Background
Ah, The Beatles’ “Her Majesty”. A curious little gem tucked away at the very tail end of their iconic 1969 album, Abbey Road. Often referred to as a hidden track, it wasn’t even listed on the original album sleeve, adding to its mystique. Clocking in at a mere 23 seconds, it’s the shortest song in The Beatles’ vast catalog, yet it continues to spark debate and intrigue among music aficionados.
Composed by Paul McCartney, “Her Majesty” was born out of pure happenstance. During the recording sessions for Abbey Road, The Beatles were crafting a sprawling medley on the album’s B-side. This ambitious suite of songs, encompassing tracks like “You Never Give Me Your Money” and “Carry That Weight,” was intended to flow seamlessly into one another.
“Her Majesty” was initially intended as a bridge between “Mean Mr. Mustard” and “Polythene Pam” within this medley. The story goes that after a particularly long recording session, The Beatles decided to take a break. As McCartney strummed his acoustic guitar idly, the now-famous line, “Oh, there you are beautiful,” emerged. He quickly laid down a vocal and guitar track, intending it as a playful coda.
However, when the final sequencing of Abbey Road was determined, “Her Majesty” found itself inadvertently placed after the monumental closing track, “The End”. Separated by a stretch of silence, it became a surprise postscript, a fleeting moment of whimsy amidst the album’s grand finale.
The song itself is a delightful oddity. McCartney’s fingerstyle guitar and gentle vocals create a warm, almost music-hall-inspired atmosphere. The lyrics, sung in a conversational tone, express a tongue-in-cheek affection for the Queen: “So you think you can love me and leave me to my fate / But I’m afraid you’ve come a little too late.”
“Her Majesty”‘s brevity and playful nature have led to various interpretations. Some see it as a lighthearted expression of patriotism, a cheeky ode to the British monarch. Others view it as a subversive commentary on societal norms and the constraints of fame. Perhaps the most intriguing interpretation lies in its placement. Following the grandiose and introspective journey of Abbey Road, “Her Majesty” serves as a reminder of the unexpected, the beauty that can be found in fleeting moments.
Despite its brevity, “Her Majesty” has become a cult classic within The Beatles’ discography. Its inclusion on Abbey Road adds a layer of playful experimentation, a testament to the band’s willingness to push boundaries even at the twilight of their career. This short and sweet song serves as a delightful footnote, a reminder that even the greatest bands can surprise us with a hidden gem, a 23-second burst of musical whimsy that continues to spark conversation and intrigue.