The Dream That Became a Masterpiece: 'Yesterday'

Imagine waking up with one of the most beautiful and iconic melodies ever written playing perfectly in your head. For Paul McCartney of The Beatles, this wasn't a fantasy, but a reality that led to the creation of 'Yesterday,' one of the most covered songs in music history.

The year was 1965, and McCartney was staying in a small attic room at his then-girlfriend Jane Asher's house in London. He drifted off to sleep one night and, in his dreams, a complete orchestral arrangement, including the string section, played itself out. It was a melody unlike anything he had consciously composed before.

The 'Scrambled Eggs' Genesis

Upon waking, McCartney immediately rushed to a piano to capture the tune before it vanished. He was so taken aback by its completeness and beauty that he couldn't shake the feeling it must belong to someone else. For weeks, he played the melody for friends, musicians, and industry contacts, asking, "Have you heard this before? Do you know it?"

He even gave it a temporary, rather unromantic working title: 'Scrambled Eggs.' This placeholder was used for lyrics while he searched for the perfect words to match his ethereal tune. The fear of subconscious plagiarism was real; he didn't want to accidentally claim someone else's brilliant work.

A Month-Long Search for Originality

For almost a month, McCartney acted as a musical detective, presenting his nascent masterpiece to anyone who would listen. He was convinced that such a perfect melody must already exist.

• He played it for John Lennon.
• He played it for George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
• He played it for other artists and producers.

To his astonishment, no one recognized it. The melody was unequivocally his own. This painstaking verification process highlights McCartney's deep respect for musical integrity and his concern for originality.

From Dream to Global Phenomenon

Once assured of its unique origin, McCartney began to craft the poignant lyrics that would eventually tell a story of lost love and longing. The result was 'Yesterday,' a solo performance by McCartney accompanied only by an acoustic guitar and a string quartet, a departure from The Beatles' usual sound.

The song was initially released on the album Help! in 1965 and quickly became a global sensation. Its timeless appeal lies in its simple, haunting beauty and universal themes of heartbreak and nostalgia.

The Enduring Legacy

'Yesterday' holds the distinction of being one of the most recorded songs in history, with over 2,200 cover versions by various artists. It cemented McCartney's reputation as a masterful songwriter and showcased The Beatles' incredible versatility.

Despite its clear dream origin and McCartney's meticulous efforts to ensure its originality, some minor debates have surfaced over the years. Suggestions of similarities to other songs like 'Georgia On My Mind' or 'Besame Mucho' have been made, but these are largely considered coincidental resemblances rather than true plagiarism.

Even John Lennon, during periods of strained relations, jokingly (or perhaps pointedly) referred to 'Yesterday' as McCartney's 'Scrambled Eggs' song. However, Lennon never seriously challenged the originality of the melody, understanding its true genesis. This incredible tale reminds us that sometimes, the most profound inspirations come from the most unexpected places – even our deepest dreams.