Eleanor Rigby

About this song

The song is an early example of the Beatles taking risks with other genres, here baroque pop, shown through its string arrangements. Producer George Martin placed microphones very close to the strings to get an aggressive, punchy sound, which surprised the session players. It is the only Beatles song on which none of the band play an instrument, with the group only singing over a string ensemble.

What it's about

The song deals with loneliness and depression, marking a shift away from the band's early pop love songs. Its storytelling is considered more in Paul McCartney's style, though John Lennon and McCartney debated who wrote most of it.

Summary written with AI, based on the song's page on Genius.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 34 other songs, like “Eleanor Rigby by Neon Hitch (Ft. Jimmy James)”.
• Covered 107 times, including “Eleanor Rigby by R. Stevie Moore”.
• Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
• Produced by George Martin.
• Recorded at EMI Recording Studios.