My Favourite Beatles Song

Tim Tucker

Each episode Tim Tucker talks to a distinguished guest about their favourite song by the Beatles.

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81 episodes
Updated May 14

Episodes81

Newest first

May 14 · 17 min
Season 2 Finale – Laurence Juber on Wings
Send us Fan Mail 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 Feeling... LJ is Still Playing the Beatles, is available May 15th 2026 on all streaming services; CDs will be in the LJ store in early June: https://the-lj-store.square.site Laurence Juber on the web: https://laurencejuber.com Guitar With Wings, by Laurence Juber (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Guitar-Wings-Musical-Journey-Strings/dp/1854432664 Guitar With Wings, by Laurence Juber (US): https://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Wings-Photographic-Laurence-Juber/dp/1854432664 Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham
May 7 · 44 min
She Came In Through the Bathroom Window – Tom Doyle
Send us Fan Mail 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.9277 Tom on X/Twitter: https://x.com/Tom_Doyle_ Tom's books on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B0034PJ8CO Tom's books on Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tom-Doyle/author/B0034PJ8CO Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham
April 30 · 39 min
Her Majesty – Chris Shaw
Send us Fan Mail 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/eggpod I Am The Egg Pod website: https://www.iamtheeggpod.com Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham
April 23 · 42 min
Get Back – Chris O'Dell
Send us Fan Mail 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.com Miss O’Dell (book): https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/Miss-ODell/Chris-ODell/9781416590941 Miss O’Dell movie (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Miss-ODell-Simon-Weitzman/dp/B0DY213354 Miss O’Dell movie (US): https://www.amazon.com/Miss-ODell-Simon-Weitzman/dp/B0DY1Y27XY Miss O’Dell podcast: https://www.missodell.com/podcast/ Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham
April 16 · 36 min
Hello, Goodbye – Simon Love
Send us Fan Mail 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 with his son, and recording at Abbey Road. Guest links: Buy The Album: https://hurrahmusica.bandcamp.com/album/the-one-true-prince-of-wales Bandcamp: https://simonlove.bandcamp.com/music Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/simonloverules.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonloverules/ Website: simonlove.org Follow My Favourite Beatles Song: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Original music by Joe Kane. Logo design by Mark Cunningham.
April 9 · 38 min
You Won't See Me – Samira Ahmed
Send us Fan Mail 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 subtle sophistication beneath an apparently simple surface. Along the way, Samira shares insights from her new BFI Film Classics book on A Hard Day’s Night. Guest links BFI Film Classics: A Hard Day's Night, by Samira Ahmed: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/hard-days-night-9781839029394/ Samira's website: https://samiraahmed.blog Samira's podcast: https://squarewindow.co.uk Samira on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/samiraahmeduk.bsky.social Samira on X.com: https://x.com/SamiraAhmedUK Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham
April 2 · 48 min
Martha My Dear – Stuart Maconie
Send us Fan Mail 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=54870051815803 With 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.instagram.com/stumaconie/ Radcliffe and Maconie on Radio 6: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0100rp6 Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham
March 26 · 36 min
Rocky Raccoon – Kenneth Womack
Send us Fan Mail 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.com Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham
March 19 · 19 min
Lady Madonna – Tom Murray
Send us Fan Mail 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 of the most celebrated Beatles photographs. The conversation also touches on his connection with George Harrison, the haunting Lennon image, and why these photographs continue to resonate decades later. Guest links Website: http://tommurrayphotos.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tom.murray.1004 X (Twitter): https://x.com/clickboss1943 Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Original music by Joe Kane. Logo design by Mark Cunningham.
March 12 · 30 min
Lovely Rita – Matt Howell
Send us Fan Mail 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_matt Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham
February 26 · 49 min
Only a Northern Song – Steven Cockroft
Send us Fan Mail 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.social Nothing is Real Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1201681553346132 Nothing is Real on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/beatlespod.bsky.social Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham Excerpt from Luke Brooks from Beatles Explained: https://www.instagram.com/beatles_explained/
February 19 · 35 min
I Saw Her Standing There – Debbie Greenberg
Send us Fan Mail 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 chemistry. Guest Links Cavern Club: The Inside Story, by Debbie Greenberg: https://www.beatlesbookstore.com/product/cavern-club-the-inside-story/ Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Original music by Joe Kane. Logo design by Mark Cunningham.
February 12 · 32 min
Please Please Me – Chris Purcell
Send us Fan Mail 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/4bP7bGS Evolver 62 – Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4pXf4gL Evolver 62 – Apple TV (US): https://apple.co/46m6L7x Evolver 62 – Google Play (US): https://bit.ly/4qsUXHy Evolver 62 – Fandango at Home (US): https://bit.ly/45SSvTu Evolver 62 – DVD (US): https://bit.ly/3Zap37F Right Angle Films: https://www.rightanglefilms.co.uk/ Liverpool West Productions: https://liverpoolwestproductions.com/ Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham
February 5 · 42 min
Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) – Christine Feldman-Barrett
Send us Fan Mail 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.
January 29 · 42 min
Strawberry Fields Forever – Julia Baird
Send us Fan Mail 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. Julia Baird's website: https://juliabaird.co.uk Strawberry Field: https://www.strawberryfield.salvationarmy.org.uk Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham
January 22 · 37 min
Misery – Andy Edwards
Send us Fan Mail 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. Guest links Website: https://www.cornoviiedwards.com/ Lemmy Forever (tribute & projects): https://www.lemmyforever.uk Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham
January 8 · 46 min
While My Guitar Gently Weeps – Laurence Juber
Send us Fan Mail 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. Guest links Laurence Juber website: https://laurencejuber.com Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham
Dec 18, 2025 · 48 min
Blue Jay Way – Adam S Leslie
Send us Fan Mail 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/9781915368485 Adam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam.leslie2018 Lost in the Garden: Music for the Book (Berlin Zebra) on Bandcamp: https://berlinhorse.bandcamp.com/album/lost-in-the-garden-music-for-the-book Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham
Dec 4, 2025 · 43 min
The Long and Winding Road – Simon Weitzman
Send us Fan Mail 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. Guest links https://liverpoolwestproductions.com/love-letter-1 https://tubitv.com/movies/100047361/a-love-letter-to-the-beatles https://www.instagram.com/a_love_letter_to_the_beatles/ https://www.beatlesdoc.com/ https://www.missodell.com/ https://www.marklewisohn.net/events/evolver-62-2022/ https://www.cavernclub.com/events/event/vicky-mcclures-our-dementia-choir-sing-the-beatles-fab-day-2025/?date=2025-11-11 https://www.ourdementiachoir.com/about-the-choir Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham
Nov 20, 2025 · 45 min
It Don't Come Easy – Vikki Reilly
Send us Fan Mail 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.social Vikki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reillyvikki/ The Beatles 101 by Vikki Reilly: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-beatles-101-a-pocket-guide-in-101-moments-songs-people-and-places-vikki-reilly/1786264?ean=9781913538149&next=t Ringo: A Fab Life by Tom Doyle: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/ringo-a-fab-life-tom-doyle/7914393?ean=9781917923132&next=t George Harrison: Behind That Locked Door by Graeme Thomson: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/george-harrison-behind-the-locked-door-graeme-thomson/abb3023b0084bbdb?ean=9781915841872&next=t Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham