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Keller @ Large: Beatles Show Public Craving For Songs That Aren't Moronic

BOSTON (CBS) - If you haven't yet had your fill of Beatles nostalgia tied to the 50th anniversary of their first U.S. TV appearance – or is it the 100th anniversary? – never fear, there are at least several more days of it to go, including this commentary.

Sorry, younger generations, but until the baby-boomers retire from power, you'll be getting these milestones forced on you. Again, sorry.

Greater minds than mine are offering up all sorts of chin-stroking analysis of what the Beatles meant back in that place and time.

But could it be the Beatles were such a smash then, and have remained popular for so long, because there's a public craving for songs that aren't moronic?

Keep in mind, in the days before the Beatles played the Sullivan show, the number one song in the country was "Surfin' Bird, King of the Surf" by the Trashmen, an ode to cheap wine done mostly in gibberish.

Then the Beatles performed five songs in front of the nation.

Here's an excerpt:

From "She Loves You": "You know it's up to you/I think it's only fair/Pride can hurt you too/Apologize to her/Because she loves you."

Let's contrast those lyrics with Miley Cyrus's big breakthrough hit, "We Can't Stop":

"We like to party/Dancing with Molly/Doing whatever we want."

Can you spot a difference?

I can.

The Beatles were real songwriters, not trashmen and trashwomen.

And it's reassuring that there seems to be a pretty big audience for that.

You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.

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