My Favourite Beatles Song
Each episode Tim Tucker talks to a distinguished guest about their favourite song by the Beatles.
Because – Owen Cutts
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Owen Cutts is a renowned producer and the creator of Old Music Friday on Instagram. He grew up in a house where the Beatles were always on, but getting Abbey Road on CD for his 10th birthday made them his own. Here he discusses Because, from Abbey Road, highlighting its eerie nine-voice harmony and classical connections.
In his new book, Have You Ever Heard Old Music? Owen selects 52 essential tracks from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and explores why these records still connect with listeners.
Owen Cutts on Instagram: https://w...The End – Simon Halfon
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Art director and filmmaker Simon Halfon discusses The End, from Abbey Road, picking out the three guitar solos Paul, George, and John played live in one take, Ringo's only drum solo, and the closing line that makes such a perfect sign-off. He also talks about 1967: The World of Brian Epstein and The Beatles, the book he made with Gary Kemp from Epstein's last address book.
Guest links
1967: The World of Brian Epstein and The Beatles, by Gary Kemp and Simon Halfon – book and live events: https://ke...Dig A Pony – Gary Kemp
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Gary Kemp discusses Dig A Pony, from Let It Be. He tells us how John's snaking "I-I-I-I", heard on a Saturday-afternoon TV showing of the Let It Be film, gave him the spark he needed for one of Spandau Ballet's biggest hits. We also get into his latest book, 1967: The World of Brian Epstein and The Beatles, made with designer Simon Halfon. It tells the story of Brian's last year, through the 404 names in his address book, which Gary bought at Sotheby's in 2020.
1967: The World of Brian Epstein and The Beatles, by...Let It Be – Sophia Bennett
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Sophia Bennett writes as SJ Bennett. She's the author of more than a dozen novels, best known for a mystery series in which the late Queen Elizabeth II secretly solves crimes. Her latest, Death on the Royal Yacht, is set in 1966 – so yes, the Beatles turn up. Here she discusses Let It Be, and how it helped her through difficult times. We also talk about her DJ dad and go-go dancing mum, the Mal Evans "Brother Malcolm" story, the song's hymn-like chords, and the day she nearly met Paul McCartney in Harvey Nichols.
...Wild Honey Pie – Boff Whalley
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Boff Whalley is an artist, writer and musician, and a founder member of Chumbawamba. Here he discusses Wild Honey Pie, from The Beatles (the White Album), and explains why he thinks it's punk and indie rolled into one. He also digs into its unsettling seventh chords and tritones, and the tape flutter that had to be done by hand on the mix.
Website: https://boffwhalley.com/But: Life Isn’t Like That, Is It? by Boff Whalley: https://pmpress.org.uk/product/but-life-isnt-like-that-is-it/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boffwhalley/Facebook: https://www.facebo...Rainclouds – Arsalan Mohammad
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Arsalan Mohammad, host of Albumtoalbum, the David Bowie albums podcast, describes how his Beatles story started when his cousin flipped over her copy of Ebony and Ivory. Here he talks about his love for that song, Rainclouds, by Paul McCartney. The discussion covers elemental lyrics, Paddy Moloney's uilleann pipes solo, and the studio session on the day Paul learnt John had been shot.
Website: https://arsalan.online/Albumtoalbum: The David Bowie Albums Podcast: Apple Podcasts and SpotifyInstagram: @albumtoalbumBluesky: @albumtoalbum.bsky.socialFacebook: AlbumtoAlbum: The Bowie Album PodcastJulien's Publishing (Julien's Auctions on Instagram): @juliens_a...Mull of Kintyre – Eoghan Lyng
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Music journalist and author Eoghan Lyng is back to talk about Mull of Kintyre, the Wings single Paul McCartney wrote with Denny Laine. Drawing from his own 2018 interview with Laine, Eoghan talks about the Campbeltown Pipe Band recording outdoors in one take, the elegant simplicity of the song, and why it remains the biggest-selling non-charity single in the UK ever.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eoghanlymg/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mightylyng.bsky.socialLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/eoghanlyng/Queen: Song by Song, by Eoghan Lyng (Waterstones UK): https://www.waterstones.com/book...Glass Onion – Nick Coates
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Nick Coates writes Alice and the Eggmen, a Substack that digs into the tangled links between The Beatles and Lewis Carroll. Here he takes on Glass Onion, from the White Album, and makes the case that its refrain – 'looking through a glass onion' – is really a nod to Through the Looking-Glass. They get into the song's queasy, unresolved chords and its sly nods to other songs, including John's lifelong obsession with the Walrus.
Alice & The Eggmen: https://thealicecode.substack.comAlice Songs: https://alicesongs.substack.comFollow My Favo...
Heading For The Light – Neil West
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Apple veteran Neil West joins us to discuss Heading for the Light, from Traveling Wilburys Volume 1, highlighting George Harrison at his happiest and most spiritual, Roy Orbison's heavenly cameo, and the easy friendship that made the Wilburys such an unlikely joy. He also talks about his new book, It Just Works: The Nine Simple Rules of Apple's Success, out now from Macmillan Business.
It Just Works, by Neil West: https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/neil-west/it-just-works/9781035082001Neil's website: https://neilwest.comNeil's TED talk – Steve Jobs, The Beatles and team management: https://www.you...Season 2 Finale – Laurence Juber on Wings
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Enjoy a bonus conversation with former Wings lead guitarist Laurence Juber to close out season two of My Favourite Beatles Song. Following Laurence’s earlier appearance discussing While My Guitar Gently Weeps, this extra audio explores his Beatles guitar arrangements, the thinking behind his version of Blackbird, and his memories of playing with Paul McCartney and Wings during the Back to the Egg era. Laurence reflects on studio creativity, Paul’s encouragement, the energy of late-period Wings, and how joining the band changed the course of his life. 
Laurence's new album, I've Got a...She Came In Through the Bathroom Window – Tom Doyle
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Tim is joined by music journalist and author Tom Doyle to explore She Came in Through the Bathroom Window. They examine the song’s place in the Abbey Road medley, its strange and vivid lyric, Ringo’s irresistible groove, George’s guitar work, and the song’s deep connection to Southern soul. Tom also reflects on interviewing Paul, Ringo, and Yoko Ono, and discusses his books.
Tom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tom__doyle__Tom on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tom.doyle.9277Tom on X/Twitter: https://x.com/Tom_Doyle_To...Her Majesty – Chris Shaw
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Tim is joined by award-winning 'I Am the EggPod' producer and host Chris Shaw to explore Her Majesty. They examine the song’s strange place in Abbey Road, its accidental journey to becoming the Beatles’ hidden closing track, and what its humour, brevity and missing final note say about the Beatles’ love of happy accidents and undercutting grand endings.
Guest links
Chris Shaw's Patreon: https://patreon.com/eggpodI Am The Egg Pod website: https://www.iamtheeggpod.comFollow My Favourite Beatles Song
Bluesky: https://bsky.a...Get Back – Chris O'Dell
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Tim is joined by former Apple insider and author Chris O’Dell to explore Get Back. They examine her extraordinary first-hand experiences with The Beatles, from typing the song’s lyrics (while slightly high), to witnessing its creation, and even appearing on the famous rooftop performance. Along the way, Chris shares remarkable stories about life at Apple, her friendships with the band, and the serendipitous moments that placed her at the heart of Beatles history.
Guest links
Chris O’Dell’s website: https://www.missodell.comMiss...Hello, Goodbye – Simon Love
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Tim is joined by singer-songwriter Simon Love to explore Hello, Goodbye. They examine its bright, deceptively simple pop construction, inventive chord changes, and vital place within the Beatles’ prolific psychedelic period of 1967.
The conversation dives into the musical detail of Hello, Goodbye, including its unusual harmonic shifts, groove-led feel, and Ringo’s distinctive drumming. They also touch on the song’s recording process, promotional film, and its role as a commercial counterpoint to I Am the Walrus.
Along the way, Simon recounts brushes with Beatles-world figures, seeing Paul McCartney live w...
You Won't See Me – Samira Ahmed
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Tim is joined by journalist, writer and broadcaster Samira Ahmed to explore Rubber Soul's 'You Won’t See Me'.
The conversation explores the song’s double meanings, its portrayal of relationship tension, and McCartney’s ability to transform personal experience into art. They also discuss the evolving depiction of women in Beatles songs, the broader social changes of the 1960s, and how Rubber Soul captures a band (and a culture) in transition.
Musically, they highlight the track’s rich harmonies, inventive structure, and standout bass line, as well as its subtl...
Martha My Dear – Stuart Maconie
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Tim is joined by broadcaster, author and DJ Stuart Maconie to explore Martha My Dear. They examine its musical sophistication, McCartney’s melodic genius, and the song’s place within the strange, kaleidoscopic world of the White Album, alongside reflections on Beatles history, culture and myth.
Guest links
With a Little Help From Their Friends (UK edition): https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/with-a-little-help-from-their-friends-the-beatles-changed-the-world-but-who-changed-theirs-stuart-maconie?variant=54870051815803With a Little Help From Their Friends (US edition): https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/with-a-little-help-from-their-friends_9781419789571/Stuart Maconie on Instagram: https://www.inst...Rocky Raccoon – Kenneth Womack
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Tim is joined by writer, literary critic and music historian Kenneth Womack to dig into Paul McCartney's White album gem, Rocky Raccoon. They explore its roots in Robert Service's poem 'The Shooting of Dan McGrew', its talking blues DNA, and why a song that sounds improvised is actually a masterfully constructed short story.
Guest links
Kenneth Womack website/newsletter: https://kennethwomack.comFollow My Favourite Beatles Song
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.socialX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatlesFacebook: https...Lady Madonna – Tom Murray
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Tim is joined by renowned photographer Tom Murray. They discuss Tom’s remarkable firsthand experience photographing The Beatles during their famous 'mad day out' in 1968, reflecting on creativity, spontaneity, and the band’s enduring legacy.
Tom recalls hearing Paul McCartney play Lady Madonna live as he first walked into the session, before capturing a series of now-iconic images of the band across seven locations in London. He shares stories of that extraordinary day; travelling across the city, observing the band’s dynamic, and documenting candid, unguarded moments that would later become some o...
Lovely Rita – Matt Howell
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Tim is joined by musician and podcaster Matt Howell to explore Lovely Rita. They examine its playful humour, psychedelic atmosphere, studio craft and sequencing on Sgt. Pepper. They also explore its musical details, lyrical ambiguity and cultural context.
Follow Matt Howell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howl_mattFollow My Favourite Beatles Song
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.socialX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSongInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessongOriginal music by Joe...
Only a Northern Song – Steven Cockroft
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Tim is joined by former Nothing Is Real podcaster Steven Cockroft to explore Only a Northern Song. They examine George Harrison’s frustrations with publishing and ownership, the song’s layered self-referential lyrics, its dense psychedelic production, and its uneasy place in the Sgt. Pepper era before finding a home on Yellow Submarine.
Guest Links
Steven Cockroft on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/stevenc63.bsky.socialNothing is Real Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1201681553346132Nothing is Real on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/beatlespod.bsky...I Saw Her Standing There – Debbie Greenberg
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Tim is joined by Cavern Club owner and author Debbie Greenberg to explore I Saw Her Standing There. They examine the song’s explosive energy, its rock and roll roots, and how it captured the raw excitement of the Beatles’ early Cavern performances.
Debbie shares extraordinary first-hand memories of seeing the Beatles live 292 times at the Cavern. She reflects on their transformation from local “lads” (fresh from Hamburg) to leather-clad rock and roll trailblazers, the shock of Pete Best’s departure and Ringo’s arrival, and the band’s effortless onstage humour and che...
Please Please Me – Chris Purcell
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Tim is joined by filmmaker Chris Purcell to explore Please Please Me. They examine its transformation from a Roy Orbison-style ballad into an urgent pop classic, George Martin’s crucial early guidance, the song’s groundbreaking harmonies and driving rhythm, and how it marked the true beginning of Beatlemania.
They also discuss Chris’s new feature documentary Evolver 62, featuring Mark Lewisohn, which tells the blow-by-blow story of the Beatles’ pivotal year through rare artefacts and on-location storytelling.
Guest links
Evolver 62 – Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/4bP7bGSEvolver...Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) – Christine Feldman-Barrett
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Tim is joined by Beatles academic and author Christine Feldman-Barrett to explore Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown). They examine the song’s storytelling ambiguity, its blend of warmth and emotional coolness, and its cultural impact as a depiction of a new kind of sixties woman. On the way they discuss mid-60s London interiors, the revolutionary introduction of the sitar and the wider influence of Indian music on George Harrison and beyond.
Strawberry Fields Forever – Julia Baird
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Tim is joined by John Lennon’s half-sister Julia Baird to explore “Strawberry Fields Forever.” They trace John’s early musical roots, unpack the song as a window into his inner life, and reflect on Strawberry Field’s legacy today, from the meditative gardens to the “Imagine” Steinway piano.
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Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.socialX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/M...Misery – Andy Edwards
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Beatles statue sculptor Andy Edwards joins Tim to explore Misery, a deceptively bright early Beatles song with a surprisingly rich backstory. They examine its origins backstage in Stoke-on-Trent, its status as the first McCartney/Lennon cover, and the musical details that make its brief 1:47 runtime so distinctive — from unison vocals to George Martin’s half-speed piano.
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Follow My Favourite Beatles Song
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/prof...While My Guitar Gently Weeps – Laurence Juber
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Tim is joined by guitarist, arranger and former Wings member Laurence Juber to explore “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” They dig into George Harrison’s leap as a rock songwriter, the song’s folk-rooted chord DNA, that beautifully falling bass line and major-key lift in the bridge, plus the story behind Eric Clapton’s iconic guest solo.

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Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.socialX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/m...Blue Jay Way – Adam S Leslie
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Tim and author/musician Adam S Leslie get lost in the fog of George Harrison’s Blue Jay Way. They examine the hazy “post-Pepper, pre-White Album” moment where the band leans into guitar-less experimentation, taking in strange melodic modes, lyrical ambiguities, Leslie-speaker vocals, flanging drums, improvised cello flourishes, and hauntological backward tape fragments.
Guest links
Adam S Leslie’s book Lost in the Garden: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Lost-in-the-Garden-by-Adam-S-Leslie/9781915368485Adam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam.leslie2018Lost in the Garden: Music for the Book...The Long and Winding Road – Simon Weitzman
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Tim is joined by British filmmaker and author Simon Weitzman to explore The Long and Winding Road. They discuss Simon’s earliest Beatles memories, the emotional pull of the song, its complex chord structure, Paul’s inspirations, and the contrasting recordings – from Phil Spector’s sweeping orchestral version to the intimate 'Let It Be… Naked' take. Simon also shares personal stories connected to the track and reflects on his own Beatles-related film work, including Love Letters to the Beatles.
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It Don't Come Easy – Vikki Reilly
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Tim is joined by writer and returning guest Vikki Reilly, author of The Beatles 101, to explore Ringo Starr’s classic solo single It Don’t Come Easy. They look at how the song captures Ringo’s resilience, peace-and-love ethos and feelings around the Beatles’ breakup, dig into George Harrison’s vital role in its creation, and trace how it helped define Ringo’s 1970s sound and ongoing legacy.
Guest links
Vikki on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bookyvikki.bsky.socialVikki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reillyvikki/The Beatles 101 by Vikki Reilly...Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band – Laurence Rickard
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Tim is joined by actor, writer, and comedian Laurence Rickard (Ghosts, Horrible Histories) to explore “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (and its Reprise). They dig into the album’s “new band” concept, that razor-edged guitar tone, Edwardian brass colour, the art and conspiracies of the cover, and how the reprise frames the album like a live show.
Guest links
•Website: https://laurencerickard.com
•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lazbotron
•Amandaland Christmas Special (BBC announcement): https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2025/amandaland-christmas-special-series-2-filming-begins
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One After 909 – Rod Davis
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Tim is joined by musician and original Quarryman Rod Davis to explore “One After 909.” They revisit Rod’s early days with John Lennon, the birth of the Quarrymen, and the song’s long journey from skiffle-era beginnings to its roof-top revival.
Along the way they dig into train-song traditions, why the tune’s simple, bluesy structure works so well live, Billy Preston’s sparkling keyboard part, and Lennon’s fondness for the number nine. Rod also shares vivid memories of Julia Lennon, early recordings (and lost tapes), capos and chord choices, and what the Q...
And Your Bird Can Sing – Nancy Howie
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Tim is joined by musician and YouTuber Nancy Howie (aka Fathom) to explore “And Your Bird Can Sing.” They dive into Revolver-era innovation, Paul’s shape-shifting basslines, those tightly harmonised dual guitars, lyrical interpretations (from Sinatra to Lennon–McCartney dynamics), and why this two-minute gem feels so complete.
Guest links
Fathom on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fathommusicnzFathom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fathommusicnz/Follow My Favourite Beatles Song
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSongInstagram: https://www.insta...You Know My Name (Look Up the Number) – Nick Frater
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Tim is joined by songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Nick Frater for a deep dive into the wonderfully strange "You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)." They trace the song's bizarre journey from a playful 1967 jam session to its eventual release as the B-side to "Let It Be" in 1970. The discussion covers the track's suite-like structure of contrasting musical styles, the chaotic and fun-filled recording sessions featuring a guest appearance by Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones, and why Paul McCartney himself has called it his favourite Beatles track.
Nick’s website: ht...I’ve Got a Feeling – Tom Cox
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Tim welcomes author Tom Cox for a joyful deep-dive into the rooftop rocker I’ve Got a Feeling. They trace Tom’s earliest Fab Four memories (Paperback Writer on the rug, Yellow Submarine with his Liverpudlian nan), his love of that mid-’60s psychedelic sweet spot, and why McCartney’s work ethic and versatility shine here.
Together they unpack Lennon–McCartney’s last true collaboration: two half-songs woven into one, Billy Preston’s spark, George’s tasteful lines, Paul’s volcanic “scream” vocal, Dylan-ish wordplay, and those chromatic, energy-lifting runs.
Along the way they ta...
#9 Dream – Alan G Parker
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Tim welcomes documentary filmmaker Alan G Parker for a deep dive into John Lennon’s ethereal 1974 solo classic #9 Dream. They discuss the song’s dream-like production, Lennon’s lifelong fascination with the number nine, and the curious whispers that still intrigue fans. Alan also shares stories from his forthcoming feature documentary Borrowed Time, revealing new insights into Lennon’s unrealised 1981–82 tour plans.
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Yellow Submarine — Grant McPhee
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Tim chats with film director and writer Grant McPhee about the Beatles song Yellow Submarine. They talk about the song’s fun sound, its strange mix of ideas, and the way it has grown into a song for all ages.
Find out more about Grant McPhee and his work
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/grantmcphee.bsky.socialX (Twitter): https://x.com/grantmcpheefilmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantmcphee
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She's Leaving Home — Phil Lecomber
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Tim chats with author Phil Lecomber about the Beatles’ unique song “She’s Leaving Home”. They share memories of the band, discuss the song’s dramatic musical style, and explore its rich story. Phil also talks about his new book, Midnight Streets, set in the 1920s in London Soho, and how real voices and working-class tales shape his work.
Phil's website: https://www.phillecomber.comPhil on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillecomber/Phil on X: https://x.com/PhilLecomberSign up for an evening with Phil Lecomber, a free event in Greenwich, London, Tuesday 1st...Two of Us — Ian Leslie
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Tim Tucker chats with writer and author Ian Leslie, author of John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs, about the Beatles’ song “Two of Us” and the deep bond between Lennon & McCartney. They talk about the song’s shift from a hard rocker to a gentle, heartfelt tune, and explore how the music they made spoke for them when words fell short.
Ian Leslie, The Ruffian: https://www.ian-leslie.comJohn & Paul: A Love Story in Songs: https://www.ian-leslie.com/p/introducing-john-and-paul-a-loveFollow My Favourite Beatles Song
Bl...I'm Only Sleeping — Antony Rotunno
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Tim is joined by podcaster, musician, and life coach Antony Rotunno to explore John Lennon's dreamy Revolver track 'I'm Only Sleeping,' from its conception on the back of a phone bill to George Harrison's meticulous work on the backward guitar parts. They discuss the song's unique sound textures and how it reflects Lennon's state of mind in 1966.
Antony Rotunno's website: https://www.antonyrotunno.com/Glass Onion Podcast on John Lennon: https://glassoniononjohnlennon.com/X.com: @OnionLennonLife And Life Only Podcast: https://lifeandlifeonly.podbean.comX.com: @lifeonly75Film Gold: https://creators.spotify...You've Got to Hide Your Love Away — Jon Savage
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Tim welcomes author, archivist, and filmmaker Jon Savage to discuss Lennon's folk-tinged You've Got to Hide Your Love Away. They explore the song’s context in 1965, its raw and vulnerable feel, and the hints of Dylan’s influence. Jon also shares his early memories of the Beatles and gives a clear picture of the music scene in the mid‑60s—a time of great change, as pop and rock evolved into something bolder and more experimental.
Jon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonsav1966/Jon on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jonsavage.bsky.soc...