Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da

Album: The Beatles (aka The White Album)

Year: 1968

Written by: Lennon & McCartney

"Ob-la-di, ob-la-da" was a phrase that Paul learned from his Nigerian friend Jimmy Emuakpor (also known as Jimmy Scott). He said that it means"life goes on" in the Yoruba language. Paul thought it was a cool phrase, and it inspired him to write this fun and silly, ska-influenced song. 

Paul sings lead, with John and George doing the backing vocals. If you listen closely, you can hear John and George singing “Arm!” and “Leg!” after the line “Desmond lets the children lend a hand." George can also be heard saying “Foot!” in the final verse, after Paul sings “Molly lets the children lend a hand." The funny piano intro was written and played by John, and Jimmy Scott plays the conga drums on this track.