Eleanor Rigby
Johnny Mathis · Other Songs - Johnny Mathis
Ah, look at all the lonely people
Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been,
Lives in a dream
Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door
Who is it for?
All the lonely people
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people
Where do they all belong?
Father McKenzie writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear
No one comes near.
Look at him working, darning his socks in the night
when there's nobody there
What does he care?
All the lonely people
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people
Where do they all belong?
Ah, look at all the lonely people
Ah, look at all the lonely people
Eleanor Rigby died in the church and was buried along with her name
Nobody came
Father McKenzie wiping the dirt from his hands as he walks from the grave
No one was saved
All the lonely people (ah, look at all the lonely people)
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people (ah, look at all the lonely people)
Where do they all belong?
About Eleanor Rigby
Johnny Mathis's rendition of "Eleanor Rigby" stands as a definitive example of his mastery of the romantic ballad, blending the song's haunting narrative with his signature smooth vocal style. Originally written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon for The Beatles, the track was famously covered by Mathis in 1964, transforming its stark, almost theatrical delivery into a tender, intimate love song. His version is widely considered one of the most successful interpretations of the composition, showcasing his ability to soften the song's melancholic edges while preserving its emotional core. The recording became a staple of the pop standard repertoire, illustrating how Mathis could adapt complex compositions into accessible, timeless tracks that resonated with audiences across generations. This particular recording remains a key song in his discography, highlighting his contribution to the evolution of the romantic ballad genre during the mid-1960s.