“Now and Then” is a poignant and significant track in The Beatles‘ legacy, particularly as it marks the completion of the band’s final song together—many years after their breakup. The song was originally written by John Lennon in the late 1970s, but it was never fully completed before his death in 1980. In the early 1990s, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr revisited the unfinished demo, attempting to bring it to life with the help of modern technology. After many years, “Now and Then” was finally completed in 2023, and it became a momentous release, offering fans a chance to hear The Beatles together again on a new track.
Lyrically, “Now and Then” captures themes of loss, nostalgia, and reflection, with Lennon‘s lyrics reflecting a sense of longing for the past. The song’s central idea is the passage of time, and the emotional pain that comes with both the inevitable changes and the memories of days gone by. The repeated line “Now and then, I miss you” sums up the sentiment of the track, expressing how memories of a loved one—whether alive or lost—continue to resonate and affect us even as time moves on. It reflects Lennon’s characteristic vulnerability and his reflective, often melancholic view on life, love, and loss.
Musically, “Now and Then” retains the warmth and familiar sounds of The Beatles, blending acoustic and electric elements. The song has a soft, gentle intro, with an acoustic guitar leading the way, accompanied by Lennon‘s original vocals, which were cleaned up and enhanced with the help of modern technology. The track gradually builds in intensity, adding layers of McCartney’s bass, Harrison’s guitar, and Ringo Starr’s drums, giving the song an emotional and intimate sound. The production, overseen by McCartney, uses digital technology to create a seamless fusion of Lennon’s original demo and the contributions of the remaining Beatles. The result is a track that feels both nostalgic and fresh, with a deep, emotional resonance.
The song also features George Harrison’s signature guitar sound, which was included posthumously, utilizing recordings from the early 1990s. The result is a song that feels like a final, heartfelt collaboration between the surviving members of The Beatles and their dearly departed bandmate, John Lennon. The emotional weight of the song is amplified by the history behind it and the context in which it was released.
In conclusion, “Now and Then” is a powerful and emotionally charged track that represents both the final chapter of The Beatles’ story and a deeply personal reflection from John Lennon on love, loss, and the passage of time. The song serves as a beautiful, bittersweet reunion of the band, with McCartney, Harrison, and Starr completing what Lennon began decades ago. Its release in 2023 provides a sense of closure for fans and stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of The Beatles‘ music.