Paul McCartney Said It Best

Much has been written about love. Famous authors like Shakespeare and Shelley, Hallmark's Shoebox have dedicated volumes on the subject.

But perhaps the greatest body of artistic work on love comes from the pens of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The number of Beatles' ditties with "Love" in the title is astounding. Thus, it seems that the Beatles' catalog would be the natural place to start for those seeking out love, or at least the concept behind it, this Valentine's Day.

But it's not an easy task to understand the songs. Some degree of interpretation is required to comprehend their true meanings.

For their first hit, the Beatles sang "Love Me Do." While it is a catchy song with a harmonica riff and a looped chorus, it is a perplexing tale. What does "Love Me Do" mean? Is there someone named "Do"? In a very modern interpretation, perhaps "Do" equals "Lovely Rita," who makes an appearance as a meter maid on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. If that were true, it would put some continuity into the Beatles' song repertoire.

But that is not the correct interpretation. Ancient interpreters (otherwise known as baby boomers) figured that "Love Me Do" meant "please love me," only the word "do" was used because it rhymes with "true" in the line "You know I'll be true." Ah, those Liverpudlians were so clever.

The dichotomy between "All You Need is Love" and "It's Only Love" doesn't appear to be reconcilable. How can love be "All You Need" when it is qualified as "Only"? "Eh, it's no big deal," the mop-toppers seem to say. But there was a tone of irony with the title "It's Only Love." Lennon and McCartney are in fact saying that love is the only thing.

For those out there actively searching for love on Valentine's Day, the Beatles know that you "Can't Buy Me Love," so you shouldn't even try.

Besides, it wouldn't be "Real Love," and it might get you sent to jail. "Real Love" comes only from the efforts of two people who have truly fallen for each other. ("P.S. I Love You.")

Perhaps people should pay attention to the love advice offered by the Fab Four and realize that "She Loves You." You know that girl in section? Whisper some "Words of Love" to her and see what she says. This is direct romantic advice from the people who know. Have you ever seen the old Beatles documentaries and movies? They had millions of people in love with them. If the object of your affection doesn't respond well, then "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away." The Beatles have an answer for everything.

Now, if we could only figure out who the walrus is. "Perhaps St. Valentine?"