‘Here, There and Everywhere’ is probably my favorite track on Revolver, but giving it a run for its money is another Paul McCartney tune, ‘For No One.’ This song is the flip side of ‘Here, There and Everywhere,’ as sad and resigned as that song is buoyant. It’s a song about the pain that lingers long after a breakup… the little ache that sneaks up on you unexpectedly. As Paul puts it, “There will be times when all the things she said will fill your head. You won’t forget her.”
One thing these Beatles reissues has given me the chance to do is really zero in on the instrumentation of these songs. And my biggest takeaway has been what an amazing bass player Paul McCartney is. Or perhaps I should say what amazing use The Beatles made of Paul’s bass playing.
‘For No One’ opens with piano and clavichord (also played by Paul) before that bass kicks in at the 30 second mark. The bass line in a lot of these songs feels like a living thing. It’s not there to keep the beat or bolster the rhythm section… it wanders here and there, it makes suggestions, it asks questions. You probably think I’m nuts but do me a favor and put on a pair of headphones and listen to this song or, say, ‘A Day in the Life’ and just concentrate on Paul’s bass.
‘For No One’ also features a delightful French horn solo — the instrument of choice for the melancholy. Throw in Ringo on tambourine and you have a cornucopia of sound packed into one of the best two minutes in pop music.
You find that all her words of kindness linger on
When she no longer needs you
She wakes up, she makes up
She takes her time and doesn’t feel she has to hurry
She no longer needs you
And in her eyes you see nothing
No sign of love behind the tears
Cried for no one
A love that should have lasted years
You want her, you need her
And yet you don’t believe her when she says her love is dead
You think she needs you
And in her eyes you see nothing
No sign of love behind the tears
Cried for no one
A love that should have lasted years
You stay home, she goes out
She says that long ago she knew someone but now he’s gone
She doesn’t need him
Your day breaks, your mind aches
There will be times when all the things she said will fill your head
You won’t forget her
And in her eyes you see nothing
No sign of love behind the tears
Cried for no one
A love that should have lasted years
Meet Me In Montauk 
McCartney has been consistently ranked as amongst the best, if not the best, bass players in rock music. That ranking is probably skewed by the overall popularity of the Beatles, but it is also bolstered by the melodic style Paul utilizes so effectively. For my money, I’ll take Sting as a better bass player–but I suspect even Sting would give credit to Paul for inspiring his style of play.
Anyway, this is, indeed, another standout Paul song from Revolver…but I’m hoping to see some Lennon next weekend:)
As a former french horn player, I take issue with your characterization of my people as melancholy 😉
My first thought as I listen to the song this morning is that “sad and resigned” are not the first words that come to mind. Musically, this song is as “buoyant” as yesterday’s SOTD. Sure, the lyrics take it in a different direction, but this is no dirge.
As for the whole bass playing discussion, I’ve always been relatively inept at being able to isolate one instrument from another if I’m not watching the band playing them on a stage in front of me. That said, it sure seems tricky on Rock Band 😉
Lovely song and I love the sound of the french horn. Could have been you Amy if you had continued with your instrument 🙂
It’s melodic and pretty, but sad. (A close cousin to “Demented and sad, but social”)
And Dana, I promise some Lennon next weekend! 🙂