The Beatles’ 1968 self-titled album, commonly known as The White Album, is hailed as one of the most iconic records in music history. Featuring timeless tracks like “Dear Prudence” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” the album’s minimalistic cover belied the emotional and musical depth within.
However, despite the album’s success, John Lennon wasn’t happy with every song that made the final cut.
A Diverse Tracklist with a Few Missteps
The White Album boasted an extensive tracklist, with contributions from all four Beatles. While Lennon and Paul McCartney penned the majority of the songs, George Harrison and Ringo Starr also added a few notable pieces. The album’s diversity ranged from the simplicity of “Blackbird” to the intensity of “Helter Skelter.” But there was one track that Lennon outright dismissed as “garbage.”
“Birthday“: A Spontaneous Creation
After ending side two with Lennon’s heartfelt tribute to his late mother, “Julia,” side three opened with a stark shift in tone. “Birthday,” a jubilant rock-and-roll number, kicked off the second half of the double LP.
With energetic tambourines, handclaps, and McCartney’s upbeat lyrics — “They say it’s your birthday, we’re gonna have a good time” — the track was clearly designed to be a fun, party-ready anthem.
However, the light-hearted nature of “Birthday” didn’t sit well with Lennon. In a 1980 interview, he reflected on the song’s spontaneous creation.
“’Birthday’ was written in the studio. Just made up on the spot,” Lennon explained, as detailed in All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono. “I think Paul wanted to write a song like ‘Happy Birthday Baby,’ the old ‘50s hit. But it was sort of made up in the studio. It was a piece of garbage.”
Lacking Lyrical Depth
Compared to the depth of other tracks on The White Album, “Birthday” lacked the lyrical weight and complexity the band typically showcased. Songs like “Rocky Raccoon,” while playful, also faced similar critiques for not measuring up to the rest of the album’s brilliance. Yet, for the most part, The White Album displayed The Beatles’ masterful songwriting.
The High Points of The White Album
George Harrison’s soulful “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” Lennon’s multi-layered “Happiness Is A Warm Gun,” and McCartney’s tender “Blackbird” all exemplified the band’s genius.
In contrast, Lennon felt that lighter tracks like “Birthday” detracted from the album’s otherwise remarkable output — a low point in an otherwise glittering tracklist.
Lennon’s Reluctance to Praise Any Album
Even without “Birthday,” however, Lennon was never fully satisfied with The White Album or any of The Beatles’ records. “I’m not satisfied with any individual or Beatles album,” he remarked, elaborating on his frustrations with what he called “fill-ins and padding.”
Despite these criticisms, he admitted to appreciating albums like Sgt. Pepper’s, Revolver, and Rubber Soul for what they were.
Despite Criticism, The White Album Endures
Though Lennon’s harsh critique may have cast doubt on tracks like “Birthday,” it didn’t stop The White Album from becoming a beloved masterpiece. The record continues to receive praise from fans and critics alike, proving that even with its so-called “garbage,” it remains one of The Beatles’ most celebrated works.
