Songs > Because

Because

(Lennon/McCartney)

Song background
The chord pattern to "Because" is derived from Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 14 in C Sharp Minor. Yoko was playing the piece when John asked her to play it backward.

Recording dates

August 1, 1969 (rhythm track, first set of vocals)
August 4, 1969 (second and third sets of vocals)
August 5, 1969 (Moog synthesiser overdubs)
August 12, 1969 (mixing)

Release dates

Recording notes

George Martin plays a Baldwin spinet harpsichord. George Harrison plays a Moog synthesiser.
Ringo provided a guide for the vocalists on the high-hat, but it was not recorded and only appeared in the headsets. The equivalent of 9 vocalists appear, as there are 3 sets of 3-part vocals.

Chart performance

Quotes

"I was lying on the sofa in our house, listening to Yoko play Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" on the piano. Suddenly, I said, "Can you play those chords backward?" She did, and I wrote "Because" around them. The song sounds like "Moonlight Sonata," too. The lyrics are clear, no bullsh-t, no imagery, no obscure references." - John Lennon, Playboy, 1980

Awards

Other notes

Notable covers

Elliot Smith (from the American Beauty soundtrack)