What Music Can Teach Us: Five Lessons from the Fab Four

What can we, as writers, learn from the music of The Beatles? Quite a lot, honestly. But I’ll break it down into five simple elements for us all.

It’s not news that all types of art influence others. For me, films play a big part in giving me ideas for stories. Heck, Girl With a Pearl Earring was written from a painting with no story—so someone made one up. Music can also influence us in many ways. It creates mood; lyrics can spring ideas in our heads. And, as I’ll lay out, the ethics of a good band—and good writers—can be a great help.

#1  Hard Work and Perseverance

Yes, The Beatles were essentially an overnight sensation to Americans, but they worked hard for seven years or so before coming to the States. They played their butts off in England, often without seeing anything for it. Especially not any money!

They didn’t make it right away. It’s doubtful that their first songs written were the wonderfully successful ones which the band released in the decade after their emergence.

But they didn’t give up. The Fab Four tried every avenue, sometimes playing only for food and drinks, or even nothing and for no one. Sometimes the stage was the only place filled with bodies.

So is it that horrible if we don’t always have readers, and some of our work doesn’t (and shouldn’t) see the light of day? No, because if you’re a writer, you write. If you’re good, something good will happen for you.

#2  Passion and Curiosity

First off, The Beatles loved what they did. If we don’t feel the same as writers, then we’re on the wrong track. Be passionate about your craft, even if you feel it’s utter crap. With some time away and a little editing, that thing you wrote that’s not so great, well, it might just end up being something wonderful.

Curious, yes? The Beatles were all about trying new ideas. They had no clue they couldn’t do certain things – just because those things hadn’t been done before. The guys experimented, and it set the band apart.

As George Martin ended up saying, “the students became my teachers.”

Not having a clue what you’re doing or where your work may be going might be the best thing that’s ever happened to you. Work with it and see where it takes you.

#3  Respect – For Yourself and Others

The Beatles stayed who they were. That was key. If they’d changed anything from their accents to their ideals or morals, things might have been quite different. They didn’t care that they were looked down on by some as being lower-class. They were who they were and that’s what made them The Beatles!

The four even went so far as to rely on where they came from and who they were as a source of strength. As writers, we should do the same. No one else can tell a story like we can. It may be the same story, but each of us are going to tell it differently. That’s what’s so great about this whole deal. It’s what I love about it, at least.

For us aspiring authors, it would be good to keep in mind that The Beatles stayed humble. They didn’t change and become arrogant and horrible once they sky-rocketed to fame.

And if you’re already a well-known writer, take a second look in the mirror and make sure you’re portraying who you really are, and who you want people to see you as.

Know you’re good, but don’t be arrogant. Use your confidence for phenomenal things.

#4 Ubiquitousness and Universality

The Beatles wrote anything and everything for everyone. Even hard-core Elvis fans generally have to admit that the Beatles were amazing. They appealed to the masses, yet didn’t sell out to do so.

Write what you want, how you want, and the reader will feel your heart and soul in those words. Try new things. See what works. You’ll find your element and groove, if you haven’t already. You’ll grow to be even better. You may end up writing different genres—ones you never planned. Who knows what you can do unless you try.

There wasn’t much The Beatles didn’t try, and it worked well for them. They didn’t constrain themselves and you shouldn’t, either. Don’t stifle yourself in a box. Writing is all about expression and creativity. Do with it what you will and great things will emerge. You may come up with the next big thing that blows everyone’s minds.

#5 Esteem and Influence

Of course none of us are The Beatles—no one will ever be again. Just like there is no other Stephen King. Or Anne Rice. Or (insert favorite, big-time author here).

But we can all learn from each other. Heck, The Rolling Stones didn’t even write their own music until they hung out with The Beatles. The Stones were a cover band! Now look at them. The Beach Boys were also highly influenced by John, Paul, George, and Ringo. (Weird how they’re always in that order, huh?)

Who’s to say that you and your writer friends can’t help each other? I’ll bet you a million to one you already have. I know I’ve benefited from others and I’m certain I’ve helped, as well. It’s that uniqueness we all possess and can share with everyone else. No matter how small you are, you are certain to have made an impact on another. Why not make sure that impact is used for good? In this case, writing. Help others see your way, and be open to seeing theirs as well.

Music has influenced me in so many ways I cannot even begin to list them.  Learn from the best to be the best, yet don’t imitate. Use what you see and make it your own and your writing will shine. I truly believe that. Now, get to writing something grand!

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