Cillian Murphy, one of Ireland’s most versatile and celebrated actors, has captivated audiences worldwide with his remarkable roles. From the desperate courier in 28 Days Later to the fiery IRA revolutionary in The Wind That Shakes the Barley, and from the poignant transgender woman in Breakfast on Pluto to the tormented physicist in 2023’s Oppenheimer, Murphy’s range is extraordinary. However, it is his portrayal of the ruthless Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders that has become his signature role, earning him a BAFTA for Best Lead Actor.
More Than an Actor: Murphy’s Passion for Music
Beyond acting, Murphy is a passionate musician. Before Hollywood fame, he co-fronted the rock duo The Sons of Mr Green Genes alongside his younger brother Páidi. Known for their “wacky lyrics and endless guitar solos,” the band blended influences from The Beatles and Frank Zappa, capturing the attention of Acid Jazz Records—though they famously declined a five-album deal due to its low financial offer. Murphy also directed the music video for Money’s “Hold Me Forever” and hosted a limited late-night radio show on BBC Radio 6 Music, showcasing his deep musical knowledge.
A Perfect Desert Island Discs Guest
Murphy appeared on the iconic BBC Radio 4 program Desert Island Discs, sharing the songs he would take if stranded on a desert island. His selection featured legendary artists like Paul Simon, U2, Radiohead, Queen, and Irish folk musician Séamus Ennis. Yet, it was The Beatles’ “We Can Work It Out” that stood out as his “castaway favourite.”
The Beatles’ ‘We Can Work It Out’: A Song of Innovation and Collaboration
Released in 1965 as a double A-side alongside “Day Tripper,” “We Can Work It Out” represented a key moment in The Beatles’ artistic growth. It arrived alongside the groundbreaking Rubber Soul album, signaling a departure from Beatlemania’s earlier pop innocence toward a more mature, experimental sound.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney, whose songwriting partnership had seen shifts in dynamics by then, reunited their creative forces for this track. Paul McCartney recalled in the 1998 book Many Years from Now:
“I took it to John to finish it off, and we wrote the middle together. Which is nice: ‘Life is very short. There’s no time for fussing and fighting, my friend.’ Then it was George Harrison’s idea to put the middle into 3/4 time, like a German waltz. That came on the session; it was one of those cases where the arrangement was done on the spot.”
This unique combination of lyrical collaboration and inventive musical structure, including EMI’s signature Mannborg harmonium, created a song that was both accessible and artful. Despite critical suggestions that The Beatles might be losing their chart dominance, “We Can Work It Out” soared to become their 13th UK number one.
A Timeless Pop Masterpiece
“We Can Work It Out” encapsulates The Beatles’ ability to merge catchy melodies with reflective themes, addressing life’s brevity and the importance of resolving conflict. In just over two minutes, it conveys a depth and musical sophistication that many artists spend entire careers trying to achieve. For Cillian Murphy, this song remains a personal favourite—an essential soundtrack to a life dedicated not only to acting but also to a profound appreciation of music.
