albertina