I saw that very first video. You were so charming and earnest. You were, and continue to be, a breath of fresh air! A big thanks to you and Vlad for all your hard work.
I have just listened to She's Leaving Home in preparation for this video. It had me in tears. When I first heard it at about twelve years old, my sympathy was more for the girl escaping her humdrum life than for the parents. Her mother sounded selfish "How could she do this to me?" However, now, as the father of two grown up children who have left home and have families of their own, I empathise much more with the parents. Neither of my daughters ran away from home. They just grew up and naturally found their way in the world. I still see them and love them very much, but it still breaks my heart that they're gone. The idea of either of them running off and possibly never being seen again is horrifying. This song is just three and a half minutes long, but it packs an enormous punch. It is a work of art, and possibly of genius.
I have always been amazed at how much empathy was shown , lyrically, for the parents from these very young men. My understanding is that Paul composed the main song and lyrics and that John wrote the "Greek Chorus" (ie the parents' voices) based on things his Aunt Mimi would say to him. Each had, at least, some empathy for the parent characters. It was obvious that their primary interest lie with the daughter's point of view. In lesser hands, the parents would have come off as monsters rather than merely misguided. The beautiful orchestral music is an obvious bonus
This song perfectly reflects the start of Amy's journey. Being the second song in her journey, it reflects Amy leaving her comfortable classical music home, entering into the crazy, yet exciting, world of rock and other contemporary music, along with its associated culture and people. Of course in Amy's case, she is not truly leaving her classical music home. It is more a case that she occasionally leaves the home she loves, in order to explore the rest of the world outside, only to return to her true home with a new perspective on life and music. Similar to going on vacation/holiday to a new land and culture. Great reaction and perspective on your journey and this song Amy. I know I've enjoyed your journey here since the beginning.
Some tunes take more time to grow on you and will often reward your patience. I was listening to a panel dissecting Paul's "Lady Madonna" and one of them admitted he was shocked to hear this song because it sounded like nothing the Beatles had done before, it challenged his expectations. He went on to say that it took a few more listens before the song became one of his favorites.
That's exactly what I remember and it upset me so much I almost withdrew altogether from watching the channel. So it's really great to hear how much more deeply Amy now understands it and its many subtle layers.
@@papercup2517 I grew up with this music and maybe you did too so I feel we have people like her at a disadvantage in that regard. I'm going to cut her some slack because she's listening to a ton of music that's new and foreign to her ears. It would be too much for me but maybe she can find the time to just enjoy listening and give the critical ears a break.
This updated version of your understanding of the song which as we all should know comes with time. Very much appreciated and how wonderful it is for you to share it with us .❤
Dear Amy, This song will still affect you even more deeply when your baby girl leaves home Time goes very fast. It'll be sooner than you think. When I hear this song, I think about the day when my only little girl grew up and left home. It's a moment no parent ever forgets.
I think your first review of the song was good enough for me to take up following your channel. It was an honest take upon a fresh listen to a new genre of music, with your usual classically influenced analysis. Now, after 2.5 years of hard study, you've certainly done your homework. Masterful review of a wonderful song.
"...the deep saturation of emotion..." Beautifully put! This song always makes me think of the film The Graduate -- not the same story but a similar generational conflict. And I agree that I somewhat dislike this song in terms of the way it makes me feel (especially as a father). Sometimes art isn't there to entertain or comfort, but rather to make us struggle with unpleasant truths and experiences.
I would call what you're describing in the first part of the video as narrative distance. Paul is the narrator bringing to our attention this story; he's doing it with urgency, but he's still a narrator and not a participant. It reflects the generational disconnect: parents don't get kids, kids don't get parents, and this song invites us to take a look from both sides.
Although for me at least, there's a deep pathos in Paul's voice throughout. Calm and objective on the surface; yet heart breaking under the outer cover. He does something similar with his earlier, romantic break-up song For No-one. Just states the basic scenario in all its minute, telling detail almost as if he can stand outside of his own emotion as a reporter, while still feeling and conveying every bit of the devastation those details imply. I think this richness of understatement is a particular genius of Paul's.
I remember that video so well. I joined around the 2k follower mark, and haven't missed a video since. A wonderful journey for a wonderful chanel. Merry Christmas all.
To me it’s not the newspaper read but rather a BBC documentary setting that is formed in my mind which is narrated by the half-spoken half-sung voice. With that special “BBC-light” and eloquent camera angles following the early hours drama that probably happened in many British (and elsewhere) homes in the late 1960’s. So pictorial and fantastically accompanied by harp and strings. Loved your reaction, as always. The way you dissect and turn most stones around and reveals angles and perspectives I never thought about despite having listened to this song a zillion times is unmatched. This one felt more like the old deep dive analysis you did back in the days which I especially enjoyed. Guess it takes/took too much time and energy to do those and that’s why you moved away from that, right? Still think that they way you reacted to, and analysed, The Wall for ex brought in so much substance in a really unique way. Pity you never finished that project, guess we were many that joined your channel primarily for your Pink Floyd reactions even though we also love everything else. Regardless, will surely follow you closed in anyway you wish to proceed with your project. Love and all the best from Sweden!
This song has always resonated with me as I was a teenage runaway. I love the Beatles and I can really relate to this song. You've done a great job with your breakdown of this beautiful piece. Thanks Amy 😊😊
My goodness...I was impressed with your first reactions. Apparently your second reactions are even better. Its getting better all the time! Seriously... your ability to articulate what is special about this music in such short measure is truly a special ability of YOURS. I'm amazed at how you recognize so quickly...what it took me years to get. I don't want to sway your journey too much in a direction, but I think an element of your journey should also consider the coming of age of those young men that were Beatles. Their sophistication as people corresponds to what we hear in their art. This growth is a story in itself that particularly draws Beatles fans. That Vlad is a lucky guy!
I have been listening to this song for nearly 50 years but, during Amy’s analysis, I noticed a subtle pun I had never noticed before. At the end of the song, the backing voices sing “Fun is the one thing that money can’t buy.” Then a moment later they sing “Bye, bye.” This jives with what the lyrics on the back of the album say too but listening to Amy’s analysis it occurred to me that the words they sing could just as well be “buy, buy,” thus underscoring the tragic misunderstanding that has occurred between the girl and her parents. I think this is an instance where having the lyrics printed on the album can actually obscure something that’s right there in front of us all in the music. It is widely believed that Lennon wrote the choral portions of this song and a pun like this is exactly the sort of thing I could see him adding to the song.
❤ Love it, She's Leaving Home for the second time 👌 I remember very well 😃 That was the first video from you that UA-cam recommended to me, and then ... about 2,5 years ago ... I got interested in your channel 👍😊 With a smile I remember that you graded the song back then 😂
@papercup2517 I know, I remember, I'm happy she came to the conclusion that this was somehow out of place ... and as you see, one can always get better 😉
I am glad you have made this journey. I am glad you needed to revisit the song, and I appreciate this in-depth study. I was 12 almost to the day when the album was released. This song was utterly fascinating, and helped me develop my love for story in song and classical music generally. I believe I "got it" from day 1 and so was disappointed in your first reaction & review. This time, as you see it in context as we did so many years age, your breakdown is so wonderfully detailed and on point. So thank you. The song is spare and subtle, it is elegant as you say, and so beautifully crafted intertwining the song lyrics and instrumental choices, and somehow we do feel the time period too , like you say. For something else connected with the Beatles you might enjoy, check out the film "The Family Way." It is a period piece from the mid sixties for which Paul and George Martin wrote and arranged the music. You can find it on streaming for free. It is pretty delightful.
I called you snooty at your first listen. Sorry, I was also wrong, you were earnest and dare I say, a virgin rocker. I still think Lennon’s counterpoint vocal makes the song perfect. It breaks your heart every time when he sings bye bye. As the father of two children over 30, you feel like a ghost, and the vocals reflect this. This is perhaps your best reflection on a song. Then Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite booms into sight immediately after. Just genius. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Super review+ Amy. When I listen to She's Leaving Home, it transmogrifies into a condensed movie within my head. When all echoes of this 'artwork' disappear, we are left with a deep understanding of particular emotional elements of the human condition. A mini masterpiece.
Welcome to the club, you are a Beatles fan. Can you imagine how we feel with having them in our lives for over 60 years. You also have to remember that every step they took was into uncharted territory and it felt like they were at the centre of an hourglass and everything had to go through them. I think you dislike it like we dont like a big dipper but the thrill of the ride overwhelms you. Your work on this project has added another facet to our Beatles story.
I love the way the song contrasts the two points of view, the feeling of gaining freedom for the young girl, and the hurt and indignation displayed by the parents, extraordinary music from a composer in his early 20s.
My all time favorite band. I started out with Jesus Christ superstar the rock Oprah. Then jonny cash and Elvis. The only records in the house at the time. The Beatles took me from pre-teen to a 57 year old child. I absolutely love good music no matter what style I respect it all and live your take on it.
The artistic background to this song could be expressed as "cinema verite", which kinda explains the black and white nature of it. Here in the UK at this time we had films reflecting the real life of the working class such as "A Taste of Honey" or "Up the Unction": on TV we had "Cathy Come Home". This song fits well in with this genre.
This is also a good opportunity to reflect on the evolution and development in sophistication of The Beatles in just 4 years from "She Loves You" to "She's Leaving Home".
We have so much to thank "the fifth Beatle " Geotge Martin for, his arrangements and production of Beatles music really brought it to life, just wonderful.
George Martin was unable to write a score after McCartney asked him to at short notice. Instead, McCartney approached freelance producer and arranger Mike Leander, who provided the string parts for the song. Martin saw the move as a slight, but later acknowledged that McCartney’s impatience had been the key factor.
@@davemurphy1 Martin always said he was quite hurt that Paul didn’t wait for him but, always the gentleman, he always praised Leander’s arrangement. It is certainly superior to the arrangements on Let It Be, with those overblown angel choirs. This is much more in keeping with the grace and subtlety of Martin’s arrangements.
As a hardcore Beatles fan, I have to say I was a bit put off by your first review. I think now you got it. 😉 This song is another example of Paul's ability in crafting narratives into songs. For me, as an old parent of a daughter, it conveys so much sadness, to the point of making me cry sometimes...
When I saw your first analysis, didn't like it, I felt angry with you, thought you were uncapable to discover the value of Beatles music in music history. I almost decided not to follow your channel ever more. But, luckily I continued seen your videos and now, you redim yourself to my eyes. I love how you are now finding the true value of my loved Beatles music. Thankyou for continuing growing in your musical knowledge and for apreciating them and falling in love with their music, if may I say.
In 1967 was about the time when young people were questioning the values and social economic traditions of their parents. They started a different path by running off and forming group communes where a group of people living together and sharing possessions and responsibilities instead of engaging in competition for such things. I think She's Leaving Home tapped into the alternative life styles young people were taking at the time.
In a historical context, the parent grew up in the Great Depression and became adults in WWII. Their experience of hardship and sacrifice led them to see material security as the most important thing in life. They wanted their children to have what they lacked. The children grew to find this stifling, and sought out non-material values.
@@michaelpolacheck3948 In a different way Dylan's Like A Rolling Stone was of a young person coming out the protective veneer that parents were able to provide for their kids. A lot of the kids who wondered off came back in the 1980s as being successful in business. They were called yuppies. Remember the line from Don Henley song Boys of Summer of A Deadhead Sticker on a Cadillac which symbolized how that generation has sold out. Thanks for chiming in.
There is a banality of the situation that is being conveyed in this song. The event for the young woman in the song is magical and yet, despite how heartbreaking it is for the parents, it is just something that happened every day.
Amy, for me, you perfectly captured the meaning of the piece of music. It may well be one of the best song on Sgt. Pepper, but most of the time I skip to the next track. It is a profound and emotional listen. Apparently Paul was inspired by a piece about teenage runaways published in a UK national newspaper.
Very weirdly, the inspiration for this song was a news article about a girl that had gone missing and whilst the story in the song was fabricated, it turned out to be very close to what had actually happened. Even more strange, the girl in question had met a Beatle on two separate occasions. She had won a competition in which the prize was meeting Paul McCartney and on a separate occasion she met John Lennon through a friend that knew him.
This song, for me, compose the tragedy of separation, the sad gap between older and younger generations, that despite their profound love for each other, they cannot truly connect.
I commented on your original video in almost exactly these terms: you absolutely would *not* want a Freddie Mercury emoting all over this because its understated monochrome reportorial quality is the source of its power. I'm pleased to see you have come to the same point of view. When Titus Oates says to Capt Scott in their final hours in a tent on the Antarctic ice, "I'm just going outside. I may be some time," it's the understatement that hammers home the tragedy, far more than if he had run weeping and wailing into the blizzard.
The comment around 23:30 about stepping outside is one of the most brilliant, illuminating, appreciation-increasing instances of musical analysis I have ever did seed! ;-)
Amy: To me, the matter-of-fact delivery of matter-of-fact lyrics has always conveyed the lack of communication between the child and her parents which is brilliantly contrasted to the exuberant and expressive instrumentation. The girl leaves quietly so as not to disturb her parents who she knows tried their best but she thinks she's outgrown them. I'm not convinced that is true as the end of the track ("bye, bye") is so discordant. "Meeting a man from the motor trade" is hardly the exciting life she craves. Let's hope her naivety does not lead her to a bad conclusion. This is what I thought when I first heard the record in 1967 when I was 20. I still think that today.
Big up's to Amy. This second listen (or at least 2nd session of listening) to SLH answers some of my curiosity. viz. what do familiarity, background and context bring to bear, that cannot (by definition) exist for the first listen ? Eg. I can't recall all my first reaction to Pink Floyd's DSOTM. But I sure as hell am well invested in it on my X hundredth listen. Ie. Our ears anticipating every motif, every tempo change, every solo, every just-right lyric.
It would be fascinating to see and hear the development process of this song. As far as I understand it none of the Beatles played instruments on it so there must have been much discussion with George Martin about how the orchestral instruments should be arranged around the vocals and how, ultimately it should sound. Thanks for your thoughtful analysis.
@@gettinhungrig8806 I have always thought that Leander deserved a lot of credit for writing such a tasteful arrangement that most people just assume it’s by George Martin. This would certainly not be the case on Let It Be. I think Leander, much like George Martin, listened carefully to what Paul wanted to convey and made sure the music followed the emotional arc of the lyrics. I also think he wrote a fantastic part for the cello, an instrument that George Martin excels at. In fact, I think it may be the cello part that fools a lot of people into thinking this is a George Martin arrangement. (It’s interesting to note that when bands want to evoke a mid-period Beatles sound, they often focus on adding some sort of Martin-like cello part; you can hear it in artists as diverse as ELO, Oasis, Tears for Fears or even Billy Joel.)
You talked about various aspects of the string arrangement, but I don't think you mentioned who added and arranged the strings - Mike Leander, a freelance arranger Paul hired to do the job because George Martin had a recording date for another client scheduled, and couldn't drop everything for Paul. The strings are such a big part of the song I think he should be given credit for his contribution.
Fantastic to see your incredible journey through rock/pop in these two reactions to this moving song. I hope you'll listen to The Downward Spiral at some point despite (or because?) the disturbing subjects it covers.
Was it really two and a half years ago?! With you then and will stay until you have finished your Beatles journey. You always enrich our understanding with these reviews. Is this your favourite Beatles song There is further 'newsy' content on this album on the last track 'A Day in the Life', the Mr Kite song was inspired by a poster and of course there were "newspaper taxis" on Lucy. How do we react to this story over time? Well, the way I took it in as a teenager was more insympathy witht the girl. Now being a parent and indeed a grandparent I see it more from their perspective. I hope that when Lisle eventually decides to set up her own home you will have none of the trauma of the parents in this song.
I always thought about the cruel teacher and his wife from Pink Floyd's The Wall movie once had a daughter living with them. One day she decided it's time to leave home. Artistically I'm thinking about the song as a critical genre painting of the mid 20th century English bourgeoisie core family life.
I'd like to hear McCartney revisit this song as an oldster--would he be more sympathetic to the 'selfish' parents, or would the "grandude" (as he asks his grandchildren to call him) still believe that fun is the one thing that money can't buy?
Thank you so much for this update. What a great song this is. I remember when Sgt. Pepper was released. I bought the album as soon as it was in the stores, and every song on it was wonderful. There is a short video on UA-cam where the woman who played the harp on the original recording was being interviewed on British TV. Ringo Starr was also present. You might enjoy her comments. Here is the link to it, in case you're interested: ua-cam.com/video/vhC4imHiJUM/v-deo.html
18:51 on the dense saturation of emotion--great phrase!--I suspect that it is pastiche, a send up, a spoof. The punchline at the end of the song is that she is having fun! The harps and cello, the sound of Beatle PAUL (aaaaghghghgh!!!!!!!!! the girls go, at the time) sound very conservative and classical and traditional. And she is leaving this home to go have fun with the Beatles at the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band show that opened the album. With a man from the MOTOR trade, mind you. Very classless and sans tradition. The song is a hymn to what the Beatles are getting kids to leave behind.
One of the problems with these "reaction" videos is that the listener is trying to make an assessment of a song on their first listen to it, but for a lot of songs you can't really grasp everything going on in the song on just the first listen.
I think your original video has been removed. I'm not seeing it in the list. I did watch your reaction not long after you released it. You've definitely improved In your reaction approach. I remember that you paused the video, what seemed like, 185 times. The song wouldn't play for more than 3 seconds at a time before you'd pause again. That's not hyperbole. It was like evaluating Starry Night one brush stroke at a time without stepping back and seeing the whole painting. The lyrics and what the song was about was never mentioned. By the time you covered Pink Floyd-The Wall, you had really calmed down with the pausing and you were giving a much more well rounded evaluation. I've enjoyed your reactions in particular for only having experience with classical music. Somewhat similar to watching someone who has only been exposed to rap and hip-hop all their lives, listen to Kashmir for the first time.
I've never had children, so I can only imagine what that might feel like to the parents when their only child leaves. And I think the song does it well, but in an oblique way. The comments the parents make hide their love and concern by saying how thoughtless the act of leaving was and why would she do it to me. Perhaps the daughter is leaving not to seek fun and a release from a mundane existence but to find love. After all she is meeting a man who could possibly fill that void.
I've been with you from the beginning. Very impressed with your analytical abilities. I like your movie channel too. Speaking of movies and rock, I have tickets to the IMAX release in February of "Becoming Led Zeppelin" the only officially endorsed Led Zeppelin documentary. You should review it!
Amy has an accent. It is not from a country where English is spoken. Where is it from? To me, "Sheeeeee is leaviiiing" has the feeling of stepping into outer space, where the air is rare and unknown. Stepping blindly into a new world with different rules, letting herself go... I imagine you've seen this allready, if not you must. ua-cam.com/video/vhC4imHiJUM/v-deo.htmlsi=OUiqnazvQdvZTvgC
I'm noticing that the room sound (reverb) on your voice is getting cut off quite abruptly when you stop speaking. It's a bit distracting. If noise-gating is really needed, I would recommend a slightly longer decay setting.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I saw that very first video. You were so charming and earnest. You were, and continue to be, a breath of fresh air! A big thanks to you and Vlad for all your hard work.
I have just listened to She's Leaving Home in preparation for this video. It had me in tears. When I first heard it at about twelve years old, my sympathy was more for the girl escaping her humdrum life than for the parents. Her mother sounded selfish "How could she do this to me?"
However, now, as the father of two grown up children who have left home and have families of their own, I empathise much more with the parents. Neither of my daughters ran away from home. They just grew up and naturally found their way in the world. I still see them and love them very much, but it still breaks my heart that they're gone. The idea of either of them running off and possibly never being seen again is horrifying.
This song is just three and a half minutes long, but it packs an enormous punch. It is a work of art, and possibly of genius.
I went through the same change as you. And this song sometimes makes me cry as well.
I have always been amazed at how much empathy was shown , lyrically, for the parents from these very young men.
My understanding is that Paul composed the main song and lyrics and that John wrote the "Greek Chorus" (ie the parents' voices) based on things his Aunt Mimi would say to him. Each had, at least, some empathy for the parent characters. It was obvious that their primary interest lie with the daughter's point of view. In lesser hands, the parents would have come off as monsters rather than merely misguided.
The beautiful orchestral music is an obvious bonus
magnificent piece of music. John and Paul in harmony.... there is nothing more beautiful for me
This song perfectly reflects the start of Amy's journey. Being the second song in her journey, it reflects Amy leaving her comfortable classical music home, entering into the crazy, yet exciting, world of rock and other contemporary music, along with its associated culture and people. Of course in Amy's case, she is not truly leaving her classical music home. It is more a case that she occasionally leaves the home she loves, in order to explore the rest of the world outside, only to return to her true home with a new perspective on life and music. Similar to going on vacation/holiday to a new land and culture. Great reaction and perspective on your journey and this song Amy. I know I've enjoyed your journey here since the beginning.
I remember when you gave the song a 7! Broke my heart!! But, glad to have gone on the journey with you.
Some tunes take more time to grow on you and will often reward your patience. I was listening to a panel dissecting Paul's "Lady Madonna" and one of them admitted he was shocked to hear this song because it sounded like nothing the Beatles had done before, it challenged his expectations. He went on to say that it took a few more listens before the song became one of his favorites.
That's exactly what I remember and it upset me so much I almost withdrew altogether from watching the channel.
So it's really great to hear how much more deeply Amy now understands it and its many subtle layers.
@@papercup2517 I grew up with this music and maybe you did too so I feel we have people like her at a disadvantage in that regard. I'm going to cut her some slack because she's listening to a ton of music that's new and foreign to her ears. It would be too much for me but maybe she can find the time to just enjoy listening and give the critical ears a break.
@@chrisallen8250 🙂
Hi Amy, I'm glad you appreciate the subtle, understated emotional qualities of Paul McCartney's singing now!
What an honor to have been there for the early days!
This is still my favorite Beatles song and it’s the characters and the different emotions and the story which I love.
This updated version of your understanding of the song which as we all should know comes with time. Very much appreciated and how wonderful it is for you to share it with us .❤
Dear Amy,
This song will still affect you even more deeply when your baby girl leaves home
Time goes very fast.
It'll be sooner than you think.
When I hear this song, I think about the day when my only little girl grew up and left home.
It's a moment no parent ever forgets.
I think your first review of the song was good enough for me to take up following your channel. It was an honest take upon a fresh listen to a new genre of music, with your usual classically influenced analysis. Now, after 2.5 years of hard study, you've certainly done your homework. Masterful review of a wonderful song.
"...the deep saturation of emotion..." Beautifully put! This song always makes me think of the film The Graduate -- not the same story but a similar generational conflict. And I agree that I somewhat dislike this song in terms of the way it makes me feel (especially as a father). Sometimes art isn't there to entertain or comfort, but rather to make us struggle with unpleasant truths and experiences.
I would call what you're describing in the first part of the video as narrative distance. Paul is the narrator bringing to our attention this story; he's doing it with urgency, but he's still a narrator and not a participant. It reflects the generational disconnect: parents don't get kids, kids don't get parents, and this song invites us to take a look from both sides.
🎯
Although for me at least, there's a deep pathos in Paul's voice throughout. Calm and objective on the surface; yet heart breaking under the outer cover.
He does something similar with his earlier, romantic break-up song For No-one. Just states the basic scenario in all its minute, telling detail almost as if he can stand outside of his own emotion as a reporter, while still feeling and conveying every bit of the devastation those details imply.
I think this richness of understatement is a particular genius of Paul's.
I remember that video so well. I joined around the 2k follower mark, and haven't missed a video since. A wonderful journey for a wonderful chanel. Merry Christmas all.
To me it’s not the newspaper read but rather a BBC documentary setting that is formed in my mind which is narrated by the half-spoken half-sung voice. With that special “BBC-light” and eloquent camera angles following the early hours drama that probably happened in many British (and elsewhere) homes in the late 1960’s. So pictorial and fantastically accompanied by harp and strings.
Loved your reaction, as always. The way you dissect and turn most stones around and reveals angles and perspectives I never thought about despite having listened to this song a zillion times is unmatched. This one felt more like the old deep dive analysis you did back in the days which I especially enjoyed. Guess it takes/took too much time and energy to do those and that’s why you moved away from that, right? Still think that they way you reacted to, and analysed, The Wall for ex brought in so much substance in a really unique way. Pity you never finished that project, guess we were many that joined your channel primarily for your Pink Floyd reactions even though we also love everything else. Regardless, will surely follow you closed in anyway you wish to proceed with your project. Love and all the best from Sweden!
It's a beautiful sad heartbreaking song.
Genius!
✌️❤️🍏
This song has always resonated with me as I was a teenage runaway. I love the Beatles and I can really relate to this song. You've done a great job with your breakdown of this beautiful piece. Thanks Amy 😊😊
My goodness...I was impressed with your first reactions. Apparently your second reactions are even better. Its getting better all the time! Seriously... your ability to articulate what is special about this music in such short measure is truly a special ability of YOURS. I'm amazed at how you recognize so quickly...what it took me years to get. I don't want to sway your journey too much in a direction, but I think an element of your journey should also consider the coming of age of those young men that were Beatles. Their sophistication as people corresponds to what we hear in their art. This growth is a story in itself that particularly draws Beatles fans. That Vlad is a lucky guy!
An incredible, emotional song that was based on a true story. The real story did have a good ending.
rock and roll.... glad I was in 11 th grade when Revolver came out.
I have been listening to this song for nearly 50 years but, during Amy’s analysis, I noticed a subtle pun I had never noticed before. At the end of the song, the backing voices sing “Fun is the one thing that money can’t buy.” Then a moment later they sing “Bye, bye.” This jives with what the lyrics on the back of the album say too but listening to Amy’s analysis it occurred to me that the words they sing could just as well be “buy, buy,” thus underscoring the tragic misunderstanding that has occurred between the girl and her parents. I think this is an instance where having the lyrics printed on the album can actually obscure something that’s right there in front of us all in the music. It is widely believed that Lennon wrote the choral portions of this song and a pun like this is exactly the sort of thing I could see him adding to the song.
❤ Love it, She's Leaving Home for the second time 👌 I remember very well 😃 That was the first video from you that UA-cam recommended to me, and then ... about 2,5 years ago ... I got interested in your channel 👍😊 With a smile I remember that you graded the song back then 😂
It only managed a pitiful 7/10!
@papercup2517 I know, I remember, I'm happy she came to the conclusion that this was somehow out of place ... and as you see, one can always get better 😉
I am glad you have made this journey. I am glad you needed to revisit the song, and I appreciate this in-depth study. I was 12 almost to the day when the album was released. This song was utterly fascinating, and helped me develop my love for story in song and classical music generally. I believe I "got it" from day 1 and so was disappointed in your first reaction & review. This time, as you see it in context as we did so many years age, your breakdown is so wonderfully detailed and on point. So thank you. The song is spare and subtle, it is elegant as you say, and so beautifully crafted intertwining the song lyrics and instrumental choices, and somehow we do feel the time period too , like you say.
For something else connected with the Beatles you might enjoy, check out the film "The Family Way." It is a period piece from the mid sixties for which Paul and George Martin wrote and arranged the music. You can find it on streaming for free. It is pretty delightful.
I absolutely LOVE your reactions! TYSVM
I called you snooty at your first listen. Sorry, I was also wrong, you were earnest and dare I say, a virgin rocker. I still think Lennon’s counterpoint vocal makes the song perfect. It breaks your heart every time when he sings bye bye. As the father of two children over 30, you feel like a ghost, and the vocals reflect this. This is perhaps your best reflection on a song. Then Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite booms into sight immediately after. Just genius. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Elegance is a perfect way to describe this music of my youth.
Super review+ Amy. When I listen to She's Leaving Home, it transmogrifies into a condensed movie within my head. When all echoes of this 'artwork' disappear, we are left with a deep understanding of particular emotional elements of the human condition. A mini masterpiece.
Welcome to the club, you are a Beatles fan. Can you imagine how we feel with having them in our lives for over 60 years. You also have to remember that every step they took was into uncharted territory and it felt like they were at the centre of an hourglass and everything had to go through them.
I think you dislike it like we dont like a big dipper but the thrill of the ride overwhelms you. Your work on this project has added another facet to our Beatles story.
I love the way the song contrasts the two points of view, the feeling of gaining freedom for the young girl, and the hurt and indignation displayed by the parents, extraordinary music from a composer in his early 20s.
My all time favorite band. I started out with Jesus Christ superstar the rock Oprah. Then jonny cash and Elvis. The only records in the house at the time. The Beatles took me from pre-teen to a 57 year old child. I absolutely love good music no matter what style I respect it all and live your take on it.
Like you, when I first heard this song I thought it was good but not great. Fast forward after having kids I finally realized how great this is.
Then you realise that McCartney was 26 when he recorded it. Mind blowing.
@@jenscee7679 Actually, when recorded in March 1967, Paul was still only 24.
The artistic background to this song could be expressed as "cinema verite", which kinda explains the black and white nature of it. Here in the UK at this time we had films reflecting the real life of the working class such as "A Taste of Honey" or "Up the Unction": on TV we had "Cathy Come Home". This song fits well in with this genre.
Absolutely brilliant girl (I mean the host, not the hero of the song)
This is also a good opportunity to reflect on the evolution and development in sophistication of The Beatles in just 4 years from "She Loves You" to "She's Leaving Home".
I agree completely with your conclusion. BRAVO!
You've taken over as my favorite reactor on UA-cam. It's been a real joy to watch you come over to the dark side. Lol.
We have so much to thank "the fifth Beatle " Geotge Martin for, his arrangements and production of Beatles music really brought it to life, just wonderful.
George Martin was unable to write a score after McCartney asked him to at short notice. Instead, McCartney approached freelance producer and arranger Mike Leander, who provided the string parts for the song. Martin saw the move as a slight, but later acknowledged that McCartney’s impatience had been the key factor.
@@davemurphy1 Martin always said he was quite hurt that Paul didn’t wait for him but, always the gentleman, he always praised Leander’s arrangement. It is certainly superior to the arrangements on Let It Be, with those overblown angel choirs. This is much more in keeping with the grace and subtlety of Martin’s arrangements.
As a hardcore Beatles fan, I have to say I was a bit put off by your first review. I think now you got it. 😉 This song is another example of Paul's ability in crafting narratives into songs. For me, as an old parent of a daughter, it conveys so much sadness, to the point of making me cry sometimes...
And I have to add, it showcases George Martin's essential role.
@@kennethrocheldecamargo Orchestral score was written by Mike Leander(later to work notably with Gary Glitter). George Martin was unavailable.
When I saw your first analysis, didn't like it, I felt angry with you, thought you were uncapable to discover the value of Beatles music in music history. I almost decided not to follow your channel ever more. But, luckily I continued seen your videos and now, you redim yourself to my eyes. I love how you are now finding the true value of my loved Beatles music. Thankyou for continuing growing in your musical knowledge and for apreciating them and falling in love with their music, if may I say.
In 1967 was about the time when young people were questioning the values and social economic traditions of their parents. They started a different path by running off and forming group communes where a group of people living together and sharing possessions and responsibilities instead of engaging in competition for such things. I think She's Leaving Home tapped into the alternative life styles young people were taking at the time.
In a historical context, the parent grew up in the Great Depression and became adults in WWII. Their experience of hardship and sacrifice led them to see material security as the most important thing in life. They wanted their children to have what they lacked. The children grew to find this stifling, and sought out non-material values.
@@michaelpolacheck3948 In a different way Dylan's Like A Rolling Stone was of a young person coming out the protective veneer that parents were able to provide for their kids. A lot of the kids who wondered off came back in the 1980s as being successful in business. They were called yuppies. Remember the line from Don Henley song Boys of Summer of A Deadhead Sticker on a Cadillac which symbolized how that generation has sold out. Thanks for chiming in.
There is a banality of the situation that is being conveyed in this song. The event for the young woman in the song is magical and yet, despite how heartbreaking it is for the parents, it is just something that happened every day.
To be honest, I think the parents are enjoying the drama (melodrama?)
Amy, for me, you perfectly captured the meaning of the piece of music. It may well be one of the best song on Sgt. Pepper, but most of the time I skip to the next track. It is a profound and emotional listen. Apparently Paul was inspired by a piece about teenage runaways published in a UK national newspaper.
Remember how young they were when they wrote these songs.
Very weirdly, the inspiration for this song was a news article about a girl that had gone missing and whilst the story in the song was fabricated, it turned out to be very close to what had actually happened. Even more strange, the girl in question had met a Beatle on two separate occasions. She had won a competition in which the prize was meeting Paul McCartney and on a separate occasion she met John Lennon through a friend that knew him.
This song, for me, compose the tragedy of separation, the sad gap between older and younger generations, that despite their profound love for each other, they cannot truly connect.
I commented on your original video in almost exactly these terms: you absolutely would *not* want a Freddie Mercury emoting all over this because its understated monochrome reportorial quality is the source of its power. I'm pleased to see you have come to the same point of view.
When Titus Oates says to Capt Scott in their final hours in a tent on the Antarctic ice, "I'm just going outside. I may be some time," it's the understatement that hammers home the tragedy, far more than if he had run weeping and wailing into the blizzard.
The comment around 23:30 about stepping outside is one of the most brilliant, illuminating, appreciation-increasing instances of musical analysis I have ever did seed! ;-)
Amy: To me, the matter-of-fact delivery of matter-of-fact lyrics has always conveyed the lack of communication between the child and her parents which is brilliantly contrasted to the exuberant and expressive instrumentation. The girl leaves quietly so as not to disturb her parents who she knows tried their best but she thinks she's outgrown them. I'm not convinced that is true as the end of the track ("bye, bye") is so discordant. "Meeting a man from the motor trade" is hardly the exciting life she craves. Let's hope her naivety does not lead her to a bad conclusion.
This is what I thought when I first heard the record in 1967 when I was 20. I still think that today.
Big up's to Amy. This second listen (or at least 2nd session of listening) to SLH answers some of my curiosity. viz. what do familiarity, background and context bring to bear, that cannot (by definition) exist for the first listen ?
Eg. I can't recall all my first reaction to Pink Floyd's DSOTM. But I sure as hell am well invested in it on my X hundredth listen. Ie. Our ears anticipating every motif, every tempo change, every solo, every just-right lyric.
I ditto your emotions re DSOTM! An incredible album to say the least!
Thank you Amy. Now I just must challenge you to listen to Cat Steven's Father and Son.
This video reminds me you should watch either Pet Shop Boys' "Miracles" or "Left to my own devices"
It would be fascinating to see and hear the development process of this song. As far as I understand it none of the Beatles played instruments on it so there must have been much discussion with George Martin about how the orchestral instruments should be arranged around the vocals and how, ultimately it should sound. Thanks for your thoughtful analysis.
Orchestral score was by Mike Leander. George Martin was unavailable.
@@gettinhungrig8806 I have always thought that Leander deserved a lot of credit for writing such a tasteful arrangement that most people just assume it’s by George Martin. This would certainly not be the case on Let It Be. I think Leander, much like George Martin, listened carefully to what Paul wanted to convey and made sure the music followed the emotional arc of the lyrics. I also think he wrote a fantastic part for the cello, an instrument that George Martin excels at. In fact, I think it may be the cello part that fools a lot of people into thinking this is a George Martin arrangement. (It’s interesting to note that when bands want to evoke a mid-period Beatles sound, they often focus on adding some sort of Martin-like cello part; you can hear it in artists as diverse as ELO, Oasis, Tears for Fears or even Billy Joel.)
You talked about various aspects of the string arrangement, but I don't think you mentioned who added and arranged the strings - Mike Leander, a freelance arranger Paul hired to do the job because George Martin had a recording date for another client scheduled, and couldn't drop everything for Paul. The strings are such a big part of the song I think he should be given credit for his contribution.
Fantastic to see your incredible journey through rock/pop in these two reactions to this moving song.
I hope you'll listen to The Downward Spiral at some point despite (or because?) the disturbing subjects it covers.
Was it really two and a half years ago?! With you then and will stay until you have finished your Beatles journey. You always enrich our understanding with these reviews. Is this your favourite Beatles song
There is further 'newsy' content on this album on the last track 'A Day in the Life', the Mr Kite song was inspired by a poster and of course there were "newspaper taxis" on Lucy.
How do we react to this story over time? Well, the way I took it in as a teenager was more insympathy witht the girl. Now being a parent and indeed a grandparent I see it more from their perspective. I hope that when Lisle eventually decides to set up her own home you will have none of the trauma of the parents in this song.
I always thought about the cruel teacher and his wife from Pink Floyd's The Wall movie once had a daughter living with them. One day she decided it's time to leave home. Artistically I'm thinking about the song as a critical genre painting of the mid 20th century English bourgeoisie core family life.
I'd like to hear McCartney revisit this song as an oldster--would he be more sympathetic to the 'selfish' parents, or would the "grandude" (as he asks his grandchildren to call him) still believe that fun is the one thing that money can't buy?
Lennon wrote the parents' point-of-view part.
Quite a difference experiencing this now you have a daughter…
If they ever make a movie of the making of Sgt Pepper, I hope they ask you to play the haprist for "She's Leaving Home"
Thank you so much for this update. What a great song this is. I remember when Sgt. Pepper was released. I bought the album as soon as it was in the stores, and every song on it was wonderful.
There is a short video on UA-cam where the woman who played the harp on the original recording was being interviewed on British TV. Ringo Starr was also present. You might enjoy her comments. Here is the link to it, in case you're interested: ua-cam.com/video/vhC4imHiJUM/v-deo.html
18:51 on the dense saturation of emotion--great phrase!--I suspect that it is pastiche, a send up, a spoof. The punchline at the end of the song is that she is having fun! The harps and cello, the sound of Beatle PAUL (aaaaghghghgh!!!!!!!!! the girls go, at the time) sound very conservative and classical and traditional. And she is leaving this home to go have fun with the Beatles at the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band show that opened the album. With a man from the MOTOR trade, mind you. Very classless and sans tradition. The song is a hymn to what the Beatles are getting kids to leave behind.
One of the problems with these "reaction" videos is that the listener is trying to make an assessment of a song on their first listen to it, but for a lot of songs you can't really grasp everything going on in the song on just the first listen.
I think your original video has been removed. I'm not seeing it in the list. I did watch your reaction not long after you released it. You've definitely improved In your reaction approach. I remember that you paused the video, what seemed like, 185 times. The song wouldn't play for more than 3 seconds at a time before you'd pause again. That's not hyperbole. It was like evaluating Starry Night one brush stroke at a time without stepping back and seeing the whole painting. The lyrics and what the song was about was never mentioned. By the time you covered Pink Floyd-The Wall, you had really calmed down with the pausing and you were giving a much more well rounded evaluation. I've enjoyed your reactions in particular for only having experience with classical music. Somewhat similar to watching someone who has only been exposed to rap and hip-hop all their lives, listen to Kashmir for the first time.
I've never had children, so I can only imagine what that might feel like to the parents when their only child leaves. And I think the song does it well, but in an oblique way. The comments the parents make hide their love and concern by saying how thoughtless the act of leaving was and why would she do it to me. Perhaps the daughter is leaving not to seek fun and a release from a mundane existence but to find love. After all she is meeting a man who could possibly fill that void.
Sheila Bromberg........ "Sgt Pepper Harpist Recalls Playing On 'She's Leaving Home' and Meets Ringo Starr For The First Time" ....... UA-cam video
I've been with you from the beginning. Very impressed with your analytical abilities. I like your movie channel too. Speaking of movies and rock, I have tickets to the IMAX release in February of "Becoming Led Zeppelin" the only officially endorsed Led Zeppelin documentary. You should review it!
Não deixa tocar nem 3 segundos da música e já interrompe.
Amy has an accent. It is not from a country where English is spoken. Where is it from? To me, "Sheeeeee is leaviiiing" has the feeling of stepping into outer space, where the air is rare and unknown. Stepping blindly into a new world with different rules, letting herself go...
I imagine you've seen this allready, if not you must.
ua-cam.com/video/vhC4imHiJUM/v-deo.htmlsi=OUiqnazvQdvZTvgC
Eleanor Rigby Strikes Back, a fine composition but a bit overwrought I always thought
I'm noticing that the room sound (reverb) on your voice is getting cut off quite abruptly when you stop speaking. It's a bit distracting. If noise-gating is really needed, I would recommend a slightly longer decay setting.
I'm afraid you're no longer a virgin.
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