The Beatles' Last Song (Intermediate)

The Beatles just put out the last song they came up with. It's called "Now and Then." John Lennon wrote it in 1977, and he performed it on the piano. He recorded it in 1979 at his place. The other Beatles chipped in on the track over the years. Recording experts used AI tech to bring the song to life, making it sound like all four Beatles jammed together in a studio. They dropped it as a double-A side single. The other side has a fresh mix of their first hit, "Love Me Do," released in 1962. "Now and Then" will also be the final cut on a new version of the Beatles' iconic greatest hits "blue" album, a collection of their hits from 1967-1970.

Beatles member Paul McCartney talked to reporters about the new song. He said, "It's quite emotional. And we all chipped in. It's a real Beatles recording." He shared his excitement about putting out a new song in 2023, still working on Beatles music. McCartney was also thrilled to hear John Lennon's voice, describing it as "crystal clear." Lennon was tragically shot outside his New York home in 1980. Beatles drummer Ringo Starr mentioned that recording the song was, "the closest we'll ever come to having [John Lennon] back in the room." It was "very emotional for all of us."

Testing your understanding:

True or false: 

1. "Now and Then" is the last song released by The Beatles.

2. John Lennon wrote "Now and Then" in 1977.

3. The song "Now and Then" was recorded in 1979.

4. The other Beatles did not contribute to the recording of "Now and Then.

5. AI technology was used to make "Now and Then" sound like a live studio recording.

6. "Now and Then" is a double-A side single with "Love Me Do.

7. The new version of the Beatles' greatest hits album will include "Now and Then" as the final track.

8. Paul McCartney described "Now and Then" as a genuine Beatles recording.

9. John Lennon's voice in "Now and Then" was described as "crystal clear" by Paul McCartney.

10. Ringo Starr mentioned that recording "Now and Then" was an emotional experience for all of them.

Pick the right answer.

1

1. What is the title of the final song shared by the Beatles?

a "Now and Then"

b "Love Me Do"

c "Crystal Clear"

d "Double-A Side"

2

2. When was "Now and Then" written by John Lennon?

a 1977

b 1979

c 1962

d 1980

3

3. How did the Beatles make it sound like they all recorded "Now and Then" together?

a They used smart technology.

b They recorded it in the same studio.

c They recorded it live in concert.

d They hired a professional sound engineer.

4

4. What is the other song featured on the double-A side single with "Now and Then"?

a "Now and Then"

b "Love Me Do"

c "Crystal Clear"

d "Double-A Side"

5

5. Which Beatles member mentioned that recording the song felt like having John Lennon back in the room?

a Paul McCartney

b Ringo Starr

c John Lennon

d George Harrison

6

6. How does Paul McCartney describe John Lennon's voice in "Now and Then"?

a Emotional

b Crystal clear

c Thrilling

d Exciting

7

7. When did John Lennon pass away?

a 1977

b 1979

c 1962

d 1980

Answer Key: 

True and False: 

1. False - - The text mentions that "Now and Then" is the last song they came up with, but it doesn't explicitly state that it's the last song released.

2. False - - The text states that John Lennon wrote "Now and Then" in 1977.

3. False - - The text states that John Lennon recorded "Now and Then" at his place, but it doesn't mention the specific year.

4. False - - The text mentions that the other Beatles chipped in on the track over the years.

5. True

6. True

7. True

8. True

9. True

10. True

Pick the right answer key:

1. A

2. B

3. A

4. B

5. C

6. B

7. D