The lyrics of "Eleanor Rigby" tell the story of a lonely woman who picks up rice in a church after a wedding and dies alone, eventually buried without anyone attending her funeral. Father McKenzie is also portrayed as a lonely figure, writing sermons that no one hears and darning his socks alone. The song reflects on the isolation and disconnection experienced by individuals in society.

Meaning of "Eleanor Rigby" by Cássia Eller

"Eleanor Rigby" delves into the theme of loneliness and the alienation that many individuals feel in society. The characters of Eleanor Rigby and Father McKenzie represent the extreme ends of isolation - Eleanor dies alone and unnoticed, while Father McKenzie is left with the burden of burying her without anyone coming to pay their respects. The chorus questioning where all the lonely people come from and where they belong highlights the universal nature of loneliness. The mention of Father McKenzie's futile sermon-writing and sock-darning activities further emphasizes the sense of purposelessness and emptiness that can accompany loneliness. The song ultimately serves as a poignant commentary on the struggles of individuals who feel disconnected, unseen, and unappreciated in a world that can be indifferent and uncaring.