Overview
🌟“Come Together” is the opening track of The Beatles’ 1969 album Abbey Road. Written primarily by John Lennon and credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership, the song blends rock and blues with a touch of psychedelia. The lyrics are cryptic, filled with surreal imagery and references that have been interpreted in various ways over the years. Some see it as a commentary on the band members, while others view it as a broader social commentary. The song’s groove, driven by Paul McCartney’s iconic bassline and Ringo Starr’s distinctive drumming, along with Lennon’s whispered vocal delivery, creates a mysterious and captivating atmosphere. “Come Together” remains one of The Beatles’ most innovative and memorable tracks.
Literary Devices in This Song
| Device | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Allusion | “He got joo-joo eyeball” | References to various cultural or religious concepts. |
| Metaphor | “He got monkey finger” | Describes unique or odd characteristics in a figurative manner. |
| Hyperbole | “He got feet down below his knee” | Exaggeration to create a vivid, surreal image. |
| Repetition | “Come together, right now, over me” | Emphasizes unity and urgency. |
| Irony | “One thing I can tell you is you got to be free” | Suggests a paradoxical command about freedom. |
Poetic Devices in This Song
| Device | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Rhyme Scheme | “He got joo-joo eyeball, he one holy roller” | Creates a musical and cohesive structure. |
| Alliteration | “Got to be good looking ’cause he’s so hard to see” | Repetition of the ‘g’ sound adds a rhythmic quality. |
| Assonance | “Hold you in his armchair you can feel his disease” | Repetition of vowel sounds creates a harmonious effect. |
| Refrain | “Come together, right now, over me” | Repeated line that reinforces the song’s central message. |
| Enjambment | “He got hair down to his knee / Got to be a joker he just do what he please” | Enhances the flow and continuity of the narrative. |
Figurative Language and Imagery in This Song
| Device | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Imagery | “He got joo-joo eyeball” | Creates a vivid and surreal visual image. |
| Metaphor | “He got monkey finger” | Depicts unusual characteristics through comparison. |
| Symbolism | “He one holy roller” | Represents deeper, possibly spiritual or religious undertones. |
| Hyperbole | “He got feet down below his knee” | Exaggeration to emphasize uniqueness or oddity. |
| Personification | “Hold you in his armchair you can feel his disease” | Gives human qualities to abstract concepts, enhancing imagery. |
Thematic Analysis
| Theme | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Unity and Togetherness | The refrain “Come together” emphasizes the importance of unity. |
| Individuality | Describes unique, almost eccentric traits of individuals. |
| Freedom and Rebellion | Phrases like “got to be free” suggest a desire for liberation. |
| Surrealism | The lyrics create a surreal, dream-like narrative that defies conventional logic. |
| Identity | The song explores complex identities through its cryptic descriptions. |
Literary, Poetic, and Figurative Devices Related FAQs
What is the significance of the line “He got joo-joo eyeball”?
This line uses surreal imagery to create a vivid picture of an unusual character, emphasizing individuality and uniqueness.
How does repetition enhance the song?
The repetition of the phrase “Come together, right now, over me” reinforces the central theme of unity and togetherness, making it memorable and impactful.
Why is imagery important in this song?
Imagery, such as “He got monkey finger,” creates striking and memorable visual pictures that engage the listener and add depth to the lyrics.
How does the song use symbolism?
Symbolism, like “He one holy roller,” adds layers of meaning, suggesting spiritual or cultural references that enrich the song’s interpretation.
What role does hyperbole play in the song’s lyrics?
Hyperbole, such as “He got feet down below his knee,” exaggerates characteristics to create a surreal and impactful image, adding to the song’s whimsical tone.
How does the refrain “Come together, right now, over me” contribute to the song?
The refrain serves as a powerful call for unity, emphasizing the song’s central message and creating a sense of urgency and importance.