Behind the Scenes: The Beatles' Turbulent Journey Recording 'Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
The Beatles faced tensions during the recording of their 1968 White Album, with John Lennon and Paul McCartney not always seeing eye to eye. McCartney drew inspiration for the song "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" from a Nigerian friend's expression, "Ob la di ob la da, life goes on, bra." The song, a fantasy about Desmond and Molly, was a very McCartney creation, but Lennon openly disliked it, calling it "granny music sh-t."
Despite Lennon's disdain, the Beatles spent 42 hours recording "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," driven by McCartney's perfectionism. Frustrated with the process, Lennon took charge during a session, playing the song at double speed on the piano, leading to the final version. George Harrison and Ringo Starr were also fed up with the prolonged recording process, with Harrison possibly referencing the ordeal in his song "Savoy Truffle" on the same album.