Episode 039: “Not A Second Time”
What do Mahler, Stephen King, and John Lennon’s “Not a Second Time” have in common? More than you’d think. In this episode, Peter and Kenyon dig into one of the Beatles’ most misunderstood songs—praised by London Times critic William Mann for its so-called “Aeolian cadence,” a term Lennon would later call “exotic birds.” The hosts dissect the track’s odd structure, haunting piano solo, and emotionally unstable chord progressions, exploring why it stands apart on With the Beatles. From the lack of George Harrison’s guitar to the unusual melodic phrasing and brooding lyrics, “Not a Second Time” feels less like a Beatles song and more like a musical outburst. They also discuss the track’s cultural afterlife—including its cameo in a Stephen King book. Was Lennon aiming for Motown, Mahler, or something uniquely his own? This episode uncovers the messy brilliance buried in a song even the Beatles seemed unsure about.
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