Recorded: 6, 7, 22 April 1966
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Geoff Emerick

Released: 5 August 1966 (UK), 8 August 1966 (US)

Available on:
Revolver
Anthology 2
Love

Personnel

John Lennon: vocals, organ, tape loops
Paul McCartney: lead guitar, bass guitar, tape loops
George Harrison: guitar, sitar, tambura, tape loops
Ringo Starr: drums, tambourine, tape loops
George Martin: piano

About the Song

As the 1960s unfolded, so did the musical landscape. The Beatles, already pioneers of pop music, were pushing boundaries and exploring new creative frontiers. In 1966, their album Revolver marked a turning point, showcasing their evolution from catchy tunes to experimental soundscapes. One song stood out as a testament to their artistic daring: Tomorrow Never Knows.

Written primarily by John Lennon, Tomorrow Never Knows is a mind-bending journey through psychedelic imagery and introspective lyricism. It’s a stark departure from their earlier pop hits, embracing avant-garde sounds and techniques that were groundbreaking for the time. The song begins with a swirling, distorted loop, setting the stage for a hypnotic and disorienting experience.

Lennon’s vocals, layered and treated with effects, echo through the soundscape like a mantra. His lyrics, inspired by Timothy Leary’s book “The Psychedelic Experience,” delve into themes of consciousness, self-discovery, and the unknown. Phrases like “turn off your mind, relax and float downstream,” and “lay down all thoughts, surrender to the void” illustrate the song’s invitation to delve into a deeper state of being.

The song’s structure is equally unconventional. It abandons the traditional verse-chorus format, instead opting for a series of swirling loops and snippets of sound that build upon each other. Ringo Starr’s drums provide a steady pulse, while George Harrison’s backwards guitar and Paul McCartney’s tambura add layers of texture and mystery. The overall effect is one of disorientation and sensory overload, yet strangely captivating.

Tomorrow Never Knows wasn’t an immediate commercial success, but its influence on popular music cannot be overstated. It paved the way for countless artists to explore psychedelic sounds and experiment with studio technology. Today, it stands as a testament to The Beatles’ fearless creativity and their willingness to push boundaries. For older audiences who remember the cultural revolution of the 1960s, Tomorrow Never Knows serves as a powerful reminder of that transformative era. And for younger generations, it remains a fascinating window into the minds of four musical geniuses who dared to challenge the status quo and create something truly revolutionary.