The Beatles – Dig It: A Raucous Rock and Roll Detour
Delving into the vast and multifaceted discography of The Beatles, one might not expect to stumble upon a song titled “Dig It.” Nestled amidst the introspective ballads and psychedelic explorations of their later years, this brief, frenetic instrumental stands out as an anomaly. Yet, “Dig It” serves as a fascinating glimpse into the band’s creative process and their enduring love for the raw energy of rock and roll.
Background
Clocking in at a mere 48 seconds, “Dig It” explodes onto the scene in 1970 with a cacophony of distorted guitars, pounding drums, and John Lennon’s primal screams. Released on the album Let It Be, a project initially intended to showcase a return to their roots, “Dig It” embodies that sentiment with unbridled enthusiasm.
The origins of the song lie in the recording sessions for the documentary film Let It Be… Naked. Frustrated by technical difficulties and a growing sense of disillusionment within the band, The Beatles sought an outlet for their raw emotions. In this context, “Dig It” emerged as an impromptu jam session, a cathartic release of pent-up energy.
Despite its brevity, “Dig It” pulsates with a captivating intensity. The song throws lyrical structure out the window, relying instead on an infectious groove and a stream-of-consciousness delivery from Lennon. He throws out cultural references – “B.B. King,” “Doris Day,” “the FBI” – with a playful irreverence, further emphasizing the song’s spontaneous nature.
While some might dismiss “Dig It” as a mere throwaway, the song holds a particular significance within the Beatles’ legacy. It serves as a reminder of their unwavering dedication to the raw power of rock and roll, a genre that first propelled them to international stardom. Even amidst the experimentation and artistic growth of their later years, “Dig It” demonstrates their ability to unleash unadulterated rock energy, a testament to their musical foundation.
Beyond its historical context, “Dig It” holds a certain charm for its sheer audacity. It’s a brief, unapologetically loud interlude that injects a dose of anarchy into the meticulously crafted soundscape of Let It Be. In its own unique way, “Dig It” captures the spirit of rock and roll rebellion, reminding us that sometimes the most powerful music comes from the most unexpected places.
Video
Here are some additional details about the song:
- “Dig It” is credited to John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.
- It was released in 1970 on The Beatles’ album Let It Be.
- The song clocks in at approximately 48 seconds, making it one of the shortest songs in The Beatles’ catalog.