You could say that the Beatles are the Shakespeare of //pop// music, but they aren't the Shakespeare of music in general. Shakespeare is known for his innovations in language, and as a pioneer in new ways to use English. You can't say that about the Beatles and music. Bach, maybe, because he revolutionized the twelve-tone pitch system that all musicians use today.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

Maybe OP wasn't referring to what Shakespeare is known *for*; maybe he was just focussing on the fact that he is known. His name is as famous to literature as The Beatles' name is to music, no matter what either of them actually accomplished.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

But that would be such a lame analogy. If the only similarity between the two is the fact they're well-known. It's like saying "the Beatles are the McDonald's of music." Bach is clearly the superior analogy, because they had similar placement in history and impact on their art forms. By comparison, the Beatles have little in common analogously with Shakespeare.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

Bach/Shakespeare is a lovely analogy, yes, but I think OP was just referencing the well-known-ness of Shakespeare and The Beatles. So, yes, I think they also could've said McDonald's and still made the same point. I can't read minds, though, so maybe OP intended more than I inferred.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

"Lovely" is one of my favorite adjectives so now I like you.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

I would say, "Lovely!", but I figure that sort of joke format has been overused, so instead, I'm going to say the following: :D I like being told I'm liked, so now I like you too.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

I do believe, however, that Shakespeare is more famous than the Beatles worldwide and that Bach would, indeed, be a better analogy because his music is studied worldwide just as Shakespeare's literature is.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

Let's hope a 12 year old didn't write this

by Anonymous 11 years ago

The Beatles are so overrated. Yes, they did write good lyrics and such, but they ruined the songs they wrote with their awful singing and instrument playing.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

While it's undeniable that the Beatles are excellent musicians and lyricists, I wouldn't go so far as to say they are the "Shakespeare of music". All you need to do is listen to something like Yes or Jethro Tull and you'll find that they have better lyrics. Plus, Jethro Tull is the only band I know of that has written a 44 minute song.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

I always thought the Beatles were overrated. But now I realize music can't be good or bad because it's based on your personal opinion. Which is why there are so many genres of music

by Anonymous 11 years ago