Noir Music | “Yer Blues” by The Beatles

John Lennon (via aurus.tumblr.com)

“Yer Blues” of The Beatles White Album is a surprisingly dark example of noir music. John Lennon’s vocal refrains are haunting, George Harrison’s licks are seductive, and the combination of the two effectively capture the bleakness of the noir genre. I would easily count this song in my top 3 from The Beatles.

Here are the lyrics:

Yes I’m lonely wanna die
Yes I’m lonely wanna die
If I ain’t dead already
Ooh girl you know the reason why.

In the morning wanna die
In the evening wanna die
If I ain’t dead already
Ooh girl you know the reason why.

My mother was of the sky
My father was of the earth
But I am of the universe
And you know what it’s worth
I’m lonely wanna die
If I ain’t dead already
Ooh girl you know the reason why.

The eagle picks my eye
The worm he licks my bones
I feel so suicidal
Just like Dylan’s Mr. Jones
Lonely wanna die
If I ain’t dead already
Ooh girl you know the reason why.

Black cloud crossed my mind
Blue mist round my soul
Feel so suicidal
Even hate my rock and roll
Wanna die yeah wanna die
If I ain’t dead already
Ooh girl you know the reason why.