Only a Northern Song

The Beatles' song 'Only a Northern Song' is a playful and somewhat rebellious commentary on the music industry and the expectations placed on artists. Written by George Harrison, the song was recorded during the sessions for the 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' album but was ultimately released on the 'Yellow Submarine' soundtrack. The lyrics reflect Harrison's frustration with the commercial aspects of music production, particularly with the Beatles' publishing company, Northern Songs, which is referenced in the title and throughout the song.

The song's lyrics suggest a sense of indifference towards conventional musical standards and expectations. Lines like 'You may think the chords are going wrong / But they're not / We just wrote it like that' and 'It doesn't really matter what chords I play / What words I say / Or time of day it is / As it's only a northern song' highlight a deliberate departure from traditional songwriting norms. This can be seen as a critique of the formulaic nature of pop music and a declaration of artistic freedom.

Musically, 'Only a Northern Song' features dissonant harmonies and unconventional chord progressions, which further emphasize the song's theme of nonconformity. The lyrics also touch on the superficial aspects of the music industry, such as appearance and image, with lines like 'It doesn't really matter what clothes I wear / Or how I pur / Or if my hair is brown.' By dismissing these elements as irrelevant, Harrison underscores the idea that true artistic expression transcends commercial considerations and superficial judgments.

Overall, 'Only a Northern Song' serves as a witty and insightful critique of the music industry, celebrating the importance of artistic integrity and the freedom to create without constraints.