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One of John Lennon’s most deeply personal songs, “In My Life” initially took shape in the form of an imaginary bus trip through Liverpool. Challenged by the eminent journalist Kenneth Allsop as to why his books revealed more about him than his songs, Lennon set out

The Beatles Song facts

Composer
Lennon/McCartney

Genre
Pop

Album
Rubber Soul

Released
1965 to narrate a journey from his childhood home in Menlove Avenue to the city centre. The journey idea didn’t quite work but the general theme formed the basis of “In My Life”, with Lennon looking back fondly on places, people and times now gone before assuring his love that he is of course happiest in the present, by her side. The instrumental break midway through the song was filled by producer George Martin, who played it at half speed on an electric piano to make it sound like a harpsichord. Paul McCartney has always disputed his own role in the song’s creation, claiming he wrote the music and Lennon merely the lyrics. Whatever the truth, the band were delighted with the end result and both Lennon and Paul McCartney considered it one of The Beatles’ best songs – as do many fans.

John Lennon talks about "Rubber Soul"

John Lennon

John Lennon described Rubber Soul as the result of musical maturity together with a more sophisticated use of the studio production techniques.
 
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Johnny Cash

  Johnny Cash made this piognant recording of the Beatles classic late in his life. It ranks along side his other interpretations of pop including his awarding winning version of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt", recorded less than a year before he died and during bouts of debilitating illness.

It reminds me of childhood, lost friends and lost loves
Val Coulthard
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