Anyone out there feel, as I do, that this song was written for Indian instruments, but made into rock and roll instead?
It's built around one chord, essentially, the lyrical theme is Eastern, etc.  I imagine it with tamboura instead of droning guitars, a very light touch on the percussion, sitar following the vocal as in Within You Without You, and the dalruba (sp?) adding the trills. Much shorter, too.  It would've made for a very peaceful little thing.  
Anyone?

I don't think there's any particular reason to think it was originally conceived to be done with Indian instruments, droning aside. But it would've been nice to hear.

Quoted from walrus_21

Anyone out there feel, as I do, that this song was written for Indian instruments, but made into rock and roll instead?
It's built around one chord, essentially, the lyrical theme is Eastern, etc.  I imagine it with tamboura instead of droning guitars, a very light touch on the percussion, sitar following the vocal as in Within You Without You, and the dalruba (sp?) adding the trills. Much shorter, too.  It would've made for a very peaceful little thing.  
Anyone?

Can't see it myself.

I can see what you're saying here, interesting thoughts!

As it turns out, it's one of my favorite Beatles song as it is now. Especially the fade out!

Quoted from alexis

As it turns out, it's one of my favorite Beatles song as it is now. Especially the fade out!

It's grown on me lately, as a result of the two current threads about it. I don't think it's wonderful, but I certainly appreciate it more than I used to.

i hadnt even noticed it sqaushed amongst all the orchestral scores on yellow submarine till 2 months ago, i was aware that yellow submarine was on it but i could hear that on Revolver if need be.

never been a fan of all together now and i prefer the anthology version of northern song, so never really listened to yellow submarine ever, then i noticed someone mention it a while back had a listen to it and thought this is actually really good and thought it would have sounded really good on MMT after Flying

I think it was supposed to be a vehicle for bagpipes and other Irish music.  

Quoted from walrus_21

Anyone out there feel, as I do, that this song was written for Indian instruments, but made into rock and roll instead?
It's built around one chord, essentially, the lyrical theme is Eastern, etc.  I imagine it with tamboura instead of droning guitars, a very light touch on the percussion, sitar following the vocal as in Within You Without You, and the dalruba (sp?) adding the trills. Much shorter, too.  It would've made for a very peaceful little thing.  
Anyone?

yeah, I've always said the lyrical theme in IATM was Eastern..but come to think of it, you're quite right, the melody leans that way too.
a less "occidental" tune than many others dating from this time (circa '67-196

Just thinking ... that long distorted guitar thing at the beginning, reminds me a bit of a Steppenwolf song, can't remember if it's Born to be Wild or Magic Carpet Ride or something ?

Quoted from alexis

Just thinking ... that long distorted guitar thing at the beginning, reminds me a bit of a Steppenwolf song, can't remember if it's Born to be Wild or Magic Carpet Ride or something ?

it's Magic Carpet Ride that has that distorted beginning...Born to Be Wild just starts w/ that kick-a** drumbeat and guitar riff then the great John Kay starts singing.."get your motor runnin' etc...