This is the third Random Weekend to feature The Beatles in this young year. Perhaps the Random iTunes Fairy heard my pledge to feature more Beatles songs and took on the mantle herself.
Today’s track, from 1967’s Magical Mystery Tour, is a fine example of just how great the band’s output is no matter how deep into their catalog you go. ‘Your Mother Should Know’ is a dancehall ditty written by Paul McCartney in a style his parents enjoyed.
I’ve paid very little attention to this song over the course of my lifetime as a Beatles fan. But just listening to the opening harmonies now, it feels like something special. Such excellent performance and production in the service of a simple, sublime melody.
‘Your Mother Should Know’ takes on an added layer of poignancy more than 50 years later, when the song itself is “a hit before your mother was born” for the current generation. Yet it still feels as innovative and essential today.
Let’s all get up and dance to a song
That was a hit before your mother was born
Though she was born a long, long time ago
Your mother should know (Your mother should)
Your mother should know (Know)
Sing it again
Let’s all get up and dance to a song
That was a hit before your mother was born
Though she was born a long, long time ago
Your mother should know (Your mother should)
Your mother should know (Know)
[Bridge]
[Verse 2]
Lift up your hearts and sing me a song
That was a hit before your mother was born
Though she was born a long, long time ago
Your mother should know (Your mother should)
Your mother should know (Know)
Your mother should know (Your mother should)
Your mother should know (Know)
[Bridge]
[Verse 3]
Sing it again
Da da dada da da da dada dada dada da da
Da dada da da
Though she was born a long, long time ago
Your mother should know (Your mother should)
Your mother should know (Know)
Your mother should know (Your mother should)
Your mother should know (Know)
Your mother should know (Your mother should)
Your mother should know (Know)
Meet Me In Montauk 
I didn’t think there were many Beatles songs I had not heard before, but this is one of them. Glad the iTunes Fairy corrected that.
After seeing the brilliant documentary, I newly appreciate a song like this and enjoy imagining how it must have come together in the studio. I love how even a seemingly simple song has these cool little harmonies and surprising musical moments throughout.
Don’t know this song but I love it ❤️