Hemiola
A rhythmic effect superimposing two beats in the space of three (or vice versa).
The Beatles first used hemiola on 'We Can Work It Out' (1965).
Analysis
By Year
Song count per year
By Songwriter
% of each member's catalogue with this tag (by writing credit)
By Era
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Songs(6)
| # | Title | Year | Album | Lead Vocal(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | We Can Work It Out | 1965 | Past Masters | Paul, John | The bridge waltz feel is not a meter change: the measure keeps its length and is filled differently |
| 2 | Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds | 1967 | Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band | John | Researched recurring (2026-08-12) |
| 3 | Happiness Is a Warm Gun | 1968 | The Beatles (The White Album) | John | the third section regroups the beat in the first bar of every phrase |
| 4 | Martha My Dear | 1968 | The Beatles (The White Album) | Paul | the beat is regrouped against the metre early in the song rather than at a cadence |
| 5 | Here Comes the Sun | 1969 | Abbey Road | George | Researched recurring (2026-08-12) |
| 6 | The End | 1969 | Abbey Road | Paul | the closing section regroups the beat against the metre, turning the tempo down into the coda |
We Can Work It Out
The bridge waltz feel is not a meter change: the measure keeps its length and is filled differently
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
Researched recurring (2026-08-12)
Happiness Is a Warm Gun
the third section regroups the beat in the first bar of every phrase
Martha My Dear
the beat is regrouped against the metre early in the song rather than at a cadence
Here Comes the Sun
Researched recurring (2026-08-12)
The End
the closing section regroups the beat against the metre, turning the tempo down into the coda
Updated