The Beatles "Come Together"

"Come Together" is the opening track on The Beatles’ 1969 album Abbey Road, written primarily by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney. Released as a double A-side single with "Something," it became a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 in the UK123. The song is celebrated for its funky groove, enigmatic lyrics, and distinctive bassline—ranked by Consequence as the best of all time in 20241.

Origins and Inspiration

• Timothy Leary Connection:
  The song originated from a request by psychologist and LSD advocate Timothy Leary, who asked Lennon to write a campaign song for his 1970 run for governor of California. The slogan was "Come Together – Join the Party!" Lennon initially wrote a simple chant for Leary, but when the campaign fizzled, he reworked the phrase into a new composition for Abbey Road14563.
• Musical Roots:
  Lennon based the song’s structure on Chuck Berry’s 1956 single "You Can’t Catch Me," borrowing the line "Here come ol’ flattop." To avoid legal issues and to make it more original, Paul McCartney suggested slowing the tempo and giving it a "swampy" feel, which led to the song’s now-iconic groove and bassline13.

Lyrics and Meaning

• Surreal Imagery:
  The lyrics are filled with surreal, playful, and cryptic references—"He got juju eyeball," "walrus gumboot," "Ono sideboard"—with many lines alluding to Beatles in-jokes, Lennon’s relationship with Yoko Ono, and contemporary cultural references145.
• Interpretation:
  While some fans and critics have speculated that each verse refers to a different Beatle, Lennon himself described the lyrics as "gobbledygook," emphasizing sound and feel over literal meaning5. The phrase "shoot me," barely audible under the drums, is repeated throughout the song and was borrowed from an earlier Lennon song, "Watching Rainbows"75.
• Funk and Freedom:
  The chorus—"Come together, right now, over me"—has been interpreted as a call for unity, but also as a sly, ambiguous invitation, consistent with Lennon’s playful and subversive style.

Recording and Sound

• Studio Work:
  Recorded in July 1969 at EMI Studios, the song features Lennon on vocals and rhythm guitar, McCartney on bass and harmony vocals, Harrison on lead guitar, and Starr on drums. The arrangement is notable for its minimalist, "dry" drum sound, swampy bassline, and bluesy guitar licks873.
• Production:
  Produced by George Martin, the track was built up from multiple takes, with the final version chosen for its tight, funky feel and Lennon’s expressive vocal8.

Reception and Legacy

• Critical Acclaim:
  "Come Together" is frequently cited among The Beatles’ best songs, praised for its groove, originality, and enigmatic lyrics12. Rolling Stone ranked it No. 202 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time12. It has also been recognized for its influential bassline and is a favorite of Ringo Starr12.
• Cultural Impact:
  The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Ike & Tina Turner, Aerosmith, and Michael Jackson, and remains a staple of classic rock radio1.

Key Facts Table

Summary
"Come Together" is a quintessential Beatles track—funky, mysterious, and endlessly inventive. Born from a political slogan and shaped by studio experimentation, it showcases Lennon’s surreal lyricism, McCartney’s unforgettable bassline, and the band’s collective ability to transform a simple idea into a timeless rock classic123.