About the song
“We Can Work It Out” stands as a poignant testament to the collaborative brilliance of Paul McCartney and John Lennon within the Beatles’ repertoire. Released in December 1965 as a double A-side single with “Day Tripper,” the song swiftly ascended the charts globally, marking yet another pinnacle of the band’s success.
Penned primarily by McCartney, the song’s genesis reportedly stemmed from personal reflections on his relationship with actress Jane Asher. McCartney crafted the verses and the optimistic chorus, embodying a plea for reconciliation and mutual understanding. Upon presenting the song to Lennon, the duo collaborated on the bridge, where Lennon introduced a contrasting philosophical perspective on life’s brevity and the futility of strife.
Musically, “We Can Work It Out” showcases the Beatles’ evolving experimentation and ingenuity. George Harrison’s suggestion to infuse a waltz-like 3/4 time signature into the bridge added a distinctive touch, highlighting the band’s willingness to innovate even within the confines of a pop single. This compositional choice not only accentuated the song’s emotional depth but also hinted at the sonic experimentation that would define their future works, such as the groundbreaking “Revolver” album.
Critically, the song has been noted for its thematic complexity, contrasting McCartney’s hopeful outlook with Lennon’s introspective realism. While McCartney’s verses exude optimism with lines like “Try to see it my way,” Lennon’s bridge injects a sense of urgency and existential contemplation with “Life is very short.” This interplay of perspectives not only enriches the song’s lyrical texture but also underscores the dynamic songwriting partnership that defined much of the Beatles’ catalog.
“We Can Work It Out” remains a timeless testament to the Beatles’ ability to craft deeply resonant songs that transcend the era of their creation. Its melodic appeal, lyrical depth, and innovative musical arrangements continue to captivate audiences, reaffirming its status as a classic within the rock and pop canon. As a pivotal moment in the Beatles’ career, this song exemplifies their enduring legacy as musical pioneers and cultural icons.
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Lyrics
Try to see it my way,
Do I have to keep on talking till I can’t go on?
While you see it your way,
Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone.
We can work it out,
We can work it out.
Think of what you’re saying.
You can get it wrong and still you think that it’s alright.
Think of what I’m saying,
We can work it out and get it straight, or say good night.
We can work it out,
We can work it out.
Life is very short, and there’s no time
For fussing and fighting, my friend.
I have always thought that it’s a crime,
So I will ask you once again.
Try to see it my way,
Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong.
While you see it your way
There’s a chance that we may fall apart before too long.
We can work it out,
We can work it out.
Life is very short, and there’s no time
For fussing and fighting, my friend.
I have always thought that it’s a crime,
So I will ask you once again.
Try to see it my way,
Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong.
While you see it your way
There’s a chance that we may fall apart before too long.
We can work it out,
We can work it out.