The single reached number one in the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, France, West Germany, and Mexico. It was the Beatles' only single that credited another artist at their request. "Get Back" was the Beatles' first single release in true stereo in the US. In the UK, the Beatles' singles remained monaural until the following release, "The Ballad of John and Yoko".
Get Back
Beatles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But he knew it wouldn't last
Jojo left his home in Tucson, Arizona
For some California grass
Get back, get back
Get back to where you once belonged
Get back, get back
Get back Jojo, go home
Get back, get back
Back to where you once belonged
Get back, get back
Back to where you once belonged
Get back Jo
Sweet Loretta Martin thought she was a woman
But she was another man
All the girls around her say she's got it coming
But she gets it while she can
Get back, get back
Get back to where you once belonged
Get back, get back
Get back to where you once belonged
Get back Loretta, go home
Get back, get back
Get back to where you once belonged
Get back, get back
Get back to where you once belonged
Get back, get back
Get back to where you once belonged
Get back, get back, get back
The lyrics of the song "Get Back" by The Beatles and Billy Preston narrate the stories of two characters, Jojo and Sweet Loretta Martin, who embark on journeys away from their respective homes. Jojo is a man who thought he was a loner and leaves his home in Tucson, Arizona, for some California grass. It seems that Jojo's journey may have been prompted by a desire for new experiences or a deeper connection with others. However, he realizes that he needs to go back to where he once belonged, suggesting that home is where he truly belongs.
On the other hand, the lyrics depict Sweet Loretta Martin as someone who thought she was a woman but was, in fact, another man. Although the girls around her think she deserves some sort of punishment, she continues to enjoy the moment while she can. It is unclear why Sweet Loretta is taking risks and living her life in such a way, but her situation may symbolize people who live inauthentic lives or believe they are different from who they truly are. Regardless, the chorus repeats the message to get back to where they belong, suggesting that both Jojo and Sweet Loretta must find their way back to their true selves and their respective homes.
The Beatles' "Get Back" was released in 1969 as a single and later on the album "Let It Be." The song was written by Paul McCartney and was originally titled "No Pakistanis." However, John Lennon suggested a change in the lyrics, and the song became a more lighthearted tune.
Line by Line Meaning
Jojo was a man who thought he was a loner
Jojo is a person who felt isolated and alone in the world.
But he knew it wouldn't last
However, he understood that this was temporary and not his permanent state.
Jojo left his home in Tucson, Arizona
Jojo moved away from his hometown Tucson, Arizona.
For some California grass
He went to California seeking marijuana or other drugs.
Get back, get back
This is an imperative statement asking someone to return to a previous place or situation.
Get back to where you once belonged
This line repeats the command to go back to a previous place or way of living.
Get back Jojo, go home
This particular line is addressing Jojo, asking him to return to his hometown.
Sweet Loretta Martin thought she was a woman
This line introduces another character, Loretta Martin, who identifies herself as a female.
But she was another man
However, it is revealed that Loretta is transgender and actually identifies as a man.
All the girls around her say she's got it coming
The other girls who are around Loretta expect her to be punished for being different.
But she gets it while she can
Despite the negative attitudes towards Loretta, she lives her life as she wants to and enjoys it while she can.
Get back Loretta, go home
Just like Jojo, Loretta is being asked to return to her original place of belonging.
Get back
This is repeated like a chant, emphasizing the importance of returning to one's roots or origins.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON, PAUL MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind