The song “Come Together” by The Beatles is a fascinating blend of cryptic verses and compelling rhythm. At its core, the song was initially crafted as a political anthem for Timothy Leary’s campaign for governor of California against Ronald Reagan. Yet, as with many Beatles’ songs, it evolved beyond its initial purpose. John Lennon, the primary writer, paints a picture of various characters, some of whom are reflective of his own persona, while others hint at the band members. The recurring phrase “shoot me” accompanied by a bass riff is striking, serving as an auditory hook, while the chorus, “Come together, right now, over me,” suggests unity and gathering for a cause or purpose.
The message is about unity, individuality, and perhaps a bit of the eccentricity that The Beatles were known for. Although originally politically motivated, the song became a call for unity, understanding, and coming together as one.
Ever wondered why Lennon penned down verses about ‘flat tops’, ‘ju-ju eyeballs’, and ‘monkey fingers’?Keep reading to decode the enigma that is “Come Together.”
“Come Together” Lyrics Meaning
The song kicks off with a haunting “Shoot me,” which might be interpreted as a call for attention. As we delve into the verses, we encounter the character of “old flat top.” This could be a nod to Chuck Berry’s “You Can’t Catch Me” and its line “Here come a flat top.” The mention of him grooving up slowly with a “ju-ju eyeball” evokes an image of someone who’s mystical, powerful, and maybe even otherworldly.
The character who “wear no shoeshine” and has a “toe jam football” is presented in a laid-back, carefree light, unburdened by societal norms. The line “He shoot Coca-Cola” adds an element of Western culture, signifying influence and reach. “I know you, you know me” and “You got to be free” hammer in the song’s central theme of unity and shared understanding.
When we hear about the “walrus gumboot” and “Ono sideboard,” it’s hard not to think about the Beatles themselves and particularly Lennon. The walrus was a symbol Lennon used in other songs, and “Ono” is an evident reference to Yoko Ono, his wife. The “spinal cracker” and feeling of his disease might pertain to the challenges and criticisms they faced during their time.
The intriguing line “one and one and one is three” reflects a sense of unity and the idea of coming together to form something more significant. The ending verses with “Got to be good looking ’cause he’s so hard to see” tie back to the central idea that understanding and unity can be elusive, but it’s worth striving for.
The Story Behind “Come Together”
“Come Together” stands as one of The Beatles’ most iconic tracks, yet its origins are deeply intertwined with political activism and a dash of controversy. John Lennon, the song’s primary composer, initially conceived it as a campaign song for Timothy Leary’s gubernatorial race against Ronald Reagan in California. However, the campaign faltered, and Leary’s aspiration took a backseat. But as with many creative endeavors, this temporary setback opened a new door.
Lennon, reworked and transformed the song into something far more universal. The political undertones morphed into a broader call for unity. The period during which “Come Together” was penned was not without its turbulence for The Beatles. The band was in the throes of internal tensions, making the song’s call for togetherness both ironic and hopeful.
John Lennon, always a man of complex emotions and profound introspection, seemed to be searching for cohesion, not just within the band, but in the larger world around him. “Come Together” thus reflected his yearnings, a hope for unity in times of fragmentation. The song also subtly hints at his evolving relationship with Yoko Ono, whose influence on his life and work at that time was undeniable. Through “Come Together,” Lennon invites listeners to find common ground, embrace individual quirks, and most importantly, unite for a shared purpose.