Norwegian Wood
Quick Summary
"Norwegian Wood" is a song by the English rock band The Beatles, released in 1965 on their album Rubber Soul. It is credited to the songwriting partnership of LennonâMcCartney, though primarily written by John Lennon. The song is notable for its folk-like melody and Lennon's use of the sitar, an Indian stringed instrument, which was a departure from the band's earlier rock and roll sound. The lyrics tell a story of a fleeting romantic encounter, with the title referencing the then-popular Scandinavian furniture and the suggestive double entendre of "wood". This song marked a significant step in The Beatles' evolution towards more complex and experimental songwriting.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
sitarWorldwide popularityâŠon such songs as âNorwegian Woodâ (1965), âLove You Toâ (1966), and âWithin You Without Youâ (1967). The Rolling Stones member Brian Jones also played the instrument for the groupâs track âPaint It Blackâ (1966). Other musicians of the period imitated sitar sounds on the guitar; some used anâŠ
Read MoreâŠon such songs as âNorwegian Woodâ (1965), âLove You Toâ (1966), and âWithin You Without Youâ (1967). The Rolling Stones member Brian Jones also played the instrument for the groupâs track âPaint It Blackâ (1966). Other musicians of the period imitated sitar sounds on the guitar; some used anâŠ
Read More
George HarrisonâŠfeatured his skills in âNorwegian Woodâ (1965). Harrisonâs interest in Indian culture grew, and in 1968 he and the Beatles, as well as a number of other celebrities, explored transcendental meditation with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India. The trip influenced dozens of subsequent Beatles songs, but Harrison wasâŠ
Read MoreâŠfeatured his skills in âNorwegian Woodâ (1965). Harrisonâs interest in Indian culture grew, and in 1968 he and the Beatles, as well as a number of other celebrities, explored transcendental meditation with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India. The trip influenced dozens of subsequent Beatles songs, but Harrison wasâŠ
Read More
