Context

This line is from the song "Get Back" by the Beatles, written by Paul McCartney, from the album Let It Be (1969).

When "Get Back" was first released, it was a fun song with a bluesy backdrop… and maybe some anti-immigrant undertones. Think about it. The chorus says, "Get back to where you once belonged." What's that supposed to mean, Beatles?

For his part, Paul McCartney insisted that the song wasn't calling for all the foreigners to get out of the UK. He was inspired by the language in British politician Enoch Powell's 1968 "Rivers of Blood" speech which was basically one long rant about how immigrants were coming to take over the country and such. So it was kind of a parody of what was going on at the time.

John Lennon later said it was probably inspired by Yoko Ono, who Paul didn't like hanging around in the studio and sticking her nose in official Beatles business. Maybe Yoko just needed to get back and let the Beatles get to work? Obviously the song didn't work since the Beatles broke up the following year. Hey, Paul tried.

Where you've heard it

You've heard this line wherever Beatles songs are loved and played, which is pretty much anywhere.

Paul McCartney performs "Get Back" on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

If you're telling someone to get back where they once belonged they might not take it lying down. No one—not an immigrant and not Yoko Ono—likes to be told what to do. Watch out for this quote.