Hey all! There's nothing like white guys with guitars singing about how great it is to be in love, is there? It’s been awhile since a Beatles Jen-trospective, but today I’m going to do something a little different. I’m going to compare two songs that, while on the surface don’t seem like they have very much in common, actually have a quite a bit in common. I’ve Just Seen A Face, by the Beatles, and Hey There Delilah by the Plain White Ts.
Please correct me if I’m wrong, readers, but you’d have to be crazy if you didn’t think these songs sounded at least a little alike, and not just in the “of course, they’re both guitar love songs” kind of way. I’m not going to say that Hey There Delilah ripped the Beatles off on a lesser-known track, but the fact that they don’t appear to be listed as an inspiration seems a bit odd. It could have very well been on an unconscious level, but nonetheless. So let’s compare the two and see where they stack up against each other.
Let’s start with the Beatles’ I’ve Just Seen a Face, one of the final tracks on their Help! Album. In my opinion, the song is a highlight of the album, somewhat mimicking the American folk aspects in their sound while still retaining a distinctly Beatles quality. It’s not over-the-top Southern or folk like many of the songs on White Album or Let it Be, but it definitely separates itself from the rest of the Help! Album. Its slow, methodical buildup to the verses use minimal instrumentation- pretty much the acoustic guitar, the snare, and the sweet voice that is Paul McCartney- to its full advantage. It starts off slow, and then goes fast into the chorus:
I've just seen a face
I can't forget the time or place
Where we just met
She's just the girl for me
And want all the world to see we've met,
Mmm-mmm-mmm-m'mmm-mmm-
Had it been another day
I might have looked the other way
And I'd have never been aware
But as it is I'll dream of her tonight,
Di-di-di-di'n'diiiiii-
Falling, yes I am falling
And she keeps calling
Me back again.....
Now let’s examine Hey There Delilah, the third single off their third album All That We Needed. There is a short buildup, but it pretty much delves into the lyrics right away. Both songs use their guitars, but Hey There Delilah is definitely a lot simpler in its playstyle. Both songs are pretty simple, and even though the Plain White Ts have longer verses, it’s actually the same verse/chorus pattern, only slower:
Hey there, Delilah
What's it like in New York city?
I'm a thousand miles away
But, girl, tonight you look so pretty, yes, you do
Times Square can't shine as bright as you, I swear it's true
Hey there, Delilah
Don't you worry about the distance
I'm right there if you get lonely
Give this song another listen, close your eyes
Listen to my voice, it's my disguise
I'm by your side
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
What you do to me...
I suppose the biggest change, aside from the slowing down of the tune, is the difference between talking ABOUT the girl you just met vs talking TO the girl you just met (or in the latter’s case, might not even know). I can definitely see why someone would prefer Hey There Delilah because it feels like Tom Higgenson, the singer, is singing right to you. It’s the same reason why an author would use first person over third- it makes it more intimate. However, in songs at least, writing in second person to the listener has always reeked of exploitation to me. Oh sure, girl, I don’t know who you are, but I know you’re the prettiest girl on this here planet, yes you are!
But perhaps I’m being a bit unfair to Hey There Delilah. I DO like this song. The lyrics aren’t exactly brilliant, but they’re specific and relatable enough.
But you know me, folks, I’m a Beatles fan. As much as Tom Higgenson is cute, his vocals are nowhere near pants-droppingly charming as Paul. Not that I’d expect that of anyone. But Paul’s voice sells the song. And he’s the reason, along with just the pure energy of the song, that I have to award the battle to I’ve Just Seen A Face.
What do you think? Do you think they sound alike? Do you think I made the wrong decision? Leave responses in the comments section below, and have a lovely evening!
