About The Song
Released in August 1966, “Tomorrow Never Knows” wasn’t your typical Beatles song. Sure, John Lennon’s signature vocals were there, but the melody was fragmented and looped, creating a swirling, almost hypnotic effect. The guitars were heavily distorted, a far cry from the jangly sounds that dominated their earlier hits. And then there were the drums – Ringo Starr’s pounding beat, manipulated and looped in the studio, provided a relentless pulse that drove the song forward.
The lyrics, penned primarily by Lennon with some input from Paul McCartney, were equally groundbreaking. Inspired by Timothy Leary, Richard Alpert, and Ralph Metzner’s book The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead, they explored themes of death, rebirth, and consciousness in a way that was both poetic and psychedelic. Lines like “Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream” and “Sitting in an aeroplane seat / Ceiling is peeled back like you’re in a dirty dream” were a far cry from the more innocent lyrics of their earlier work.
“Tomorrow Never Knows” wasn’t an immediate hit. Its radical sound and challenging lyrics alienated some listeners who were used to the Beatles’ more pop-oriented sound. However, over time, the song’s influence has become undeniable. It’s considered a landmark in the development of psychedelic rock, and its innovative use of studio techniques paved the way for countless artists to come.
So, the next time you hear the familiar strains of a Beatles song, remember that there’s more to them than catchy melodies and mop-top haircuts. They were a band that constantly pushed boundaries, and “Tomorrow Never Knows” stands as a testament to their willingness to experiment and create something truly revolutionary.