“Now and Then” is a posthumous track by The Beatles that was originally started in the mid-1970s but was completed much later. It was one of the last Beatles recordings that came to fruition long after the band’s breakup. This song has an interesting and somewhat bittersweet history: it was written by John Lennon and was one of the demos he recorded on his home studio cassette recorder in 1973. The song was initially considered by Paul McCartney during the recording sessions for The Beatles’ 1995 anthology project, but due to technical limitations and the band’s complicated dynamics at the time, the track was left unfinished.
The demo of “Now and Then” was brought back into the spotlight when Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr began revisiting the track in the mid-1990s to finish it with John Lennon’s original vocals. While the original recording was limited in quality, McCartney worked on the track using modern technology to enhance and layer the song with the remaining Beatles’ contributions, including Harrison’s guitar work and Starr’s drumming, along with McCartney’s bass and vocals.
Lyrically, “Now and Then” carries a melancholic but nostalgic theme. The song deals with the passage of time and the longing for a lost connection, with the lyrics expressing a desire to rekindle a relationship that has faded. It’s a reflection on both love and loss, capturing the timeless feeling of yearning for someone you can no longer reach. The repeated refrain “Now and then I miss you” speaks to the universality of human emotions—whether related to romantic relationships or the loss of loved ones, and the song’s poignant tone makes it resonate deeply.
Musically, the track fits within The Beatles’ later years of sound—it’s mellow, with an introspective atmosphere. The song features Lennon’s original vocal track, which is sparse yet emotive, and it’s layered with soft, modern production elements. The music builds slowly, creating a dreamy, reflective quality. The instrumentation is simple yet evocative, with gentle piano and guitar lines accompanying the rich harmonies provided by the surviving Beatles members. The track is lush yet understated, giving the feeling of a fragile yet hopeful moment in time. The song’s production also benefits from McCartney’s work on the track, especially in elevating the recording quality from the original demo and incorporating modern elements without overshadowing the original sentiment.
Ultimately, “Now and Then” stands as a symbolic reminder of The Beatles’ legacy—of their ability to craft timeless music that transcends time and space. The song not only reflects Lennon’s songwriting style, but also how the remaining members of The Beatles were able to come together to complete one of the final pieces of their shared musical history. Though it came years after the band’s disbandment, the release of “Now and Then” offers a poignant and emotional conclusion to the band’s anthology and provides fans with a glimpse of the magic that made The Beatles so iconic.
In conclusion, “Now and Then” is a significant and emotional track that encapsulates the themes of loss, nostalgia, and connection. It serves as a bridge between the past and present, completing the circle of The Beatles’ remarkable musical journey. Its release was a powerful moment for fans of the band and a testament to the enduring power of their music, even after decades of separation.