The Beatles – Old Brown Shoe: A Hidden Gem from the Fab Four’s Later Years
Within the vast and celebrated catalog of The Beatles, there exist a handful of lesser-known gems that continue to enthrall dedicated listeners.
One such treasure is the understated and introspective “Old Brown Shoe”, a song penned by George Harrison and released in 1969 as the B-side to their single “The Ballad of John and Yoko.”
Background
While not achieving the chart-topping success of some of their earlier hits, “Old Brown Shoe” has garnered a devoted following over the years.
It stands as a testament to Harrison’s burgeoning songwriting prowess during the band’s later period, a time marked by a shift towards more personal and introspective themes.
The song’s narrative unfolds with a sense of quiet contemplation. The lyrics, shrouded in a veil of ambiguity, offer glimpses into the emotional landscape of the protagonist.
Lines like “First thing I knew, I was head over heels in love with you/But now I walk alone down Penny Lane” hint at a past love affair, its embers fading into a melancholic memory.
The titular “Old Brown Shoe” serves as a powerful metaphor, representing the worn-out aspects of life, the experiences that leave their mark on the soul. It’s a relatable image, one that resonates with listeners who have encountered the inevitable disappointments and challenges of life’s journey.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I want a love that’s rightBut right is only half of what’s wrongI want a short haired girlWho sometimes wears it twice as longNow I’m stepping out this old brown shoeBaby, I’m in love with youI’m so glad you came here, it won’t be the same nowI’m telling youYou know you pick me upFrom where some try to drag me downAnd when I see your smileReplace every thoughtless frownGot me escaping from this zooBaby, I’m in love with youI’m so glad you came here, it won’t be the same nowWhen I’m with youIf I grow up I’ll be a singerWearing rings on every fingerNot worrying what they or you sayI’ll live and love and maybe somedayWho knows, baby, you may comfort meI may appear to be imperfectMy love is something you can’t rejectI’m changing faster than the weatherIf you and me should get togetherWho knows, baby, you may comfort meI want that love of yoursTo miss that love is something I’d hateI’ll make an early startI’m making sure that I’m not lateFor you sweet top lip I’m in the queueBaby, I’m in love with youI’m so glad you came here, it won’t be the same nowWhen I’m with youI’m so glad you came here, it won’t be the same nowWhen I’m with you