“Eleanor Rigby” by Paul McCartney: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Eleanor Rigby” by Paul McCartney

“Eleanor Rigby” by Paul McCartney, first appeared in 1966 on The Beatles’ album Revolver, was written by McCartney and sung primarily by him. The song stands out for its haunting melody and distinctive use of a string quartet, diverging from the band’s usual guitar and drum-based sound. It explores themes of loneliness, alienation, and the unnoticed lives of ordinary people. The character of Eleanor Rigby is depicted as a solitary woman who lives and dies in obscurity, while Father McKenzie, a priest, also grapples with isolation and purposelessness. Through its melancholic tone and stark lyrics, “Eleanor Rigby” captures the poignancy of human disconnection and the silent suffering that often goes unnoticed in society. The song’s innovative musical composition and deep, introspective lyrics marked a shift in The Beatles’ style, highlighting their evolution into more complex and reflective themes.

Text: “Eleanor Rigby” by Paul McCartney

Annotations: “Eleanor Rigby” by Paul McCartney

Line	Annotation
“Ah, look at all the lonely people”	This refrain introduces the theme of loneliness, drawing attention to the many individuals in society who live isolated lives, unnoticed by others. It suggests a societal issue of widespread isolation.
“Ah, look at all the lonely people”	Repeated line for emphasis, reinforcing the universality of loneliness and compelling listeners to consider the “invisible” individuals around them.
“Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church”	Eleanor is cleaning up after a wedding, suggesting her role on the fringes of society and hinting at her desire to connect with others through observing meaningful events in others’ lives, like weddings.
“Where the wedding has been – lives in a dream”	Indicates her longing or idealization of companionship and belonging, contrasting her reality with her dreams. It shows her alienation from the happiness symbolized by weddings and union.
“Waits at the window, wearing a face that”	The “window” represents both a barrier and a place where she observes life passively, not fully participating in it. “Wearing a face” implies she has a facade or mask, possibly to hide her loneliness.
“She keeps in a jar by the door – who is it for”	Symbolizes her emotional isolation and the social mask she wears, kept at the ready but used only for outward appearances, questioning the purpose of such pretense when she has no connections.
“All the lonely people where do they all come from”	Reflects on the origins of isolation, questioning if it is societal or inherent in human nature. The rhetorical question invites listeners to think about the causes of loneliness.
“All the lonely people where do they all belong”	A recurring question in the song, challenging the idea of belonging and purpose in a world where some individuals are unnoticed and disconnected.
“Father McKenzie, writing the words of a sermon”	Introduces another lonely figure, a priest who writes sermons that may go unheard, representing unfulfilled duties or a disconnect between his role and his audience.
“That no-one will hear no-one comes near”	Emphasizes his isolation and the futility of his work, as he performs tasks that have no impact due to the absence of a congregation or audience, mirroring Eleanor’s own lack of social ties.
“Look at him working, darning his socks in the”	Father McKenzie’s mundane, solitary act of mending socks underscores his isolation and his lack of connection, as he is left to care for himself in an act that seems almost pointless in the grand scheme.
“Night when there’s nobody there – what does he care”	The nighttime setting deepens the sense of loneliness, as he performs this task without anyone else around. His indifference may signal resignation to his solitude.
“All the lonely people, where do they all come from”	Reiterates the central theme of loneliness, posing the question again to explore whether loneliness is universal or caused by societal circumstances.
“All the lonely people, where do they all belong”	Repeated line that questions the lack of belonging felt by individuals like Eleanor and Father McKenzie, amplifying the sense of societal neglect or misplacement of isolated individuals.
“Eleanor Rigby died in the church and was buried”	Eleanor’s death symbolizes the culmination of a life spent in obscurity, suggesting that her isolation continues even in death.
“Along with her name – nobody came”	Her burial “along with her name” indicates that her identity and existence were largely unnoticed by others, emphasizing the theme of forgotten lives and lack of lasting impact.
“Father McKenzie, wiping the dirt from his hands”	This image evokes the finality of Eleanor’s burial, as Father McKenzie physically disconnects himself from her, symbolizing the routine, impersonal nature of his role.
“As he walks from the grave no-one was saved”	Reflects on the existential theme of salvation or the lack thereof, implying that despite his role, Father McKenzie could not alleviate Eleanor’s loneliness, nor did his religious duties save her from a life of isolation.
“All the lonely people, where do they all come from”	A final reiteration of the thematic question, underscoring the pervasive nature of loneliness and its mysterious origins.
“All the lonely people, where do they all belong”	Closing line, leaving listeners with an open-ended reflection on the lack of belonging and connection among many individuals in society, reinforcing the song’s somber message.
“Ah, look at all the lonely people”	Final repetition, reinforcing the song’s theme and encouraging the listener to take note of those isolated and unseen in society.
“Ah, look at all the lonely people”	Ends with the haunting refrain, reminding the audience of the pervasive loneliness in the world, creating a reflective and melancholic conclusion.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Eleanor Rigby” by Paul McCartney

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	“look at all the lonely people”	The repetition of the ‘l’ sound in “look,” “lonely,” and “people” creates a rhythmic emphasis, drawing attention to the phrase and enhancing the somber tone.
Allusion	“died in the church and was buried”	References the ritual of a church burial, an allusion to religious customs that enhance the character’s final isolation even in a place associated with community.
Anaphora	“Ah, look at all the lonely people”	The repetition of this line at the beginning of verses emphasizes the song’s central theme of loneliness and directs listeners’ attention to the theme.
Assonance	“where do they all belong”	The repetition of the ‘o’ sound in “do,” “they,” and “all” adds musicality to the line and enhances the melancholic feeling of pondering loneliness.
Characterization	“Father McKenzie…darning his socks”	Through small, detailed actions, like “darning his socks,” McCartney characterizes Father McKenzie as a lonely, isolated figure who lives a quiet, routine life.
Contrast	“wedding has been – lives in a dream”	Contrasts the happiness of a wedding with Eleanor Rigby’s detached existence, living “in a dream,” emphasizing her disconnection from life’s joyous occasions.
Epiphora	“where do they all come from / where do they all belong”	The repeated ending phrase in consecutive lines heightens the sense of mystery and despair, creating a haunting echo of loneliness.
Hyperbole	“no one was saved”	This exaggeration implies a total lack of salvation or redemption in Eleanor’s life, amplifying the tragedy of her unnoticed existence.
Imagery	“picks up the rice in the church”	Creates a vivid visual image of Eleanor cleaning up after a wedding, symbolizing her isolation from joyful social events and the remnants of others’ celebrations.
Irony	“writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear”	It is ironic that Father McKenzie writes sermons intended to inspire or comfort others, yet no one listens, highlighting his isolation.
Juxtaposition	“died in the church and was buried / nobody came”	The juxtaposition of death in a communal space (church) with complete solitude (nobody came) highlights Eleanor’s extreme isolation, even in death.
Metaphor	“wearing a face that she keeps in a jar by the door”	Describes her facade or social mask as something she “keeps in a jar,” symbolizing the artificiality of her outward expressions and the hidden loneliness beneath.
Motif	“lonely people”	The motif of loneliness recurs throughout the song, reinforcing the theme of alienation and societal disconnect.
Narrative Perspective	Omniscient narrator	The narrator describes both Eleanor Rigby’s and Father McKenzie’s actions and emotions, allowing a broader view of their isolated lives and enhancing the universal theme of loneliness.
Personification	“all the lonely people”	By collectively referring to “the lonely people,” loneliness is personified as a group, enhancing the song’s exploration of solitude on a societal level.
Refrain	“Ah, look at all the lonely people”	The recurring line serves as a refrain, reinforcing the song’s theme and reminding listeners of the universality of loneliness.
Rhetorical Question	“where do they all belong”	This question doesn’t expect an answer, instead inviting listeners to reflect on the place of lonely individuals in society.
Symbolism	“the rice in the church”	The rice symbolizes celebration and communal gatherings, contrasting with Eleanor’s isolation as she cleans up the remains, signifying her peripheral existence in social events.
Tone	Melancholic and reflective	The somber tone of the lyrics reflects the theme of loneliness, encouraging listeners to empathize with the characters’ plight and contemplate societal isolation.
Tragic Irony	“Eleanor Rigby…nobody came”	The tragic irony lies in Eleanor’s death going unnoticed despite her presence in a church, a place meant for community, highlighting the depth of her isolation.

Themes: “Eleanor Rigby” by Paul McCartney

1. Loneliness and Isolation
   The theme of loneliness permeates Eleanor Rigby, capturing the hidden lives of individuals separated from society. The line “Ah, look at all the lonely people” opens and closes the song, framing it with a sense of widespread, unnoticed isolation. Eleanor is introduced through small, solitary actions, such as “picks up the rice in the church,” where she is present but disconnected from others. Similarly, Father McKenzie, who “darns his socks in the night,” lives a solitary life despite his public role, emphasizing that loneliness affects people in various walks of life.
2. The Futility of Existence
   McCartney portrays the seemingly meaningless routines of daily life as characters like Eleanor and Father McKenzie go through repetitive, empty actions. Eleanor “lives in a dream,” hinting at her desire for something beyond her monotonous reality. Father McKenzie writes sermons “that no one will hear,” highlighting the futility of his work when he has no audience. The ultimate futility is underscored by Eleanor’s death, where “nobody came,” showing how her life, filled with routine but devoid of meaningful connection, ends in complete obscurity.
3. Death and Legacy
   Death is a prominent theme, marked by Eleanor’s passing and the finality of her burial “along with her name.” This line suggests that her identity, life, and memories are forgotten, as she leaves no lasting impact on those around her. Father McKenzie, who performs the burial, “wiping the dirt from his hands,” walks away detached, symbolizing the impersonal way society deals with those who pass on without connections. The song questions what legacy remains when a life, like Eleanor’s, is marked by solitude rather than relationships.
4. Social Alienation and Neglect
   Eleanor Rigby paints a somber picture of societal neglect, highlighting how certain individuals live unnoticed and unacknowledged. Eleanor’s only interaction with the world seems to be cleaning up after events like weddings, yet she is disconnected from the joy and companionship they represent. Father McKenzie’s sermons, “that no one will hear,” suggest that even those in roles designed to connect with others can experience isolation. The rhetorical refrain “where do they all belong?” questions the place of isolated individuals in society, emphasizing a failure to address the emotional needs of people like Eleanor and Father McKenzie.

Literary Theories and “Eleanor Rigby” by Paul McCartney

Literary Theory	Explanation and Application	References from the Lyrics
Marxist Theory	Examines the socio-economic class struggles and alienation experienced by individuals in capitalist societies. Eleanor Rigby reflects on the isolation of working-class individuals like Eleanor, who appears to work on the sidelines of society, performing tasks (e.g., “picks up the rice in the church”) that are necessary but invisible. Similarly, Father McKenzie embodies the unacknowledged labor of religious service, where his efforts, “writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear,” go unappreciated by society. The song highlights class-based social alienation.	“Picks up the rice in the church” shows Eleanor performing unnoticed, lowly tasks, while “no one will hear” for Father McKenzie’s sermons points to his unseen labor.
Existentialism	Focuses on individual isolation, the search for meaning, and the recognition of life’s inherent absurdities. In Eleanor Rigby, the characters live seemingly purposeless lives, defined by routines that appear futile (e.g., “lives in a dream,” “writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear”). Eleanor’s death (“died in the church and was buried / nobody came”) and Father McKenzie’s indifferent response reflect the existential notion that life lacks inherent meaning unless one creates it. Their isolation and obscurity underscore existential despair and the human need for purpose.	“Lives in a dream” and “no one was saved” emphasize the characters’ struggles with purposelessness and isolation in a seemingly indifferent world.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Focuses on the unconscious mind, exploring repressed desires, isolation, and emotional facades. In Eleanor Rigby, Eleanor’s “wearing a face that she keeps in a jar by the door” symbolizes the public masks people use to hide their inner loneliness and desire for connection. Father McKenzie’s isolated actions, such as “darning his socks in the night,” hint at unmet emotional needs. The song suggests that, unconsciously, these characters yearn for relationships but remain trapped by their inability to express or fulfill these desires.	“Wearing a face that she keeps in a jar by the door” indicates Eleanor’s hidden emotions, while “darning his socks in the night” shows Father McKenzie’s internal solitude.

Critical Questions about “Eleanor Rigby” by Paul McCartney

• What does “Eleanor Rigby” suggest about the nature of loneliness in modern society?
• “Eleanor Rigby” paints loneliness as a pervasive and overlooked issue, highlighting the alienation felt by ordinary individuals within society. The line “Ah, look at all the lonely people” functions as both a call to attention and a reflection on how invisible loneliness often is. Characters like Eleanor and Father McKenzie exist on the margins of society, unnoticed and unacknowledged. Eleanor “lives in a dream” and performs menial tasks, such as picking up rice after a wedding, which positions her as a witness to others’ joyous moments without participating herself. Father McKenzie’s isolation is also evident as he writes “words of a sermon that no one will hear.” This suggests that modern society may unintentionally neglect its members, leaving them isolated in plain sight.
• How does McCartney use symbolism to reflect on the themes of life and death in the song?
• McCartney uses subtle yet powerful symbols to convey themes of life and death in “Eleanor Rigby.” The “church” serves as a dual symbol of both community and solitude, a place for life events like weddings and funerals. Eleanor’s act of picking up rice after a wedding symbolizes her detachment from life’s joyful experiences, while her death “in the church” symbolizes a quiet, unnoticed end. The phrase “nobody came” underscores the lack of social ties in her life, suggesting that, for some, death brings no closure or acknowledgment from others. Similarly, Father McKenzie “wiping the dirt from his hands” after her burial symbolizes the impersonal nature of her passing and the routine aspect of life and death within the community.
• In what ways does “Eleanor Rigby” critique traditional roles within society?
  The song critiques traditional societal roles by depicting both Eleanor Rigby and Father McKenzie as fulfilling social functions that seem purposeless or undervalued. Eleanor, as a solitary woman, performs invisible tasks that go unrecognized, and Father McKenzie, a priest, engages in spiritual duties—like writing sermons—that “no one will hear.” The depiction of Eleanor “wearing a face that she keeps in a jar by the door” reflects the pressure to maintain appearances even in isolation, symbolizing societal expectations that fail to address her emotional needs. Father McKenzie’s role as a religious figure, who should provide comfort to his community, is rendered futile by his own isolation. Together, these portrayals critique how traditional roles can lead to unfulfilled lives when society fails to connect meaningfully with its members.
• What message does “Eleanor Rigby” convey about human connection and empathy?
• “Eleanor Rigby” conveys a sobering message about the scarcity of human connection and empathy, emphasizing the consequences of a society that overlooks its members. Despite being part of a community, Eleanor and Father McKenzie live lonely, disconnected lives. Eleanor “lives in a dream,” implying a yearning for connection or purpose that remains unmet. Father McKenzie’s solitary act of “darning his socks in the night” represents the mundane, lonely existence of a man who has little to connect him to others, despite his social position as a priest. The repeated refrain “where do they all belong” challenges the audience to reflect on the places of people like Eleanor and Father McKenzie within society, prompting questions about how community members might cultivate empathy to prevent lives marked by such profound isolation.

Literary Works Similar to “Eleanor Rigby” by Paul McCartney

1. “Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson
   Like Eleanor Rigby, this poem explores loneliness hidden beneath an exterior, as Richard Cory, admired by townsfolk, secretly struggles with isolation.
2. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot
   This poem shares Eleanor Rigby‘s introspective tone and highlights the inner loneliness of an individual who feels disconnected from society.
3. “Aubade” by Philip Larkin
   Larkin’s poem captures a similar existential despair, focusing on themes of mortality and the solitary experience of facing life and death.
4. “Acquainted with the Night” by Robert Frost
   Like Eleanor Rigby, Frost’s poem delves into the theme of loneliness, with the speaker embodying a sense of isolation while moving unnoticed through the night.
5. “Mr. Bleaney” by Philip Larkin
   This poem mirrors Eleanor Rigby‘s reflection on an unremarkable life, as it depicts an ordinary man’s lonely existence and anonymous death in a rented room.

Representative Quotations of “Eleanor Rigby” by Paul McCartney

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Ah, look at all the lonely people”	Refrain that opens and closes the song, highlighting loneliness as a central theme.	Marxist Theory – Reflects the alienation of individuals within a capitalist society, emphasizing unseen, lonely lives.
“Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church”	Eleanor’s menial task of cleaning after a wedding suggests her social invisibility and detachment.	Existentialism – Illustrates her isolation and lack of purpose, depicting life as repetitive and empty.
“Lives in a dream”	Describes Eleanor’s detachment from reality and her tendency to escape into her imagination.	Psychoanalytic Theory – Implies an unconscious desire for a life beyond her mundane existence.
“Wearing a face that she keeps in a jar by the door”	Eleanor’s facade, symbolizing the mask she shows to the world to hide her inner loneliness.	Psychoanalytic Theory – Suggests repression, where Eleanor conceals her true feelings from society.
“Father McKenzie, writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear”	The priest’s duties are rendered futile as his audience is absent.	Postmodernism – Reflects disillusionment with traditional institutions, questioning their relevance.
“No one was saved”	After Eleanor’s death, this line comments on the lack of meaning or redemption in her life and others’.	Existentialism – Conveys existential despair, where salvation or purpose is unreachable.
“Where do they all come from”	A rhetorical question reflecting on the origins of loneliness among people like Eleanor and Father McKenzie.	Humanistic Theory – Questions society’s responsibility in fostering or addressing human isolation.
“Where do they all belong”	This line questions the societal role of isolated individuals, emphasizing a lack of belonging.	Marxist Theory – Suggests class-based alienation, where individuals feel disconnected from society.
“Died in the church and was buried along with her name”	Eleanor’s death in obscurity, marking a life unnoticed by others.	New Historicism – Examines social attitudes toward marginalized individuals who live and die in isolation.
“Father McKenzie wiping the dirt from his hands”	The priest’s indifferent gesture after Eleanor’s burial, symbolizing detachment from her fate.	Psychoanalytic Theory – Implies suppressed emotions or detachment, symbolizing emotional and social alienation.

Suggested Readings: “Eleanor Rigby” by Paul McCartney

1. McGrath, James. “‘Like a Second Needs an Hour’: Time and the Work of Paul McCartney.” Interdisciplinary Literary Studies, vol. 4, no. 2, 2003, pp. 1–20. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41208815. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.
2. Womack, Kenneth. “Authorship and the Beatles.” College Literature, vol. 34, no. 3, 2007, pp. 161–82. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25115445. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.
3. Connolly, Martin Christopher. “‘All the Lonely People’: Joyce’s Dubliners, Paul McCartney, and the Songbook of The Beatles.” Interdisciplinary Literary Studies, vol. 19, no. 1, 2017, pp. 1–16. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.5325/intelitestud.19.1.0001. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.
4. Carter, Steven. “The Beatles and Freshman English.” College Composition and Communication, vol. 20, no. 3, 1969, pp. 228–32. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/354135. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.