LS039 - Not A Second Time - Lecture Series (bonus)

04/20/25 • 26 min

In this lecture, Kenyon offers a critical and introspective analysis of “Not a Second Time,” a John Lennon composition from With the Beatles that has baffled fans, critics, and even the band themselves. Often cited as one of Lennon’s weakest early efforts, the song nonetheless presents a unique opportunity for study. Kenyon examines the track’s fragmented melodic development, harmonic aimlessness, and the infamous “Aeolian cadence” praised by The Times critic William Mann—an observation Lennon would later mock. The lecture explores the song’s disjointed middle eight, unresolved cadences, and jarring phrase structures, asking how such an unfocused piece ended up on a Beatles album. Yet, Kenyon argues that even flawed material can reveal much about the songwriting process. Through this lens, “Not a Second Time” becomes a case study in unrealized potential, artistic intuition, and the value of editorial rigor within collaborative composition. A must-listen for those interested in artistic misfires and how they inform musical growth.

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Previous Episode

EP038 - Devil In Her Heart

How did one forgotten girl group from a Detroit suburb end up shaping one of the eeriest Beatles covers? In this episode, Peter and Kenyon uncover the story behind “Devil in Her Heart,” originally recorded as “Devil in His Heart” by the Donays—high schoolers who released only one single before disbanding. The Beatles discovered the track through Brian Epstein’s record shop and transformed it into a haunting George Harrison-led performance. The hosts break down the Beatles’ faithful arrangement, George’s call-and-response vocal dynamics, and how the track reflects the album’s larger theme of light and shadow. They also compare the Beatles’ version with the Donays’ original, arguing the latter may even surpass the Fab Four in raw emotional power. With its dark harmonies, subtle rhythmic tricks, and eerie atmosphere, “Devil in Her Heart” reveals just how deep the Beatles dug to find hidden gems—and how those gems sometimes outshined the band themselves.

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Next Episode

EP039 - Not A Second Time

What do Mahler, Stephen King, and John Lennon’s “Not a Second Time” have in common? More than you’d think. In this episode, Peter and Kenyon dig into one of the Beatles’ most misunderstood songs—praised by London Times critic William Mann for its so-called “Aeolian cadence,” a term Lennon would later call “exotic birds.” The hosts dissect the track’s odd structure, haunting piano solo, and emotionally unstable chord progressions, exploring why it stands apart on With the Beatles. From the lack of George Harrison’s guitar to the unusual melodic phrasing and brooding lyrics, “Not a Second Time” feels less like a Beatles song and more like a musical outburst. They also discuss the track’s cultural afterlife—including its cameo in a Stephen King book. Was Lennon aiming for Motown, Mahler, or something uniquely his own? This episode uncovers the messy brilliance buried in a song even the Beatles seemed unsure about.

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