Songs > Eleanor Rigby

Eleanor Rigby

(Lennon/McCartney)

Song background
Years of speculation lead to many theories as to where Paul came up with the name Eleanor Rigby, including one by Paul in which he theorises that it was influenced by Eleanor Bron, who costarred in "Help!". But amazingly, in the 1980s, a grave was found in the cemetary at St. Peter's Parish Church, literally yards from the very spot that Paul was introduced to John. The original lyric featured a subject named Miss Daisy Hawkins as well as a Father McCartney.

Recording dates

Release dates

August 5, 1966 (UK) (Yellow Submarine/Eleanor Rigby single)
August 5, 1966 (UK) (on Revolver)
August 8, 1966 (US) (Yellow Submarine/Eleanor Rigby single)
August 8, 1966 (US) (on Revolver)
January 13, 1969 (US) (on Yellow Submarine)
January 17, 1969 (UK) (on Yellow Submarine)
April 2, 1973 (US) (on 1962-66)
April 19, 1973 (UK) (on 1962-66)
March 22, 1982 (US) (on Reel Music)
March 29, 1982 (UK) (on Reel Music)
September 17, 1999 (UK & US) (on Yellow Submarine Songtrack)
November 14, 2000 (UK & US) (on Beatles 1)

Recording notes

Chart performance

#1, August 8 - September 14 (4 weeks), Record Retailer (UK)

Quotes

Awards

Awarded the 1966 Grammy for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Performance, Male
Nominated for Best Vocal Performance; Male
Nominated for Best Contemporary (R&R) Recording
Nominated for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist Or Instrumental

Anomolies

Other notes

Notable covers