Meaning of Circles (Esher Demo) by The Beatles

In "Circles (Esher Demo)" by The Beatles, the band explores the theme of the cyclical nature of life, relationships, and personal growth. Through poetic and thought-provoking lyrics, the song delves into the idea that we often find ourselves repeating patterns and going in circles despite our efforts to move forward. Each verse and lyric in this song contributes to this exploration, unveiling unexpected and imaginative themes that ultimately tie back to the overarching theme of the song.The opening verse sets the tone for the song, stating, "Friends come and friends go, as I go round and round in circles." This lyric highlights the transient nature of friendships, where some friendships may fade away while others enter our lives. It suggests that our connections with others follow a circular path, constantly shifting and changing. This theme reflects the cyclical pattern of relationships and the idea that we may find ourselves revisiting similar dynamics or emotions with different people.The second verse incorporates the concept of love, stating, "Love warms and love colds, as I go round and round in circles." Here, The Beatles expand upon the theme of shifting emotions within relationships. Love can be both comforting and cold, as it fluctuates over time. This lyric reminds us that love is not a linear journey but rather a continuous cycle of warmth and coldness. The unexpected theme here is the exploration of emotional variability within love, highlighting the rollercoaster nature of relationships.Moving on to the bridge, the lyrics take a philosophical turn. The line, "He who knows does not speak, he who speaks does not know, and I go round in circles," presents the theme of knowledge and silence. This theme suggests that those who possess true wisdom often remain silent, while those who speak may lack understanding. The Beatles cleverly connect this theme to the idea of going in circles, implying that the pursuit of knowledge can be endless and cyclical. This unexpected theme explores the notion that true wisdom lies in recognizing the limitations of our knowledge and accepting the circular journey of learning.The third verse broadens the scope to encompass life as a whole. The lyrics state, "Life comes and life goes, as we go round and round in circles." This verse emphasizes the transience and cyclical nature of life itself. It encapsulates the idea that life is a continuous journey of ups and downs, beginnings and endings. It suggests that we encounter similar situations or challenges as we navigate through life, reinforcing the theme of cyclicality. This theme encourages us to embrace the inevitable cycles of life and find meaning within them.Finally, the last verse brings together the themes of life and love, stating, "Life comes and love goes, as we go round and round in circles." This lyric connects the two fundamental experiences that shape our existence, demonstrating how they intertwine and influence one another. It suggests that just as love undergoes cycles of warmth and coldness, life itself is a series of beginnings and endings. This unexpected theme highlights the interconnectedness of love and life, reminding us that they both follow a circular path.In "Circles (Esher Demo)," The Beatles skillfully explore the cyclical nature of life, relationships, and personal growth. Through thought-provoking lyrics, they delve into the recurring patterns and journeys that define our experiences. Each standout lyric contributes to the development of unexpected and imaginative themes, all while tying back to the overarching theme of the song. As listeners, we are invited to reflect on our own circular paths and find solace in the recognition that life's cycles offer opportunities for growth and self-discovery.