So there I was, crying on a Beatle’s Tour bus outside Strawberry Fields, trying to figure out what brought me to this point – the dreaded sudden public display of emotion.
We’d traveled to Liverpool to experience this fabulous city, after having missed it when we lived in London. We wanted to see The Dock, The Tate – we hadn’t even considered The Beatles. But ever the opportunists, we stumbled upon a Beatles Tour, and the guy offered us a deal. Well, we can never pass up a deal.
We’d managed to snag a prime upper deck seat, and James had just jumped off to snap a closeup of the iconic gate.
The music loop had cycled through – from “She Loves You” to “Hey Jude” all the way up to “In My Life.” And that was my undoing. An unexpected flood of memories and emotions washed over me.
There are places I’ll remember
All my life, though some have changed …
—“In My Life” by the Beatles.
What in the world was going on? I didn’t even consider myself a Beatles fan … but I obviously needed to rethink that attitude.
The bus had been winding it’s way through the streets of Liverpool where the Fab Four grew up and launched their stunning careers. And just as their neighborhood had inspired many of their lyrics, I realized that their songs and history were woven through my life story.
The Beatles took America by storm when I was a budding teenager, and young women were swept up in the screaming, crying frenzy that was Beatlemania.
I wasn’t a screamer – it was not allowed in my family. In a household of four girls, my mother had an ironclad rule that you were never permitted to scream unless you were in serious danger. My younger sister would always scream if I started to tickle her – an amazingly effective sibling self-defense measure. It only took me a few times to figure out that Mom would come running – fearing the worst – and then I was in big trouble.
Of course, my sisters swear that trouble was my middle name. As the firstborn, I tested all the boundaries … and my mother’s patience. So when it came to Beatlemania, there was to be none of that nonsense. In her book, guys with long hair and girls with short skirts were a recipe for disaster.
But their music has woven a timeline of significant life events throughout my formative years, into adulthood, and surprisingly, into my current life. These are my 9 touchstones:
1. I first held hands with a boy walking to school. I was in the band, carrying a heavy saxophone, and he offered to carry it and took my hand. I was smitten. In those days we carried transistor radios (the iPhone of the 60s) and this song was playing. You guessed it – “I Wanna Hold Your Hand.”
2. The first time I kissed a guy was at a party in the basement of my friend’s house. He was the cool, new guy from out of town. Playing in the background was “If I Fell.”
3. I had just started taking French lessons when “Michelle” came out. How perfect. I could actually practice while singing a song I loved. I felt so sophisticated.
Sont les mots qui vont tres bien ensemble,
Tres bien ensemble.
—“Michelle” by the Beatles
4. When the Beatles shocked the world with their last live performance in 1969 on a Saville Row rooftop, I had just moved from small town Ohio to big city Chicago – leaving all my childhood friends. Their theme of “Let It Be” seemed to encapsulate my young life to that point.
From then on, the members of the Beatles were flying solo, continuing to create iconic music with poignant lyrics.
5. In 1971, James and I entered university, young in love and thrilled with our newfound independence and free-thinking surroundings. That’s when John released “Imagine” and we were captivated by its anti-establishment lyrics and beguiling melody.
Imagine all the people
Livin’ life in peace …
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one …
—“Imagine” by the Beatles
When asked about the song and its meaning, John Lennon replied:
Anti-religious, anti-nationalistic, anti-conventional, anti-capitalistic, but because it is sugarcoated it is accepted … Now I understand what you have to do. Put your political message across with a little honey.
6. In 1980 when John Lennon was murdered, James was in the hospital recovering from life-threatening Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever he caught while working in the jungles of Belize. Both events were a shock.
7. In 1990 we quit our corporate jobs in London, started our own business, and began the epic journey that returned to the US and our families. Paul sang “The Long and Winding Road” in the background – the anthem of our nomadic lives.
8. When George Harrison passed away in 2001 we had just embarked on our first Round-the-World Trip. We celebrated his life listening to our favorite Beatles tune “Norwegian Wood” where his exotic sitar captivated a generation.
9. And just last year when I shared some personal challenges, I referred to John Lennon’s beautiful tribute to his son. The lyrics of “Beautiful Boy” contain the famous Lennon quote:
Life is what happens to you
while you’re busy making other plans
—John Lennon, Beautiful Boy
Life really does come full circle.
Paul McCartney recently took a “Carpool Karaoke” spin around Liverpool with English comedian James Corden. What a delight! And it follows the same route we took. If you haven’t seen it, you’re in for a treat.
If you’ve never been to Liverpool it’s a fantastic place. Whether you take a ferry ‘cross the Mersey or sample a bit of Scouse (both an accent and fish pie), you’ll enjoy the marvelous Liverpudlian hospitality and vitality.
And you really should take the Beatles Tour – whether you think you’re a fan, or not.
Imagine Peace, Terri
Last Updated September 5, 2023
Photo Credits: 1. Dimitry Anikin 8. Groovy History 9. Gift Habeshaw 10. Over Sixty 12. Atanas Paskalev
GALLIVANCE 
I’ll have to come back to this one later to enjoy the video and the memories. Yes, this brought a lump to the throat, Terri. I love the city and I loved them too. 🙂 🙂
Strolling down Memory Lane of Beatles songs is a definite blast from the past, Jo. And you’re right about the lump in the throat. I think for me, past memories are awakened when I hear certain songs or smell certain scents – then BAM!! – I’m right back there in that moment. I think you’ll enjoy the video as a fan of the city and Fab Four. 🙂 ~Terri
Thanks for reminding me, Terri. I got engrossed in something else. I’ve seen it before but I’ll play it again now 🙂
There is something about the music when we were in our teens that sticks with us forever. About a decade older than you two, Elvis was often the background track to my life. I didn’t particularly care for him at the time but came to appreciate his talent years later. When we got to college, both Alie and I took odd turns away from the music our friends listened to: Alie memorized countless folk songs and I listened to what we would now call smooth jazz.
Ray, you’re so right about the music of our youth. I read that teenagers imprint on the music that was popular when they were 13. I didn’t know if that was true, so I went back to a list of the most popular songs when I was 13, and sure enough, I knew all the lyrics to just about every song! Amazing!
It’s interesting that you and Alie chose different musical paths – it was the same for us. James loved Motown, and like Alie, I was into folk music. And it seems that the Beatles still ring true – I just didn’t know it! 🙂 ~Terri
Ah, how poetic is your timing? Just yesterday I was going through old photos and found some of my mom, me, and six of my sisters at a Beatles (mock band) concert. We were on vacation—the first and only we ever had together— and our expressions were pure joy. Like you, I had never considered myself a Beatles fan but after that concert I added several albums to my play list. And, Beautiful Boy was the song I danced with my son to at his wedding. Enjoyed reading this.
Thank you Alison, so glad you enjoyed it. Your vacation with your six sisters and Mom sounds glorious. I would love to see that photo. You must come from a really big family! And to think that the Beatles brought you all together for that one lovely memory is so touching.
As a result of researching this post I got to know John Lennon a lot better. His creation of “Beautiful Boy” certainly seems to feature John coming full circle on his final album. How special that you and your son danced to it at his wedding. Now I will forever have that in my memory. Thanks! ~Terri
We visited Liverpool a couple of years ago and loved it. The Beatles tour is a must and as a Beatles fan (yes I screamed along with my friends on front of the TV watching them on Ed Sullivan) it was amazing. And yes, I cried too seeing the places that inspired them. Here is my post if you want to check it out. https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com/2017/11/08/all-you-need-is-love-4-days-in-liverpool/
Thanks for these great memories!
That’s amazing, Darlene. I love your post and all your great photos. It sounds like we had a very similar experience and reaction to being in lovely Liverpool. Talk about a city that pushes a lot of memory buttons!
So you were a screamer, huh! My best friend was, too! As my Dad used to say, “She could peel the paint off the walls with that scream!” 🙂 It’s so nice to know that I wasn’t the only one getting emotional when I took the tour. Here’s to Simpatico Sisters. 🙂 ~Terri
It certainly is a city for memories. Even seeing the sculpture of the family ready to immigrate to North America brought tears to my eyes as I thought of how many left those shores to a new life, never to return. My son’s mother-in-law was a little girl when her family left from that very port to immigrate to Canada almost 70 years ago.
Darlene, we were struck by the same thought of so many people leaving their homeland for a new life. And you have a personal connection! Was she old enough to remember much of the experience? ~Terri
All she told me was she was excited to be going on a large boat. I think she was around 4 or 5. My grandfather was the same age when he immigrated with his parents in 1911 (from Hamburg, Germany) and he said the same thing. He recalled being excited to be on a large boat.
Thank you for this post. I loved following you along on the Beatles tour. I’ve been a Beatles fan ever since I heard them on the radio when I was in middle school. When my daughter and I spent a weekend in New York City one of our must see sights was the John Lennon memorial in Central Park.
Many thanks, Beth. I love how mothers and daughters bond over the Beatles, and visiting the memorial together must have been very special. So the real question is: Were you a screamer? 🙂 ~Terri
Not a screamer😁 not even when I saw them in person in Washington, DC!
You saw them in person!!! Wow. That is SO cool. 🙂 What a memory that must be. ~T
What lovely memories Terri, I feel they were part of my life too.
Leslie xoxo
Leslie, It’s so good to have a Sister in Arms. I think the Beatles’ music has touched a lot of lives in many different ways – and in my case, I didn’t even realize it! 🙂 ~Terri
Hi Terri and James, When I see your Beatles quotes, I immediately begin to sing the song in my mind. Like you say “…a flood of memories and emotions…”. I can still hear the next door neighbour’s teenage girls screaming when the Beatles came on the Ed Sullivan Show. And, “Imagine” is still a favourite song on my playlists. I just Re watched the Carpool Karaoke. What fun! Thank you for sharing a great post!🙂 Erica
Thanks so much, Erica! Once I start humming Beatles’ tunes in my head … I can’t stop. One just leads to another until I get up to Helter Skelter – and then I stop. I guess I preferred their softer, funnier side. But the teenage screaming was a totally new thing to me. I think I secretly envied the girls’ abilities to just “Let ‘er rip!” And they sure did. 🙂
I did get a kick out of Carpool Karaoke – and Sir Paul was such a good sport about it all. So, do you have a favorite Beatles’ song? ~Terri
The first one that comes to mind is “Imagine.” Still on some of my playlists. Have a good weekend, Terri. 🙂
It’s one of my faves, too, Erica. Hope you have a great weekend as well. We’re hoping for our last bit of mild weather. 🙂 ~Terri
I was too young to be a Beatles screamer, but the soundtrack of their career ran all through my life, too. My favorite memories are of sitting in my aunt’s and uncle’s house and listening to their record player (so I’m not THAT much younger – haha) with my brother. All those early songs (If I Fell, Can’t Buy Me Love, etc) still take me right back to their little place at the beach and my pre-teen years. The later ones have similar associations, all very special. How fun to think back on all of them, prompted by your fun post!
What great memories, Lexie. And I bet your aunt and uncle have their recollections of your visits, too. Like you, we listened to the songs on an old record player. James and I were just talking about all the things we’d have to do to get them to play properly. James said his record player was so persnickety that they had to tape a nickel to the arm to get it to stay in the right track! So glad I prompted some special memories! 🙂 ~Terri
I went to University in North Wales and Liverpool was our nearest large city. I am afraid we rather looked down on the Beatles preferring the numerous Irish Liverpudlian folk groups. My memories from that era were being suprised just how divided the city was between catholic and protestant. It was the time of the troubles in Ireland and most Liverpudlians I knew strongly supported one side or the other with regular orange and green marches. I was suprised that my children actually liked the beatles.
Anne, what a fascinating, thought-provoking perspective you bring to the conversation. Thank you! Being in university at that time and location gave you a unique viewpoint on the circumstances. I’ve read about the divide you described, and it’s so good to talk with someone who experienced it. I understand that Liverpool has gone through tremendous changes since its low point in the 1970s and 80s, and I’m curious how you view the changes.
I must admit that I’m intrigued by the Irish Liverpudlian folk groups you mentioned. I’m a music lover and wondered if they would be anyone one I might know? Thanks again for giving us another slant on the times. All the best, Terri
Thanks for the tour, has been on my list and hope to get there one day
Hi Alice, I’m so glad you stopped by – it’s great to have you here. I’m so glad that you enjoyed the tour, and hopefully we’ll all be able to get back on the road again soon. Fingers crossed. 🙂 All the best, Terri
Reading this was such a great way to start my morning. We took the Magical Mystery bus tour last year and just couldn’t stop smiling. But that first photo – it always brings tears to my eyes when we visit the park.
Thanks and be safe.
Steve
Steve you totally nailed it – “we just couldn’t stop smiling.” My face hurt the next day from grinning for hours nonstop. 🙂 And we had this fabulous tour guide who played guitar – walking up and down the bus steps – and knew his Beatles history inside and out. I was amazed.
And you’re right, the Imagine photo always feels bittersweet. I hope that you and Annie are staying safe and healthy. ~Terri
Terri you have an incredible memory. My brother and I loved the Beatles as we grew up. As he moved to the US many decades ago, I am the holder of most the Beatles LPs that we bought in our early days. However I have no recollection of specific songs tied to moments as you do. My brother and I have talked about going to Liverpool one day together. Your post brings that dream back to top of mind.
Thanks Sue, isn’t it funny how some things just stick in your memory and you can’t really explain why? James and I always laugh because I can remember where I was when I first heard a song … and he can vividly remember every campsite we’ve ever had (but I’m clueless!) 🙂 I just never realized that Beatles’ songs wove such a tapestry through my life.
How cool that you are the holder of the Beatles LPs for you and your brother. That must be a treasure trove of memories! You two would definitely enjoy the nostalgia of Liverpool. Hopefully when we’re all able to hit the road again you can make that dream a reality. ~Terri
I am not a Beatles fan (crazy- I know!) so I’m happy to have experienced this tour through your eyes. Excellent.
Many thanks, Jacqui. And no, you’re not crazy! 🙂 I thought I was in the same category, but I guess the Liverpudlian enthusiasm is contagious. The great thing we discovered about Liverpool is that it has so much to offer besides Beatles nostalgia. In addition to fascinating history, gorgeous architecture, and great museums, the people will totally charm you. ~Terri
What fun, Terri. I traveled down memory lane with you. Incredible how music can touch and help mold a generation— whether you consider yourself a fan or not. My first Beetles experience was “I Want to Hold Your Hand’ as well. I was a junior at Berkeley in 1964 and lived in a high-rise four-plex of dorms. One of the dorms went on a Beetles kick and played the song on loud speakers, over and over and over. –Curt
What a great story, Curt! I guess the continuous broadcasting guaranteed that you’d either love – or hate the song for life! 🙂 And being at Berkeley at that time in history must have been quite an experience. So when you were in the Peace Corps, did the Beatles’ music follow you to Africa? ~Terri
For a country boy, Terri, being at Berkeley in the 60s was like waking up and finding that I had been transported to a different planet. 🙂
In up-country Gbarnga, the only two radio stations were BBC and VOA, neither of which I remember being big on the Beetles. I did have a heck of a collection of the Kingston Trio records, however. The young Liberian who worked for us had them memorized. –Curt
Well, you can never go wrong with the Kingston Trio, Curt. 🙂 When we lived in Sudan in the early 80s, the musical influence was mostly Arab Pop Music out of Egypt, with a smattering of American Pop like Wham! or The Cars. Madonna was considered entirely too risqué. 🙂 ~Terri
I can imagine that Madonna would have been frowned on, Terri. Grin. We also had a couple of Barbara Streisand albums left for us by a PCV who was going home after finishing his service. Couldn’t go wrong there, either! –Curt
Oh so true, Curt! James and I saw the Kingston Trio perform in Nashville at Opryland when we were college students. We thought we’d hit the big time. 🙂 ~Terri
Laughing. In a sense, you had. Peggy saw Elvis when see was in Knoxville at UT. She thought that she had hit the big time as well. 🙂 My only claim to fame in the 70s was seeing Jimmy Buffet at Harrahs in Reno, grin. –Curt
One of the most feel good things James Corden has ever done. I truly loved it. Started my weekend of well, guys. Have a good one! 🙂 🙂
You have a great weekend too, Jo! 🙂 ~T
Simply wonderful! Thanks for the heartfelt memories. And thank you too for the Carpool Karoke – I had seen it and wanted to view it again!
Thanks a bunch, Pam. It’s amazing how one song can spark so many memories. I didn’t see the Carpool Karaoke until we returned from the trip, and it was deja vu. I just grinned and sang along with it. 🙂 ~Terri
Your touchstones are wonderful Terri. I particularly like your I Wanna Hold Your Hand memory. It really is incredible what memories are evoked by Beatles songs. The first thing that comes to mind for me is being introduced to The Beatles (with the song Maxwell’s Silver Hammer) in my then best friend’s basement. She was the youngest of ten children and I thought her older brothers were the coolest listening to The Beatles (I was only about 7 or 8 at the time). The songs Hey Jude and Octopus’s Garden will always be associated with my time figure skating, as a teenager, and doing routines (poorly) to these songs. Thanks for the fun memories!
So glad you liked the touchstones, Caroline. And your memories are so specific and unique! I can totally relate to idolizing your friend’s older brothers. Me too! We just wanted to be cool, too. I’m so impressed that you figure skated to the Beatles. I bet there aren’t a lot of people who can say that. What wonderful memories and I’m so glad you shared them. Thanks! ~Terri
What a wonderful account and heart-warning tribute to your past and to the Beatles, Terri. Sometimes, emotions can get to us. Just like that. The Beatles were from before my generation, yet, I grew up listening to them – to the records of my dad. Back in the day, apparently you were a Beatle or a Stone (Rolling Stones). My mom belonged to the other camp, so I’m familiar with songs of both bands.
I love the songs of The Beatles. They always cheer me up and, despite me not knowing the lyrics (in Belgium, we never learned the lyrics as our English knowledge came well after listening to music), I enjoy singing along with the chorus. As a teenager, I had a few “Best of The Beatles” CDs and I still like listening to them. I’d certainly take that tour in Liverpool whenever we visit. But, only if we can get a good deal! 🙂
Thanks so much, Liesbet. And you’re right – you were either a Beatles or a Stones fan. I think I had a foot in both camps, but the Beatles songs seem to tug at my heart strings – and I didn’t even realize it! The Stones were a bit more “Sassy” as my Dad said. 🙂
As I researched the Beatles, I realized that we got to watch them grow up from boys to men right before our eyes – with 4 unique personalities. And all their growing pains produced radically different phases in their music. I hope you’re able to make it to Liverpool one day because it’s a real slice of life. ~Terri
A few special songs form the soundtrack of our lives. Amazing how the Beatles manage to capture so many of them. I loved that Carpool Karaoke with Paul McCartney!
Rebecca, I love your phrase “the soundtrack of our lives.” How perfect. And wouldn’t it be fun to put that together. Talk about strolling down memory lane. So glad you enjoyed the Carpool Karaoke. ~Terri
Wish I could take credit for the phrase. A Swedish rock band in 1995 chose that name. But I thought it fit your Beatles post perfectly.
Great post! Had a good laugh at the photo of the screamer, LOL! My mom saw the Beatles at Red Rocks in Colorado in the ’60s — she probably looked like that! Their music was the background of my childhood. It’s funny how some of us (myself included) don’t consider ourselves huge fans but somehow know the words to every song!
Many thanks, Kelly! And like you, I seem to know the words to so many Beatles songs – but I’m not sure why! I love your phrase “background of my childhood.” Perfect. It’s hard to imaging the Beatles at Red Rocks in such a natural setting, but I guess that depends on what phase of their career they were in. Please tell her that I’m envious – now that I’ve discovered I’m a fan! 🙂 ~Terri
Terri, I LOVE this post, it has made me quite emotional. I am a huge Beatles fan and although I was only a child when they were at the top of the charts, I think their music is timeless and I still love listening to it now. I really enjoyed how you have written this post, quoting their music in the background of some of your life-changing events. I went to Liverpool a few years ago to attend a 4 days conference and I ended up skipping a session so I could go on that bus tour you mentioned. It was totally worth it. I am so glad you have included the James Corden Carpool Karaoke with Paul McCartney…absolutely fabulous. I wish I could have been at that Pub and see him perform.
I’m thrilled that you enjoyed it, Gilda. I totally agree with you about their music being timeless – and it seems to appeal across generations. It must feel great to create something that truly stands the test of time. I know that I love the music my parents loved because it always reminds me of them singing and dancing together. 🙂 Thanks again for your kind words. ~Terri
Thank you so much for checking out my blog recently! I hope you enjoyed what you read and will choose to follow me. I would really appreciate the support!
Hi Ena, I really enjoy the positivity you radiate! 🙂 All the best, Terri
Thank you so much for your kind words! I really appreciate the encouragement and support!
I was one of those who was around for the performance on the Ed Sullivan show. I wasn’t a screamer, but I certainly enjoyed the music. What’s odd is that none of the earliest songs have specific memories attached. They were part of the sound track of my high school years, but little more. When I think about my favorites, the titles that come to mind are “Ticket to Ride,” “Day Tripper,” and “Back in the USSR.” There may be a pattern there.
My all time favorite has to be “Here Comes the Sun.” It was used as a Communion hymn in one of my congregations, and it was well done; the pun, of course, was intentional. I just discovered that my favorite video’s been removed; it paired the song with fabulous sunrises in the north — icebergs, and such. No matter. Just listening to the song again was enough.
Linda, I too love the songs you selected. Isn’t it interesting that all of your favorites are tied to the concept of travel and destinations? They say you can learn a lot about a person by their taste in music. 🙂
It’s hard to beat “Here Comes the Sun.” Too bad the video has been taken down – I would love to see that one. I used to plan corporate conferences, and that song was guaranteed to get a crowd of people smiling and singing along. Thanks so much for all your great memories. ~Terri
I can’t tell you how impressive this post is. Not only have you named key moments in the lives of the Beatles, you’ve also paralleled memories of your own, enlightening all of us readers. In addition, you’ve got me thinking about my connection to the Fab Four, albeit less connected than you two were, having lived in London and experienced some of the moves, losses, and life changes that the Beatles did.
My greatest memory was standing (yes, standing since there was no sitting room to be had) in the lobby of my freshman dorm at UT watching the small television screen as Ed Sullivan brought the Beatles into our homes and dorms! I didn’t scream initially since I was in shock at all those girls (losing it, of course) in the ecstasy of the moment. But I was mesmerized. And if I could have ever scored a ticket to one of their concerts, I’m sure I would have been screaming with the masses!
Bert and I visited the tribute to John Lennon in Central Park, listening to whatever songs were playing at the time and taking pictures of each other on the Imagine mosaic. I still can’t believe how his life ended. But the memories of that group linger as we, in turn, pay tribute to them and their legacy. What an era! Thanks for your post. Rusha
You are so kind, Rusha! Thank you. I’m glad I was able to bring back a memory – and what a memory it was. Being a college freshman when the Beatles took America by storm – talk about an impressionable age! And I bet all of your friends from then have similar memories. If your dorm was anything like mine, there was one communal TV that everyone gathered around for special events. My how the times have changed. 🙂
I’m fascinated by how their music, both as a group and individuals, has stood the test of time across generations. It’s been particularly interesting to see which songs people have mentioned in their comments. Did you and Bert have a fave? ~Terri
Rock and roll was never my forte, I’m much more into classic country (can’t stand new country!!!) But, that being said, I can appreciate how the Beatles influenced so many lives. Two things I can’t picture is you screaming or bursting into tears, It must have been quite a moment.
Laura, you provide such an interesting perspective that I hadn’t even considered! I guess when you’re a kid you don’t question what kind of music is available – both at home and on the radio stations. It just IS! But maybe that was just the “teenage factor.” We were determined to listen to stuff that drove our parents crazy! 🙂
So do you have some iconic songs or song writers that you loved as a young teenager? ~Terri
Marty Robbins has always been a favorite, as a teenager and still now. I love his western ballads and the the fact he actually was a Texas Ranger makes it all the more fascinating. There are lots a fabulous story tellers in classic country and I never have to strain my ears to understand the words 😂
Marty Robbins is a wonderful, classic guy. I can still hear my dad singing “A White Sport Coat.” What a great memory you reminded me of. Thanks! ~T