Led by primary songwriters Lennon and McCartney, the Beatles built their reputation playing clubs in Liverpool and Hamburg over three years from 1960, initially with Stuart Sutcliffe playing bass. The core trio of Lennon, McCartney and Harrison, together since 1958, went through a succession of drummers, eventually settling with Pete Best in 1960, who played with them for two years before being replaced with then Rory Storm & The Hurricanes drummer Ringo Starr in 1962. Manager Brian Epstein molded them into a professional act and producer George Martin guided and developed their recordings, greatly expanding their domestic success after their first hit, "Love Me Do", in late 1962. As their popularity grew into the intense fan frenzy dubbed "Beatlemania", the band acquired the nickname "the Fab Four", with Epstein, Martin and other members of the band's entourage sometimes given the informal title of "fifth Beatle".
By early 1964, the Beatles were international stars, leading the "British Invasion" of the United States pop market and breaking numerous sales records. They soon made their film debut with A Hard Day's Night (1964). From 1965 onwards, they produced increasingly innovative recordings, including the albums Rubber Soul (1965), Revolver (1966) and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967), and enjoyed further commercial success with The Beatles (also known as "the White Album", 1968) and Abbey Road (1969). In 1968, they founded Apple Corps, a multi-armed multimedia corporation that continues to oversee projects related to the band's legacy. After the group's break-up in 1970, all four members enjoyed success as solo artists. Lennon was shot and killed in December 1980, and Harrison died of lung cancer in November 2001. McCartney and Starr remain musically active.
The Beatles are the best-selling music act of all time, with estimated sales of 600 million units worldwide. They hold the record for most number-one albums on the UK Albums Chart, most number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and most singles sold in the UK. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and all four main members were inducted individually between 1994 and 2015. In 2008, the group topped Billboard's list of the all-time most successful artists on the Billboard Hot 100. The band received seven Grammy Awards, four Brit Awards, an Academy Award (for Best Original Song Score for the 1970 film Let It Be) and fifteen Ivor Novello Awards. Time magazine named them among the 20th century's 100 most important people.
Former Rolling Stone associate editor Robert Greenfield compared the Beatles to Picasso, as "artists who broke through the constraints of their time period to come up with something that was unique and original "... In the form of popular music, no one will ever be more revolutionary, more creative and more distinctive ..." The British poet Philip Larkin described their work as "an enchanting and intoxicating hybrid of African-American rock-and-roll with their own adolescent romanticism", and "the first advance in popular music since the War".
They not only sparked the British Invasion of the US, they became a globally influential phenomenon as well. From the 1920s, the US had dominated popular entertainment culture throughout much of the world, via Hollywood films, jazz, the music of Broadway and Tin Pan Alley and, later, the rock and roll that first emerged in Memphis, Tennessee. The Beatles are regarded as British cultural icons, with young adults from abroad naming the band among a group of people that they most associated with UK culture.
Their musical innovations and commercial success inspired musicians worldwide. Many artists have acknowledged the Beatles' influence and enjoyed chart success with covers of their songs. On radio, their arrival marked the beginning of a new era; in 1968 the programme director of New York's WABC radio station forbade his DJs from playing any "pre-Beatles" music, marking the defining line of what would be considered oldies on American radio. They helped to redefine the album as something more than just a few hits padded out with "filler", and they were primary innovators of the modern music video. The Shea Stadium show with which they opened their 1965 North American tour attracted an estimated 55,600 people, then the largest audience in concert history; Spitz describes the event as a "major breakthrough ... a giant step toward reshaping the concert business". Emulation of their clothing and especially their hairstyles, which became a mark of rebellion, had a global impact on fashion.
According to Gould, the Beatles changed the way people listened to popular music and experienced its role in their lives. From what began as the Beatlemania fad, the group's popularity grew into what was seen as an embodiment of socio-cultural movements of the decade. As icons of the 1960s counterculture, Gould continues, they became a catalyst for bohemianism and activism in various social and political arenas, fuelling movements such as women's liberation, gay liberation and environmentalism. According to Peter Lavezzoli, after the "more popular than Jesus" controversy in 1966, the Beatles felt considerable pressure to say the right things and "began a concerted effort to spread a message of wisdom and higher consciousness".
Other commentators such as Mikal Gilmore and Todd Leopold have traced the inception of their socio-cultural impact earlier, interpreting even the Beatlemania period, particularly on their first visit to the US, as a key moment in the development of generational awareness. Referring to their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show Leopold states: "In many ways, the Sullivan appearance marked the beginning of a cultural revolution ... The Beatles were like aliens dropped into the United States of 1964.
In 1965, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Starr Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). The Beatles won the 1971 Academy Award for Best Original Song Score for the film Let It Be (1970). The recipients of seven Grammy Awards and fifteen Ivor Novello Awards, the Beatles have six Diamond albums, as well as 20 Multi-Platinum albums, 16 Platinum albums and six Gold albums in the US. In the UK, the Beatles have four Multi-Platinum albums, four Platinum albums, eight Gold albums and one Silver album. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
The best-selling band in history, the Beatles have sold more than 800 million physical and digital albums as of 2013. They have had more number-one albums on the UK charts, fifteen, and sold more singles in the UK, 21.9 million, than any other act. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked the Beatles as the most significant and influential rock music artists of the last 50 years. They ranked number one on Billboard magazine's list of the all-time most successful Hot 100 artists, released in 2008 to celebrate the US singles chart's 50th anniversary. As of 2017, they hold the record for most number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, with twenty. The Recording Industry Association of America certifies that the Beatles have sold 178 million units in the US, more than any other artist. They were collectively included in Time magazine's compilation of the 20th century's 100 most influential people. In 2014, they received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
There are two holidays celebrated for the Beatles: Global Beatles Day on 25 June each year. On that date in 1967, the band performed "All You Need Is Love" on television. In 2001, UNESCO created World Beatles Day on 16 January each year. This date has direct relation to the opening of The Cavern Club in 1957.
Five asteroids, 4147 Lennon, 4148 McCartney, 4149 Harrison, 4150 Starr and 8749 Beatles are named after the Beatles.
Another Beatles Christmas Record
The Beatles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hello, everybody, this is Paul
And I'd just like to thank you all for
Buying our records during the past year we
Know you've been buying 'em because
The sales have been very
Good, you see don't know where
In the army, perhaps
Oh, we hope you've enjoyed listening
To the records as
Much as we've enjoyed melting them - No
No, no, that's worng - making them we're in
No 2 studio at the moment, at EMI
Taping this little message for you
Yes, we are
We are indeed i just thought I'd make that
This is the same studio we've used all
Along - since the old days of "Love Me
Do" - many years ago it seems, doesn't it?
Ah, those were the days
Well, that's about all, I think except
To wish you all a Happy
Christmas and a very New
Year! Now I'll pass you over to John john!
John john speakin' thanks all of you who
Bought me book thank you folks for
Buying it it was very handy and
There's another one out pretty soon
It says here hope
You buy that, too it'll be the usual rubbish
But it won't cost much you see
That's the bargain we're going to strike up
I write them in my spare time
It says here it's been a busy year
Did you write this yourself?
No! It's somebody's bad handwroter it's been
A busy year Beatle peadles
One way and another but it's been a
Great year
Too you fans have seen to that page
2 thanks a lot folks and a hap-py, ah
Christmas and a merry goo-year crimble
Maybe and I'll hand you
To George who will speak to you - now!
Thank you John thank you hi there! I'd like
To thank all of you for going
To see the film 'spect a lot of
You saw it more than once
Did you? So did I thanks anyway
'Cause it makes us very
Pleased, ya know we had a
Quiet time making it actually
We didn't we had a great time making it and
We're glad it turned out okay the next one
Should be completely different we
Start shooting it in
February this time it's gonna be in color
Green
It'll be a big laugh we hope
(Ha ha ha) Well, we big
Laugh, ha ha ha, yeah, it'll be a big laugh
Be a big laugh, you imagine?
And we may see all of you soon
Hope so anyway all the best and
Happy New Year and a Happy
Christmas and here's Ringo!
Thanks, Geroge ringo here well
The others have thanked you for
The discs and John's book and
For everything - oh
No - for enjoying the film i'd like to thank
You just for being fans it's
Been a funny year, you know one minute we're
In England, next
We're away 'spect you're wondering
Where we've been well, Beatle people
We've been to Australia and America and New
(crash) - who's dropping that? -
New Zealand and Australia
And New Zealand
Ha ha! Or is that New Zealand?
So much travelling! But you've stayed
Loyal, haven't you? Anyway, those airport
Receptions knocked us out, man, great!
Dig! Well, that's about it from me
I'd just like to say
All the best for Christmas and happy
New year that's about it
Oh, can you wash your father's shirt
Can you wash it clean?
Oh, can you wash your father's shirt
Can you wash it clean?
Oh, can you wash your father's shirt
Can you wash it clean? Oo
Christmas! (Happy Christmas, everybody)
Happy Christmas!
Happy Christmas! Happy Christmas!
Happy Christmas! yeah! Happy Christmas!
Happy Christmas!
Christmas! Happy Christmas!
Happy Christmas! Happy Christmas! Chrismas!
Happy Christmas!
The lyrics of the song "Another Beatles Christmas Record" by The Beatles provide a festive and lighthearted message from each member of the band. The song begins with Paul expressing gratitude to the fans for their support and for purchasing their records throughout the year. He acknowledges the importance of their fans in their success, jokingly speculating about what their lives would be like without them, even humorously suggesting they might be in the army. This sets the tone for a playful and appreciative message to the listeners.
As the song progresses, each member of the band takes a turn to address the audience with their own unique message. John, in his characteristic wit, thanks fans for buying his book and promises more content to come. He hints at future projects and humorously downplays the quality, but emphasizes the affordability. This showcases the band's connection with their fans and their willingness to engage with them on a personal level, sharing updates and insights into their creative endeavors.
George chimes in to express his gratitude for the support of their film, acknowledging the fans' enthusiasm for it. He reflects on the experience of making the film and hints at future projects, promising something different and exciting in the works. The band's anticipation for their upcoming ventures is palpable, and their enthusiasm for creating new work shines through in their messages to the listeners.
Ringo, in his segment, wraps up the song by thanking the fans for their loyalty and support throughout the year. He reflects on the band's extensive travels and expresses gratitude for the enthusiastic receptions they have received around the world. The song concludes with a chorus of "Happy Christmas!" as the band members wish their fans well for the holiday season and the coming year. The overall message conveyed in the song is one of appreciation, camaraderie, and shared joy between The Beatles and their devoted fans.
Line by Line Meaning
Jingle bells
A cheerful greeting to start off the message
Hello, everybody, this is Paul
Paul expressing gratitude to the fans for buying their records
And I'd just like to thank you all for
Continuation of expressing gratitude towards the fans
Buying our records during the past year we
Acknowledging the support of fans in buying their music
Know you've been buying 'em because
Recognizing the loyal fan base
The sales have been very
Acknowledging the success of the record sales
Good, you see don't know where
Reflecting on the impact of the fans on their success
We'd be without you, really though
Acknowledging the importance of the fans to their success
In the army, perhaps
Humorous remark about a possible alternative career if not for music
Oh, we hope you've enjoyed listening
Hoping the fans have enjoyed their music
To the records as
Encouraging fans to continue enjoying the music
Much as we've enjoyed melting them - No
Playful remark about creating and recording music
No, no, no, that's worng - making them we're in
Correcting the previous statement about melting records
No 2 studio at the moment, at EMI
Informing fans about the recording location
Taping this little message for you
Recording a message for the fans
Yes, we are
Confirming that they are recording a message
We are indeed i just thought I'd make that
Reiterating the fact that they are recording a message
This is the same studio we've used all
Noting the familiarity of the recording studio
Along - since the old days of "Love Me
Reflecting on the history of recording at the studio
Do" - many years ago it seems, doesn't it?
Nostalgic comment on the history of the studio
Ah, those were the days
Nostalgic reminiscence about earlier days
Well, that's about all, I think except
Concluding the message with well wishes
To wish you all a Happy
Extending holiday wishes to the fans
Christmas and a very New
Wishing the fans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Year! Now I'll pass you over to John john!
Handing over the message to another member of the band
John john speakin' thanks all of you who
John expressing gratitude towards the fans
Bought me book thank you folks for
Thanking fans for purchasing his book
Buying it it was very handy and
Appreciating the support for his book
There's another one out pretty soon
Teasing another upcoming book release
It says here hope
Referencing the details of the upcoming book
You buy that, too it'll be the usual rubbish
Humorous comment about the new book being released
But it won't cost much you see
Assuring fans that the book will be affordable
That's the bargain we're going to strike up
Joking about the deal for the new book
I write them in my spare time
Revealing the process of writing the books
It says here it's been a busy year
Reflecting on the events of the year
Did you write this yourself?
Joking about the authorship of the message
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Enlightened Shenanigans
John: Eh Paul
Paul: What?
John: Why Do People Think We Covered Up your “death”?
Paul:.......I Don’t Know John but, they are pretty funny, I must say
Ringo: Oh but they don’t ever talk about me eh? It’s always about You And Paul, ain’t it John?
John: Ringo... are you jealous?
Ringo:.....To Be Honest, I Am A Bit Jealous
George: But Ringo, Every girl thinks that you are the cutest one, they probably don’t even know who I Am!
Ringo:...Maybe because you are the youngest, who knows? They think you are more stupid for being only 3 years younger than us, now ain’t it?
George: It wasn’t my fault my parents conceived in 1942!
Ringo: Well It wasn’t my fault that They conceived me in 1939!
Paul: Settle down boys, let the bosses talk
George: Bosses?!?
Paul: Y,know George, have a biscuit, here you go
George: Eh, whatever, it’s just th-....hey wait a minute, how do you know where my biscuits are?
Paul: Whispers to John What? I thought you told him
John: Whispers Back Aww fuck, I should have told him earlier! Didn’t know you would hand him biscuits! What type of calming down trick is that!?
Paul: Whispers Back Y,know John, should’ve told him before we started!
George: I HEAR THAT JOHN! HOW DO YOU KNOW WHERE MY BISCUITS ARE?!?!
John:........oh shit, whatever, yeah I Ate the biscuit, it’s wasn’t Yoko
George:.......WTF?!?! JOHN, THIS IS WORST THAN THE PID CONSPIRACISTS LIVES!!! HOW MANY DID YOU EAT
John:...... I said Yoko Ate One..... But I actually ate all 9
George: YOU'RE NOW GOING TO BE A NOWHERE MAN, NOWHERE TO GO BUT DOWN....6 FEET! COME HERE!
John:
𝚘𝚗𝚘
❗️⁉️‼️💢♨️🤬😡🤬👊👊🎆🔥💥💥💥
David Carpenter
I've known the Beatles' Christmas messages since I was a kid in the mid-70s. A local radio station used to have a special show on Christmas Eve every year to play them all. The wit and wackiness have really held up over time. They still sound fresh.
SharonAnne N
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I was one of those DJs who brought my Beatles Christmas records to the radio station to play during the Christmas season. Every one at work got a kick outta hearing them the first..
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Gentilly Girl
My only happy Christmas ever is listening to this.
Agjhqkwo2000
One year (perhaps two) before this, they weren’t famous! Can you believe it? They were just four guys playing music, and suddenly, they became the most important band in the whole world! It’s difficult to think about it but imagine yourself in 1964 and everything starts to change at an incredible speed.
confused artichoke
george: it’s gonna be in color
john: green
Katherine
"We've been to Australia, America, and New Zealand, and Australia, and New Zealand"
I love Ringo's voice😂❤️
Avery W
Paul: Don’t know where we’d be without you, really
John: In the army, perhaps
😂😂😂 so funny
dandic2342
Love how John just mangles the script. The guys in the booth must have been faceplaming!
heathinvader
I think he may have rewritten it to be more like his first book, In His Own Write, which was written in a similar way to how he spoke his message on this record. I may be speculating, though.......
TheJeramieX
Who could dislike this?