Yellow Submarine

Yellow Submarine's harmony is deliberately elementary, befitting its conception as a children's song. The verse uses the most fundamental chords in G major while the chorus reduces to a bare I-V toggle. This simplicity is the song's strength — it makes the melody instantly memorable and the chorus universally singable, while the creative arrangement and sound effects provide all the sonic interest.

Paul McCartney conceived the idea while lying in bed, envisioning it as a children's song. He brought in the chorus melody, while John Lennon contributed a verse melody he had been working on separately. The two combined their ideas into the final composition. Scottish singer Donovan, who was present during the sessions, contributed the lyric 'Sky of blue and sea of green.' Lennon's playful editorial note on the working manuscript — 'Disgusting!! See me.' — was scrawled next to a crossed-out verse.

Written by Lennon-McCartney as a children's song for Ringo Starr to sing, 'Yellow Submarine' became one of The Beatles' most universally beloved tracks from their groundbreaking 1966 album Revolver. Its playful lyrics, singalong chorus, and innovative studio sound effects made it a #1 hit in the UK and inspired a landmark 1968 animated film.