But what if …?

I fell in love with Paul McCartney when I was six years old. It was the Beatles' first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. I believe "All My Loving" was the second number. I know I literally fell in love the moment Paul sang, "Close your eyes and I'll kiss you/tomorrow I'll miss you/remember I'll always be true." I said aloud, "He's so pretty it hurts." I still feel that way. He will always be my brown-eyed troubadour, singing about romantic, perfect love.

But I wonder … what if I encountered the Beatles for the first time when I was older? I got the LOVE CD for my birthday and this new treatment of the old classics inspired the question. I believe I might have been a John Girl instead. Nowhere near as cute as Paul, and far edgier, he seemed intimidating when I was younger. But as I grew up I came to appreciate the courage and wit he brought to his music.

I don't see myself ever falling for George or Ringo. With all due respect, I've always looked at the Beatles as a pair of geniuses and two really, really lucky musicians.