The Beatles fans divided on what to think of band’s last song, Now and Then

The Beatles’ last song is still proving controversial with fans, as they remain split on what to think of Now and Then.

A post to the r/Beatles subreddit had fans consider the qualities of the track over a year on from its release. While many considered it a beautiful send-off to The Beatles, others feel they were short-changed by the release. One user asked: “What are your honest thoughts about the song Now and Then?” Fans have suggested not just Now and Then, but the songs recorded during the Anthology album work, both Free as a Bird and Real Love, are of a phenomenal quality. Now and Then was originally a John Lennon demo which the remaining Beatles had worked on during the Anthology sessions, though George Harrison was unsatisfied with how it sounded.

Thanks to new technology, the vocal work from Lennon was isolated, with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr laying down new instrumentals for the song. One user wrote: “I don’t know why, but this one, Free as a Bird, and Real Love hit me right in the feels. I simply love these songs. There’s something magical about them.”

Another added: “It’s an ingenious song choice to properly record as a Beatles swan song. It’s a nostalgic, reflective tune extracted from a time when they were all still alive, and finished at a time when only two remain.

“The history of The Beatles has some scars that run deep. This track really encapsulates the glories of Beatlemania with the hurt of the fallout of their astronomical fame, particularly Lennon and Harrison’s experiences, and the grief the two surviving Beatles must feel.”

A third wrote: “It was a good song. Maybe not the best ever made. But its very cool with how the lyrics have a double meaning now.”

Other users have praised the song but criticised the music video, which for some was not as thrilling as they had first expected. One user wrote: “I honestly love it. I think it’s a beautiful song with a universal message about the connections we have with those we love — a love that transcends time and physical distance in this world or the next.

“I listened to hip hop for all my life. But when this song came out, it got me into the Beatles. I have listened to nothing but the Beatles ever since. I’ll be a fan for the rest of my life now. I even began piano lessons last year because of this song.

“So maybe I’m in the minority, but I think it’s an awesome song. To be fair, however, I wasn’t as thrilled with the music video as I could have been, and the cover could have been significantly cooler.”

Another agreed, adding: “The music video was God awful in my opinion. No idea why people liked it. The Free as a Bird video is a masterpiece, though.” Others were left wondering if Now and Then stood up to the quality of preceding bonus songs, Free as a Bird and Real Love.

One user asked: “I like Real Love and Free As a Bird more, but it’s a good song.” Another added: “Real Love is a better song but Now and Then is better produced and mixed.” A third wrote: “Not the best song in the world, but pioneering new technology and achieving a final number one is very fitting for the Beatles.”