Before I knew exactly what was going on I was on my way to St. Johns Wood in North London. What is so interesting there one might ask. Well, I'll tell you, Abbey Road and the zebra crossing made famous by the cover of the namesake album. I decided that I should see this before I leave London, and as I am leaving in about 3 weeks I figured it was time to check it out.
As I ascended into the unknown (I do not normally frequent northwest London) I just assumed I would have to go out and wander til I found what I was looking for. To my surprise the tube station does its best to help you out so you don't wander around like an idiot. I read where I needed to go and as I walked outside I forgot the directions after cross the street and walk down the one across from it. As it turned out I simply had to walk straight and eventually found a clearing where there was a small crowd and I assumed that meant I had found what I was looking for. I watched as pedestrians tried to reinact the famous Beatles cover by walking across the zebra crossing in fours if they are lucky, three if no one can take their picture and even the lone straggler. Now what no one thinks of is the fact that Abbey Road is in fact a road. It has actual cars that use it and there isn't a way to stop them. I get it, it's a famous crossing, but seriously, walk across and move on. I found myself drawn to watching this one couple who was trying really hard to get a picture of the woman crossing. She would wait for him to say ok and then a bunch of others would cross so she would wait. This went on for several minutes before I finally decided that they were both stupid and that I would be one of the many that was ruining their photo opp this time around. I know it was mean but just do it and move on! So what if another person is in the photo with you!
After crossing I found myself face to face with several walls that have been written and drawn on for years. I was also surprised to find tears clouding my vision. I love The Beatles as much as the next sane person but I was shocked to find myself along the lines of those Harry Potter fans that could not contain their hysterical sobs! Now I was no where near sobbing, but I did have to force myself to stop this ridiculous display in the street! I wandered along reading what people had to say and zeroing in on the lyrics that were written, (I of course had to add my own little message before I left) but I was struck by the sheer force of this band. They touched the lives of countless people from all over the world. The lyrics from their most well known songs reverberating around me. I found myself humming the tune to Revolution and smiling when I realized that I do Get By With a Little Help From my Friends. This wall is in front of Abbey Road Studios, which by and large is very disappointing.The entire building is covered in blue tarps due to what can only be assumed is a mass refurbishing. The only sign is right above the door and is rather far from where you are allowed to stand. This eye sore did not deter anyone from snapping photo after photo. Instead of snapping pictures of something truly ugly I wandered further down Abbey Road and was happy to find an actual Abbey Road sign that wasn't stuck high up on the side of a building!
As I sit near my open window listening to these songs I find that, while I can't even begin to understand the enormity of this band, I understand how the lyrics touched so many lives and still do to those lucky enough to be introduced to them. Afterall, Happiness is a Warm Gun.
