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Top 25 Best Beatles Songs Ever Made (Ranked List)

October 6, 2022
best Beatles songs

Few bands have had as much impact on the world as The Beatles.

And it’s hard to pick the top Beatles songs as they left us a substantial legacy.

But there is a general opinion among fans and critics which might be the greatest Beatles songs.

So let us take you through that list – here come the best Beatles songs of all time! 

1. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” 

If you’re searching for the best Beatles songs ranked, many would agree that “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is at the very top.

Besides being a timeless hit, the song also has an interesting story behind it.

George Harrison apparently decided to write the lyrics based on the first words he sees after opening a book in his parents’ house.

The first words he saw was the phrase ‘gently weeps’.

And that’s how “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” was born.

2. “A Day In The Life” 

“A Day In The Life” is also widely regarded as one of the top Beatles songs of all time.

It’s a famous Lennon-McCartney collaboration.

Lyrically, the song is quite simple – it describes a day in the life.

But musically, it’s an unpredictable and uniquely captivating masterpiece. 

And it probably has the most powerful build-up where you literally don’t know what will happen next.

Unless you know the song by heart, of course, and that’s more likely the truth.

3. “Strawberry Fields Forever” 

Without a doubt, “Strawberry Fields Forever” is one of the most popular Beatles songs.

In a way, the song sounds a bit surreal.

After all, it’s inspired by Lennon’s strange thoughts related to his childhood. 

So, the song is definitely marked by his imagination and recognizable songwriting skills.

This song can take you somewhere else – and the beauty of it is that you can decide where.

4. “Here Comes The Sun”

“Here Comes The Sun” is the ultimate feel-good song.

It’s full of hope, heartfelt lyrics, and dreamy melodies.

The song was released on the band’s iconic studio album “Abbey Road” in 1986.

And it went through many different renditions throughout the years, including Nina Simone’s version recorded in the 70s.

5. “I Want To Hold Your Hand”

“I Want To Hold Your Hand” is one of the famous Beatles songs recorded in 1963.

The song was the group’s first American number-one hit.

It was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Lyrically, it’s about longing and desire, and the wish to be romantically involved with someone you’re falling in love with.

6. “Tomorrow Never Knows”

“Tomorrow Never Knows” is undeniably one of the group’s most experimental songs.

It must have been a truly innovative gem in the 60s.

In short, it’s pure Beatles with a touch of psychedelic and acid rock.

And lyrically, it’s whatever you want it to be.

It could be the end or the beginning of everything.

7. “All You Need Is Love”

On the other note, “All You Need Is Love” has everything you need for a popular all-time hit.

It’s simple, uplifting, and catchy, and it sends a universal message of love.

The song was originally Britain’s contribution to Our World, the first live global TV show – and that explains the song’s simplicity and message.

The program was seen by over 400 million people in over 25 countries.

8. “Yesterday” 

“Yesterday” is often categorized as one of the top 20 Beatles songs.

It’s also one of the most covered songs in history.

Essentially, it’s a ballad about the end of a relationship.

It was composed by Paul McCartney who reportedly based the lyrics on his dream.

He dreamed it in his room at the Wimpole Street home of his then-girlfriend.

9. “In My Life” 

“In My Life” is taken from the group’s 1965 album “Rubber Soul.”

It was written by Lennon and McCartney, and it was the first time Lennon wrote very personal lyrics.

The song is regarded as one of the Beatles’ greatest songs.

Using his personal life as an inspiration evidently turned out to be a win for Lennon.

10. “Something” 

Another song that changed the group’s life is “Something.” 

McCartney once called it the best song Harrison has ever written.

The song is allegedly inspired by Harrison’s first wife, Pattie Boyd.

The lyrics revolve around loving a woman but realizing there’s something wrong in the relationship.

“Something” is genuine and rather slow-paced, so it comes as no surprise that it  became the second most-covered Beatles song behind “Yesterday.” 

11. “She Loves You” 

“She Loves You” is arguably one of the Beatles’ top hits.

It’s fast-paced and catchy, and it has that authentic 60s vibe. 

And it’s one of the first Beatles songs without an introduction – it goes straight to the chorus.

Lyrically, it’s about a guy who thinks he lost his girl but it turns out she loves him.

12. “Hey Jude” 

Another timeless Beatles hit that found its spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame is “Hey Jude.” 

McCartney’s lyrics for the song were inspired by John’s 5-year-old son, Julian.

But of course, the song received many interpretations over the years.

Nevertheless, it’s an epic Beatles tune that still rocks.

And it’s a perfect sing-along song.

13. “Let It Be” 

When you think about the best Beatles songs of all time, “Let It Be” is probably one of the first songs that come to mind.

“Let It Be” is a tribute to Paul McCartney’s mother, and he wrote the lyrics after he dreamed of her.

Although it became their signature song, “Let It Be” was actually released in the middle of the group’s challenging times.

The legendary group had officially broken up a month after its release in 1970.

14. “Blackbird” 

 “Blackbird” is a beautifully composed, gentle Beatles tune.

It’s also one of the most popular Beatles songs.

And the meaning behind it is pretty powerful too.

The lyrics were allegedly inspired by the civil rights struggles of African Americans in the US.

15. “Across The Universe” 

 “Across The Universe” is undoubtedly one of the Beatles’ biggest hits.

It was covered by many artists, including David Bowie.

The recent cover version by Fiona Apple is quite beautiful too.

Either way, the song remains one of their best pieces of work – because of its composition as well as the lyrics. 

16. “Penny Lane” 

John Lennon grew up in Penny Lane in Liverpool, and that’s where he used to meet up with Paul McCartney to catch a bus.

So it’s only logical that they dedicated a song to this suburban district.

“Penny Lane” topped the US Billboard Hot 100, and it was a top-five hit across Europe.

And you can still occasionally hear it on the radio.

17. “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” 

The group released “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” in 1967.

The song was used in the movie “Yellow Submarine” inspired by their music.

The lyrics can be interpreted in many different ways.

But since the song was written during the time when people experimented with drugs, the true inspiration is pretty obvious.

Plus, the song’s title literally spells LSD.

18. “Come Together” 

In short, “Come Together” is a masterpiece.

It’s not a stadium hit or a power ballad like some of the Beatles’ top hits, but it’s brilliant.

The song takes you in from the very beginning.

So it’s no wonder that it topped the charts in the US and UK.

19. “Helter Skelter” 

“Helter Skelter” isn’t a popular radio hit, but many important media sources include it in their ‘best of Beatles’ lists.

One thing is for sure: this is one of the Beatles’ most energetic songs.

It’s fast-paced and hyped, and it certainly fits in every head-banging rock playlist. 

The song is taken from the group’s self-titled album also known as the White Album.

20. “With A Little Help From My Friends” 

This famous feel-good Beatles track has a pretty straightforward message.

You can do anything with the support of your friends.

The song was written by John and Paul, and sung by Ringo Starr.

However, in 1980, Lennon said: ‘This is Paul, with a little help from me. ‘

21. “Can’t Buy Me Love” 

Another Beatles hit with an important message is “Can’t Buy Me Love.” 

McCartney said this was his attempt to write a bluesy mode.

And the idea behind the song is very clear – you can buy many things, but you can’t buy what people usually genuinely want. 

Ella Fitzgerald also did a cover of the song, and Paul was very thrilled about that.

22. “Norwegian Wood” 

Of course, we can’t skip “Norwegian Wood.” 

It was one of the first songs by The Beatles that showed John’s songwriting skills.

Although the lyrics are elusive, they insinuate the song’s meaning.

“Norwegian Wood” allegedly tells the story of Lennon’s love affair.

Either way, the song is beautiful and captivating, and it still sounds amazing.

23. “Eleanor Rigby” 

“Eleanor Rigby” is arguably one of the most memorable Beatles songs.

It has a somewhat gloomy yet captivating atmosphere.

It was written by Paul McCartney, and he said it was inspired by a real person.

He said it’s about ‘an old lady that he got on with very well.’

24. “Help!”

In essence, “Help!” reflects the group’s concern about what was going on in the world.

It could also be seen as Lennon’s personal cry for help.

But musically, it’s a catchy rock n’ roll tune that will get you dancing.

And it’s arguably one of the most popular Beatles hits.

25. “Don’t Let Me Down”

“Don’t Let Me Down” was recorded in 1969 during the Let It Be sessions.

Some critics described it as one of the Beatles’ most powerful love songs

Well, it’s definitely one of their most influential tunes.

And when you look at the lyrics, you can see it as John’s heart-wrenching letter to Yoko Ono.

Nonetheless, the song has a well-deserved spot on our essential Beatles playlist.

Best Beatles Songs – Final Thoughts 

There are so many phenomenal and impactful Beatles songs, and making this list wasn’t an easy task.

But all of the songs we mentioned today are widely regarded as the Beatles’ greatest hits.

And they keep reminding us of how legendary this gang of four actually is.

Similar Playlists:

Best Beatles Love Songs

Best 60s Songs

Will Fenton

Will, the founder of MIDDER, is a multifaceted individual with a deep passion for music and personal finance. As a self-proclaimed music and personal finance geek, he has a keen eye for futuristic technologies, especially those that empower creators and the public.

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