The Beatles
Strawberry Fields Forever / Penny Lane

THE REVIEW

Recorded between 1966 and 1967, "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "Penny Lane" are two of the most significant, influential, particular, and beautiful Beatles songs. Originally, the two songs were supposed to be part of the "Sgt. Pepper" album, but since they had already been released as a single, it was decided not to include them in the record. "Strawberry Fields Forever" is inspired by the Strawberry Fields orphanage, behind which there's a garden where Lennon (the author of the song) used to play as a child. "Penny Lane," on the other hand, takes its name from the eponymous street in Liverpool. Both places were mentioned in the first version of the "In My Life" lyrics. Comparing the two songs, one can notice the various differences between John's and Paul's way of writing and composing.

"Strawberry Fields Forever" is the perfect example of a typical Lennon lyric—philosophical, cryptic, and nostalgic, and musically it blends tradition (thanks to the orchestra) and psychedelia.

"Penny Lane," on the other hand, represents a typical McCartney lyric—calm and optimistic, although equally nostalgic and evocative of the past. Musically, it also combines tradition (brass) and innovation.

The single, released as a "double A-side" (a format invented by the Beatles themselves with the single "Day Tripper/We Can Work It Out"), achieved great commercial success and was considered by George Martin as the best single ever released by the group.

The two songs are the perfect union between past, present, and future, between tranquility and nostalgia, between the love for places of the past and looking toward the future wondering what will happen.