The Word is a Beatles song from 1965, first released on the album Rubber Soul. Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, with Lennon on lead vocal, it showcases a driving funk beat in the key of D major and a 12-bar blues refrain built around the chord D7(#9). The track features Paul on piano and bass, George Harrison on lead guitar, Ringo Starr on drums and maracas, and George Martin on harmonium; the three part harmonies and falsetto moments are a standout element. The song marked the Beatles’ first exploration of love as a concept, with Lennon presenting love as the underlying theme of the universe and the lyric “the word is love.” It is also noted for its unusual structure, with three bridges each having different lyrics, and for its studio crafted arrangement rather than live performance. Released in the UK on December 3, 1965 and in the US on December 6, 1965 as part of Rubber Soul, it has since been recognized as a turning point toward the band’s psychedelic era and was later included in the 2006 Love medley Drive My Car / The Word / What You’re Doing.
