About The Song
Released in 1969 on the Yellow Submarine soundtrack, “Only A Northern Song” arrived at the tail end of The Beatles’ psychedelic era. While the album itself bursts with whimsy and experimentation, “Only A Northern Song” stands out for its witty wordplay and a touch of melancholy that hints at the introspective turn Harrison was about to take.
Now, some might say “Only A Northern Song” is a simple ditty. And on the surface, it is. The melody is playful, the instrumentation leans towards a classic pop sound, and the lyrics are filled with nonsensical rhymes and quirky imagery. We hear of a man from Madeira “sitting in the shade” and a “penny dreadful” that’s “full of lousy rhymes.” It’s all quite lighthearted, a perfect fit for the whimsical world of Yellow Submarine.
But beneath the surface, there’s a layer of subtle commentary. The song’s title itself is a sly dig at the music industry, particularly the publishing deals that often left songwriters with a pittance of the royalties. Here, Harrison sings about a man who writes “a northern song,” a term used in the British music industry for compositions owned by a publishing company, not the songwriter. The lyrics, though seemingly nonsensical, hint at the frustration of creative ownership and the feeling of being shortchanged.
“Only A Northern Song” may not be a revolutionary anthem, but it’s a testament to Harrison’s songwriting wit. He manages to weave a critique of the music industry into a seemingly lighthearted pop song, a feat that requires a deft touch and a keen sense of humor. So, the next time you revisit the Yellow Submarine soundtrack, don’t skip over this hidden gem. Listen closely, and you might just discover a layer of depth beneath the catchy melody and playful rhymes.