The Road We Shared

Music plays an essential part in my life, connecting the happy and sad memories of my many experiences. A song can bring me back to a particular moment in time that can make me smile or cry. I often see the events associated with that music in my mind’s eye.

The Beatles’ three-part documentary Get Back by  Peter Jackson has stirred up some wonderful memories of Mike. Their music significantly influenced his life, guiding the style of music that he loved and wrote. 

Mike was five years older than me, so he appreciated The Beatles when they hit it big in America. He owned their 45s and all their albums. I became aware of them in the early 1970s after they had broken up. My knowledge of The Beatles was broadened when Mike and I started dating. 

He introduced me to the Beatles’ films. My favorite was A Hard Days Night, which showcased their charm and humor. Mike read every book on the Beatles he could get his hands on. We also watched documentaries on John and George. I still remember how emotional he got over George’s story. At one point, we had a Beatles Trivia Game. Let’s just say I never won, though when in doubt, I would guess The White Album!

Mike would have loved this documentary. It was nothing like The Let It Be film, which portrayed the band as fractious and bitter. Get Back captured the love, friendship, creativity, and friction that made The Beatles special.

Watching Get Back on my own was bittersweet. I would have loved to share this unknown story of The Beatles’ relationship with Mike. He would have appreciated the creative process of how The Beatles created their songs and the brothership they shared. Part of me felt that he was here with me because the memories of our life, linked forever in music, will live on until I die.    

The Long and Winding Road was significant in creating the finished version and what it means to me personally. My life has had many unexpected twists that have led to sorrow and pain. Yet, I would still travel this road because it also led to love, companionship, and joy.