For as long as I could remember, I’ve been captivated by the Beatles. My obsession began the moment I heard the powerful electric guitar riff unique to the 1968 summer hit, “Revolution.” I remember being entranced by George Harrison’s soothing voice and verses in “Here Comes the Sun.” To this day, the 1969 "Abbey Road" classic remains one of my all time favorite songs; no matter how many times I listen, it continues to remind me that there are always going to be brighter days ahead. Like millions of others, I’ve always been and will continue to be amazed at the iconic creative partnership between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Despite being drastically different people, the pair was nothing short of brilliant. While the two created an abundance of hits individually, together they would produce numerous unforgettable ballads such as “Yesterday” and “Hey Jude.” In short, it’s impossible for me to put into words how the careers of these four men have impacted (and continue to impact) the music sphere. Their sheer talent and ingenious minds keep on shocking the world even decades after the Beatles came to an end.

I suppose I could thank my father for fueling the fire that is my love for the Beatles. On car rides he would scowl if he heard the latest Bieber tune, and switch to Sirius Radio’s “Classic Vinyl” station. My sister and I would look at each other and smirk at his inability to tolerate top 40 tunes. Little did we know that our dad’s impatience would expose us to a whole new world of music, a world of music in which the Beatles reigned superior (at least in our opinion).

I’ve always taken solace in the face that I could escape to this world no matter what I was feeling. I’ve always counted on John, Paul, George, and Ringo to help me celebrate an achievement, boost my mood, or pick me up when I’m feeling down; through their music, they’ve aided me in each one of these things. With a decade of hit records under their belts, it isn't difficult to find a Beatles' song that could relate to any situation or mood. The Beatles have always provided me with a comforting shoulder to lean on, which is maybe why I’ve often found myself wishing I lived in “Beatlemania” instead of a world infected with “Bieber Fever.”

So without further ado, here are a few of my favorite Beatles’ songs. I hope you find them as relatable to life’s many ups and downs as I do.

“Twist and Shout” (1963)

Originally credited to Phil Medley/Bert Berns and released by the Top Notes, the 1961 classic was covered and made famous by groups such as the Beatles. Released on their 1963 album "Please Please Me," “Twist and Shout” would soar to the top of charts in both the UK and the US. It’s rapid rise to fame allowed for the Beatles to continue playing the song live years after its initial release. Despite suffering a cold during the recording, Lennon’s lead vocals are unique to the group’s cover. His loud, raspy voice and the authentic rock and roll vibe make for a perfect song to jam out to. So whether you’re having a solo dance party or rolling through the streets of Chicago on a float (I’m talking about you, Ferris), “Twist and Shout” is the song for you.

“You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” (1965)

Released on the album "Help!," “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” is very Bob Dylan-esque. Although Lennon was recognized as the initial writer and lead vocalist, the song was ultimately credited to the Lennon/McCartney partnership. Many theories concerning the inspiration for this song have circulated the music world; it’s often thought that it was written about the group’s homosexual manager, Brian Epstein. It’s also believed that “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” was written by Lennon about a lost love, a broken relationship, and his lingering feelings for the person. Maybe he felt that he had to conceal these emotions from the rest of the world; maybe he felt how drastically different his life was after the departure of this person. I think that at some point, all of us can relate to Lennon’s lyrics of heartbreak and looming loneliness.

“I’m Looking Through You” (1965)

“I’m Looking Through You” is from the group’s sixth studio album, "Rubber Soul." Written by Paul McCartney (credited to Lennon/McCartney), the tune is notable for its electric guitar bits and slightly bitter lyrics. Despite having recorded a different, slower version, the final release was faster and more upbeat sounding. It’s said that the song was heavily based on real events unfolding in McCartney’s life; his relationship with longtime girlfriend, Jane Asher was believed to be the inspiration. Supposedly there was a conflict between the pair, and McCartney’s lyrics reflect his dissatisfaction with the whole situation. His emotionally charged words such as ‘you don’t look different but you have changed’ show just how rapidly things can go array. We can all relate to changes within our personal lives, whether it’s with a family member, friend, or partner. Like McCartney, we’ve all felt that hodge podge of emotions when things don’t go the way we want them to.

“Here Comes the Sun” (1969)

Written by George Harrison, “Here Comes the Sun” is one of many classics released on "Abbey Road." His use of the acoustic guitar and the soothing, optimistic lyrics make “Here Comes the Sun” one of my all time favorite Beatles’ songs. Composed towards the end of the Beatles’ reign, the tune provides a pocket of brightness in a time of turmoil. In 1969, there was much conflict concerning who would be the newest manager of the band. The studio was often brimming with tension due to the disagreements between McCartney and the other three Beatles. Having had enough of the strained atmosphere, Harrison took a personal day to visit his friend Eric Clapton in the countryside. Surrounded by gardens and sunshine, George produced “Here Comes the Sun” in a flurry of positivity. His words ‘little darling I feel that ice is slowly melting’ show hope for warmth and a brighter future. Harrison’s lyrics have always reminded me that bad times turn to good ones in the same way that winter changes to spring. If you’re ever feeling down, “Here Comes the Sun” is the perfect dose of optimism to cheer you up.

“Let It Be” (1970)

Released in 1970, “Let It Be” was the last single put out by the Beatles. The song was eventually added to the group’s final album of the same name. Written by McCartney, the piano presence in the tune and its characteristics of gospel music make for a bittersweet conclusion to a decade of remarkable rock records. McCartney wrote “Let It Be” when conflict among the band members was at its pinnacle. Each musician seemed to be going in his own direction, and McCartney’s words reflect his despair at the inevitable ending of an era. For me, “Let It Be” was always a song I resorted to when feeling lost, alone, or between a rock and a hard place. Throughout school, I often found myself repeating Paul’s soothing mantra ‘there will be an answer, let it be’ when struggling with a math test. In all seriousness, McCartney’s lyrics about the end of something have always given me hope. “Let It Be” reminds me that with endings come new beginnings, and I’ve always tried to remember this when facing transition or pessimism. So if you’re ever feeling lost, if you’re ever pondering your place in the world, “Let It Be” is the song for you.

So John, Paul, George, Ringo, thanks for being there. Thanks for making songs to dance to, songs to cry to, songs to celebrate to, and more. I’ll be forever grateful.