The common icebreaker on first dates everywhere: “What is your favorite song?” And the common answer: “I don’t know, that’s a really hard question.” I have not gone on many first dates, but I ask this of everyone I know. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten a real answer. Often, it’s a list of songs, which is fair. It is a hard question; how does one pick their favorite song? Out of the essentially infinite world of songs, it is almost unfair to pick a favorite. Many people fear defining themselves with one short song.

I am the strange, weird person who actually has a favorite song. I am that first date where you actually get an answer. Unfortunately for you, I am taken. Sorry, not sorry. But you can still read this post.

The first thing you’ll probably notice is that there are two songs in the title. Technically, I do not have one favorite song. But “Golden Slumbers” and “Carry That Weight” are essentially one song. The first flows right into the next. Thematically, they are designed to be together. Listen to them and you’ll know what I mean.

I had never heard Abbey Road, the album these songs come from, in its entirety until four years ago. I wanted to understand every little bit of The Beatles’ history. The first half is full of amazing songs, but they are disjointed. Each song is good but do not fit well in order. But the second half is purposefully engineered to flow; a beautiful medley. “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight” cap off the medley. I shuddered the first time I heard them.

“Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight” is my favorite song; every syllable speaks to me. This song is about ultimate comfort. Paul McCartney writes the simplest song of reassurance. There is a way to get back home. They will find it eventually. And he will always be there to help along the way. “Once there was a way, / To get back homeward. / Once there was a way / To get back home. / Sleep, pretty darling, / Do not cry / And I will sing a lullaby.” After so many years of traveling and personal strain, McCartney is tired. He wants to go home.

The next half is triumphant, perfectly summing up what it means to leave a legacy. If someone asked me to sum up what fame does to someone, I would send them “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight.” The song only has three verses, but the lyrics have enough detail. “Boy, you gotta carry that weight / Carry that weight a long time / Boy, you gonna carry that weight /Carry that weight a long time.” The trumpets in “Carry That Weight” are powerful. I get teary eyes when I hear that part. Every member of The Beatles has an enormous legacy. No matter what happens for the rest of their lives, people will never forget that each of these men was in The Beatles. They were aware of this, even then. It’s something they have to carry forever. This song signals the end of a band that changed the world. They are done now. They cannot continue. But they want you to know things are okay. You’ll always have their music to get lost in.

Now, there is a fantasy of sorts associated with this song. I don’t know the actual order of how everything was recorded, but in my perfect little world, this was the last song The Beatles ever wrote and recorded. Each member sings in unison on “Carry That Weight,” even amidst massive personal turmoil. Rarely were they all in studio together at this point. But all four came together for these two songs, which sum up everything they did so well. It is an ode to every album they put out. A farewell to all their fans. Just as the people will struggle with the end, The Beatles will too.

In my mind, The Beatles recorded these two songs. Then they threw away all their instruments, ripped down all the decorations in the studio, and locked it all up. That was it. The End.

“Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight” articulates every reason why I love The Beatles. They are willing to be simple. They are also willing to push the boundaries. Every song of theirs feels real, even if it feels idealistic. These songs are the peak of their achievement.

Featured image from: https://neonmoderntimes.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/beatles-abbey-road.jpg