The song moves between three or more distinct time signatures across its sections.
Top time signatures by writer (setting aside the obvious near-universals) – Lennon: Time signature change (12), 3/4 (7), 6/8 (5); McCartney: Time signature change (4), 3/4 (3), 12/8 (2); Harrison: 3/4 (3), 3+ time signatures (2), Time signature change (2).
Song count per year
% of each member's catalogue with this tag (by writing credit)
| # | Title | Year | Album | Lead Vocal(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Within You Without You | 1967 | Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band | George | 4/4 (tintal) verses & chorus shift to 5/4 in instrumental break; tabla moves to jhaptal (10-beat) for half |
| 2 | Good Morning Good Morning | 1967 | Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band | John | The song shifts metre; the chord transcript does not yet record it, so this cannot be derived |
| 3 | All You Need Is Love | 1967 | Magical Mystery Tour | John | Verses alternate 4/4 and 3/4 (or 7/4+8/4) |
| 4 | Happiness Is a Warm Gun | 1968 | The Beatles (The White Album) | John | 4/4, 3/4, 9/8, 10/8 alternations |
| 5 | Blackbird | 1968 | The Beatles (The White Album) | Paul | – |
| 6 | Here Comes the Sun | 1969 | Abbey Road | George | Bridge: 11/8 + 4/4 + 7/8 |
4/4 (tintal) verses & chorus shift to 5/4 in instrumental break; tabla moves to jhaptal (10-beat) for half
The song shifts metre; the chord transcript does not yet record it, so this cannot be derived
Verses alternate 4/4 and 3/4 (or 7/4+8/4)
4/4, 3/4, 9/8, 10/8 alternations
Bridge: 11/8 + 4/4 + 7/8
Updated
Book
The Beatles: Complete Scores
Hal Leonard
Sheet music
Musicnotes – Beatles Piano/Vocal/Guitar
Musicnotes
Book
All the Songs
Margotin & Guesdon
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