“Dear Prudence” (1968) – The Beatles * Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney * LP: The Beatles * Produced by George Martin * Label: AppleThis eminently coverable John Lennon song (never released as a single) from the White Album featured a descending chord pattern and children’s rhyme melodies that flitted about like Maypole ribbons. Written during the Beatles’ celebrity-studded summer audience with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, it drew inspiration from Mia Farrow’s sister Prudence, a fellow student who preferred to meditate in private. On the Kinfauns Demo version of the song, you can hear Lennon wondering aloud if the Maharishi had driven her “berserk” or “insane.” She has since written an autobiography.