ON THIS DATE (59 YEARS AGO): August 8, 1966 – The Beatles Release “Yellow Submarine” b/w “Eleanor Rigby” in the United States
On August 8, 1966, The Beatles’ single “Yellow Submarine” backed with “Eleanor Rigby” (Capitol 5715) was released in the United States. Originally featured on the Revolver album, the single showcased two dramatically different sides of the band: the whimsical, childlike storytelling of “Yellow Submarine” and the poignant, string-driven melancholy of “Eleanor Rigby.” “Yellow Submarine,” written primarily by Paul McCartney and sung by Ringo Starr, quickly became a pop culture phenomenon. In the UK, it topped every major chart, holding the number one spot for four weeks and remaining on the charts for a total of thirteen. It also earned an Ivor Novello Award for achieving the highest certified sales of any single in Britain in 1966.
The song’s origins were simple and playful. McCartney recalled writing it while living in the attic room of Jane Asher’s parents’ house, envisioning it as a tune for Ringo with a limited vocal range and a storytelling quality reminiscent of an old sea captain. Initially, the concept involved submarines of various colors, but the narrative eventually settled on the now-iconic yellow vessel. John Lennon and folk singer Donovan both contributed lyrical ideas—Donovan adding the now-famous “Sky of blue and sea of green” line—while Lennon and the rest of the band brought the song to life in the studio. McCartney later emphasized that it was simply intended as a children’s song with no deeper hidden meaning.
In the United States, “Yellow Submarine” proved immensely popular, though it fell just short of reaching number one on all major charts. It peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and Cashbox (held off the top spot by The Supremes’ “You Can’t Hurry Love”), while claiming the number one position in Record World. Its release coincided with a turbulent period for The Beatles, marked by controversy over the “Butcher Cover” of the Yesterday and Today album and Lennon’s highly publicized remarks about Christianity, factors cited as reasons it didn’t claim the top slot across all US charts.
“Yellow Submarine” would go on to lend its name to the Beatles’ 1968 animated film and its soundtrack album, becoming one of the band’s most recognizable songs. Its lighthearted charm, memorable chorus, and playful imagery have since ensured its place as a beloved classic in The Beatles’ catalogue, standing as a testament to their ability to blend simplicity with cultural impact.