Unveiling The Beatles' Final Song: A Journey Through Time with 'Now and Then'

Rediscovering the Magic

In the contemporary era, where big figures endure through time and consistently captivate us, The Beatles have once again reminded us why they are one of the most celebrated bands to walk the Earth. The Fab Four have gifted fans with a priceless treasure, “Now and Then,” on November 2, 2023. 

This newly released single, originally a long-lost demo by John Lennon, is a bittersweet blend of nostalgia and innovation that had been regarded as a myth among Beatles fans for years.

“Now and Then” and its Long and Winding Road

The story of “Now and Then” began in 1977 when John Lennon recorded a heartfelt and intimate demo from his piano. On the night of December 8, 1980, tragedy struck The Dakota apartments in New York City. Lennon lived there with his wife, Yoko Ono, and their son, Sean. It was a night forever etched in history—as Lennon fell victim to a fatal shooting at the hands of a disturbed fan. 

This heart-wrenching event was a painful indicator to fans worldwide that the dream of witnessing a full Beatles reunion would forever remain beyond possibility. Following Lennon's murder, many of his unreleased demos, including “Now and Then,” remained shelved for years.

Nonetheless, the surviving three members of the Beatles did reunite around 15 years after Lennon’s death. George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr came together for the collaborative effort on “The Beatles Anthology” project. In the 90s, as they regrouped, two of John's cassette demos, namely “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love,” resurfaced, thanks to Yoko Ono. These demos were low-quality first drafts, featuring hisses, hums, and clicks that masked the magic within. 

But, with tireless determination and the assistance of Jeff Lynne, co-founder and head of the Electric Light Orchestra, as well as evolved technology, the remaining Beatles–Harrison, McCartney, and Starr–managed to “reunite” with the spirit of John Lennon. They played on top of the demos, culminating in the release of two new Beatles singles in '95 and '96.

However, there was a third song to be released: “Now and Then.” It didn't make the cut due to exceptionally poor quality of John's recording which obscured his voice and hindered their ability to properly mix the track. This left fans longing for even a glimpse of what might have been.

Didn’t Make the Cut

“Now and Then” was originally intended for a 1996 release, part of “The Beatles Anthology” project, a complete collection showcasing the entire history of the Fab Four. For almost 30 years, “The Anthology” marked the “conclusion” of the Beatles’ legacy. 

It was a well-crafted retrospective project that chronicled the whole Beatles story through a documentary, a three-volume set of double albums, and a book that included contributions from McCartney, Harrison, and Starr themselves.

For diehard Beatles fans like me, the release of a Beatles song in 2023 is a dream come true. The Beatles have been an extraordinary presence in my life for the past four years, and witnessing this iconic band release a new single in my time is nothing short of an honor.

The journey of “Now and Then” from a long-lost demo to its recent release in November is truly evidence of the never-ending life of The Beatles. 

Lennon’s original and unpolished demo, which had been shelved, mysteriously leaked to the public on the internet years ago. This resulted in numerous fan-made renditions and versions circulating across the web, offering a glimpse of what a completed version of “Now and Then” might have sounded like had the Beatles seen it through to the finish.

As a devoted Beatles fan, discovering and listening to John's original demo, exploring fan-made final versions, and researching the entire concept of “Now and Then” only fueled my desire to see an official release someday. To be honest, I never believed it would happen. It seemed like an impossible dream, as the Beatles were down to two members, and no new material had come out since 1996.

McCartney's Revelation 

In 2023, a shock of a revelation finally arrived–one that Beatles fans had eagerly awaited for over 25 years, and it profoundly shook them to their core. 

This past June, Paul McCartney appeared on BBC Radio 4's Today program, casually announcing that he had “just finished” working on extracting John Lennon's voice from an old demo using artificial intelligence. He referred to the project as “the final Beatles record” but didn't let people know the song's title, stating that it would be released later in the year. 

Beatles fans and BBC News quickly speculated that “Now and Then” was the likely candidate–what other song could it be? It appeared too probable, especially considering that McCartney had always expressed a desire to finish it ever since the Beatles decided it couldn't be completed in the 90s due to technical limitations. For fans like me, it was a moment of pure joy—a victory.

McCartney clarified that the project involved no artificial or synthetic creation; it was an authentic restoration of existing recordings. He also explained how this process had been ongoing for years.

On Oct. 25, 2023, the Beatles' official website and social media profiles uploaded an image of an orange and white cassette with a turning tape reel. The next day, they finally formally announced “Now and Then” as a double A-side single set to release on November 2, alongside a 2023 stereo remix of the band’s 1962 debut single, “Love Me Do.”

The Lyrics

The lyrics of “Now and Then” represent an emotional reflection on the past and, upon deeper consideration, perhaps the complex emotions that defined the Beatles' journey. With an introductory count-off by Paul McCartney and John Lennon's recognizable voice, the song starts on a admiring note:

“I know it's true/It's all because of you/And if I make it through/It's all because of you.” The verses are filled with a sense of longing, the desire to start anew, and what feels like the enduring love among the band members or perhaps between two old friends (Lennon and McCartney): “And now and then/If we must start again/Well, we will know for sure/That I will love you.”

The chorus, which includes the voices of both a 37-year-old John Lennon and an 81-year-old Paul McCartney, is a heartfelt confession:

“Now and then/I miss you/Oh, now and then/I want you to be there for me/Always to return to me.”

The song's bridge, adorned with George Harrison's unique guitar work, introduces a mystical touch to the track. This interlude, nestled between the verses, brings forth emotions of longing and nostalgia to the front row.

Its lyrics are certainly open to interpretation, with some fans believing they reflect the old days of the Beatles and the intricate relationship between Lennon and McCartney, or perhaps Lennon's adoration for Yoko Ono. It could also be a stretch, but it may suggest Lennon’s lingering adoration for his ex-wife, Cynthia Lennon.

The Resurrection of “Now and Then”

What makes “Now and Then” even more remarkable is the technology behind its resurrection. 

With the help of artificial intelligence technology developed for the 2021 documentary series “The Beatles: Get Back” by Peter Jackson, Lennon's vocals and piano were able to be separated for the first time from the original cassette tape. This enabled producers Giles Martin and Paul McCartney to construct a more structured song that remained faithful to the essence of the original recording.

The song captures the nature of John Lennon's distinctive voice well–and the utilization of this new 2020s AI technology greatly contributed to bringing his voice from the demo to life thus creating the sensation that he is in the room with you.

A Lasting Gift from The Beatles

For Beatles fans, the release of “Now and Then” is a dream come true and The Beatles’ commitment to preserving their musical history. As we listen to the song, we can't help but be transported back in time, feeling the nostalgia, love, and magic that only The Beatles can deliver.

In a world where time marches on, “Now and Then” is a great gift, a reminder that some things never fade away. It's a salute to the band that shaped generations and a way to celebrate their everlasting impact on the world of music. 

During the initial chart week following the song's release, “Now And Then” claimed the top spot on the United Kingdom singles chart, marking the band's 18th No. 1 single in their home country. This achievement is notably their first No. 1 single in 54 years since “The Ballad of John and Yoko” led the charts in 1969.

According to 93.3 WMMR Philadelphia, “Now And Then” has emerged as the most-streamed Beatles song in a single week in the United Kingdom, amassing over 5.03 million streams within its initial week of release. This exceeds the previous record set in 2021 when “Here Comes the Sun” racked in 1.05 million streams in a week.

Also according to 93.3 WMMR Philadelphia, “Now And Then” made an impressive debut on the United States Billboard Hot 100 chart at No. 7, marking The Beatles' 35th top 10 single. This accomplishment marks their first song to reach the Hot 100's top 10 since the release of “Free as a Bird” from the Anthology in 1996.

You can enjoy “Now and Then” today on streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube or through your preferred music streaming service. Dive into the creative, emotional official music video for it, too, which was unveiled on YouTube on November 3 on The Beatles’ channel: The Beatles - Now And Then (Official Music Video).

If you prefer a tangible connection to this piece of history, you can purchase “Now and Then” in various physical formats, including CD, cassette, 12” vinyl, and even clear, light blue, and blue/white marble limited edition 7” vinyls. All of these formats are available for ordering on The Beatles’ official website.

So, as we listen to the beautiful melody and lyrics of “Now and Then,” we're reminded that even in the 21st century, The Beatles can still touch our hearts and make us feel like we're part of something quite special. Thank you, boys, for this final gift, and may George and John rest in peace–your music and message hold deep meaning for me always.