The term "meter-maid", largely unknown in the UK before the song's release, is American slang for a female traffic warden. According to some sources, "Lovely Rita" originates from when a female traffic warden named Meta Davies issued a parking ticket to McCartney outside Abbey Road Studios. Instead of becoming angry, he accepted it with good grace and expressed his feelings in song. When asked why he had called her "Rita", McCartney replied, "Well, she looked like a Rita to me".
Lovely Rita
Beatles Lyrics
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Nothing can come between us
When it gets dark I tow your heart away
Standing by a parking meter
When I caught a glimpse of Rita
Filling in a ticket in her little white book
In a cap she looked much older
Made her look a little like a military man
Lovely Rita meter maid
May I inquire discreetly
When are you free to take some tea with me
Took her out and tried to win her
Had a laugh and over dinner
Told her I would really like to see her again
Got the bill and Rita paid it
Took her home I nearly made it
Sitting on the sofa with a sister or two
Oh, lovely Rita meter maid
Where would I be without you
Give us a wink and make me think of you
The Beatles' "Lovely Rita" is a cheerful tune about a charming meter maid named Rita whom the singer finds irresistible. The song paints a picture of the singer's excitement at the sight of Rita, who is filling out a parking ticket. The singer remarks on her appearance in her uniform, which makes her look a bit older, and the bag across her shoulder makes her appear more like a military man. Despite her uniform, Rita stands out to the singer, and he is immediately taken with her.
The singer then takes Rita out for dinner, where they enjoy each other's company, and he expresses interest in seeing her again. At the end of the evening, Rita pays the bill, which surprises the singer but does not deter him from taking her home. He just about makes it inside with her, but Rita abruptly ends the night by hurriedly leaving to be with her "sister or two."
Overall, "Lovely Rita" is a lighthearted tune about infatuation, highlighting the singer's attraction to a woman who is seemingly unattainable. The lyrics and melody are playful, emphasizing the rush of finding someone new and exciting. It is a fun, nostalgic song that brings to mind the carefree days of youth, and the excitement of simply enjoying someone's company.
Line by Line Meaning
Lovely Rita meter maid
The meter maid, Rita, is lovely and admirable
Nothing can come between us
There is no one or nothing that will disrupt or impede their relationship, albeit just in the moment
When it gets dark I tow your heart away
As night falls, their hearts intertwine and overcome any obstacles
Standing by a parking meter
The artist is positioned beside a parking meter
When I caught a glimpse of Rita
The artist spots Rita
Filling in a ticket in her little white book
Rita is performing her duty, issueing parking tickets, with her small notepad
In a cap she looked much older
The hat on Rita makes her appear older
And the bag across her shoulder
She has a bag hung on her shoulder
Made her look a little like a military man
The way in which Rita is attired resembles a member of the military
May I inquire discreetly
The artist is requesting politely, and without drawing attention, about Rita's availability for tea
Took her out and tried to win her
The singer endeavored to impress and charm her during their outing
Had a laugh and over dinner
At dinner, they shared a light-hearted moment
Told her I would really like to see her again
The singer communicated a desire to see Rita in the future
Got the bill and Rita paid it
When they received the payment, Rita covered the expenses
Took her home I nearly made it
The singer accompanied Rita home, though came close to maybe more
Sitting on the sofa with a sister or two
They find themselves in a living room, seated with a sibling or two of Rita
Oh, lovely Rita meter maid
The artist reiterates the admiration for Rita, specifically her role as a meter maid
Where would I be without you
Without her presence, they cannot saw where they would be in that very moment
Give us a wink and make me think of you
Rita provides a flirtatious wink that stirs even more thoughts of her
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON, PAUL MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind