About this episode
In this lecture, Kenyon examines "Hello Little Girl," the first song John Lennon ever wrote, composed at age 16 in 1957. The discussion focuses on the song's lyrical simplicity, centered around themes of unrequited young love, and its unique melodic features, such as the use of a progressive ostinato and a symmetrical chord structure. Kenyon explores how Lennon’s early songwriting tendencies—playful rhymes, chromatic shifts, and repetitive phrases—reflect his youthful creativity but also his lack of refinement at the time. The lecture contrasts the Beatles’ Decca audition version with the Fourmost’s released recording, highlighting the interpretive choices each brought to the track. By analyzing its harmonic quirks and melodic sequences, Kenyon demonstrates how "Hello Little Girl" serves as an example of Lennon’s developing voice as a songwriter. This session offers listeners a fascinating look at the Beatles’ earliest origins and the seeds of their musical genius. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.