Now and Then" was originally a demo recorded by John Lennon in the late 1970s. It was one of several demos Lennon made around that time, including songs like "Free as a Bird," "Real Love," and "Grow Old With Me."
In the mid-1990s, the surviving members of The Beatles—Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—reunited for the Anthology project. They took some of Lennon's demos and completed them as new Beatles songs. "Free as a Bird" and "Real Love" were released as part of this project in 1995 and 1996, respectively.
Initial Attempts
Early Work: "Now and Then" was also considered for the Anthology project, but it was ultimately not completed at that time. The Beatles worked on the song, but George Harrison reportedly had reservations about the quality of Lennon's demo and the difficulty of enhancing it to the standard they wanted.
Unfinished: The song remained unfinished and was not included in the Anthology releases. However, a rough mix of the Anthology version circulated among fans as a bootleg.
Recent Developments
Peter Jackson's Involvement: In 2021, director Peter Jackson, who worked on the documentary series "The Beatles: Get Back," expressed interest in completing "Now and Then" using modern technology. Jackson had access to the original tapes and discussed the possibility of finishing the song with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.
Completion: In November 2023, it was officially announced that "Now and Then" had been completed by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, with production by Giles Martin. The song was released as a digital single, marking a significant event for Beatles fans worldwide.
Legacy
Significance: The completion and release of "Now and Then" is notable because it represents a rare instance of new Beatles material being released decades after the band's breakup. It also showcases the enduring collaboration between McCartney and Starr, as well as the use of modern technology to bring Lennon's demo to life.
Fan Reception: The song has been eagerly anticipated by Beatles fans, who have long hoped for its official release. Its completion adds another chapter to the band's legendary discography.
"Now and Then" is a testament to The Beatles' enduring legacy and the ongoing interest in their music. The song's journey from a demo to a completed track highlights the band's continued relevance and the dedication of their fans
Now and then Tabs
[Intro] Am G6 Am G6
One, two
Am G6
I know it's true
Am G6
It's all because of you
Am F
And if I make it through
E Am
It's all because of you
[Chorus]
Am G6
And now and then
Am G6
If we must start again
Am F
Well, we will know for sure
E Am
That I will love you
[Chorus]
G
Now and then
Bm
I miss you
Em
Oh, now and then
Am D
I want you to be there for me
Am D
Always to return to me
[Verse 2]
Am G6
I know it's true
Am G6
It's all because of you
Am F
And if you go away
E Am
I know you'll never stay
[Chorus]
G
Now and then
Bm
I miss you
Em
Oh, now and then
Am D
I want you to be there for me
[Bridge]
Dm
Aah
C
Aah
Dm C
Aah
Em Am
Ooh
D Dm G
Aah
Am G6
I know it's true
Am G6
It's all because of you
Am F
And if I make it through
E Am
It's all because of you
[Instrumental Break]
G6 E
Am G6 E
Am G6 F E Am