The Top Ten Beatles Songs

In Rolling Stone's new Special Collectors Edition issue (on sale now), we count down the 100 greatest songs from the greatest band of all time: The Beatles. Check out the top 10 songs now, before the issue hits stands. "The Beatles: 100 Greatest Songs" also features Paul and John talking about their favorite tracks, the Fab Four's best cover songs, and George Harrison's finest guitar work. "Lennon, McCartney and Harrison had stunningly high standards as writers," Elvis Costello says in his introduction. "Then they started to really grow up: simple love lyrics to adult stories like 'Norwegian Wood,' which spoke of the sour side of love, and on to bigger ideas than you would expect to find in catchy pop lyrics." 

What song do you think is Number One? 

For more on the 100 greatest Beatles songs, pick up Rolling Stone: The Beatles 100 Greatest Songs on sale at barnesandnoble.com.

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Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

More Song Stories entries »

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