- Published on 1963
- Author: Lennon/McCartney
- Track 3 on “With The Beatles“
JOHN 1972: “This was one of his first biggies.”
JOHN 1980: “‘All My Loving’ is Paul, I regret to say. Because it’s a damn fine piece of work. But I play a pretty mean guitar in back.”
PAUL 1984: “Yeah, I wrote that one. It was the first song I ever wrote where I had the words before the music. I wrote the words on a bus on tour, then we got the tune when I arrived there. The first time I’ve ever worked upside down.”
PAUL 1988: “I think that was the first song where I wrote the words without the tune. I wrote the words on the tour bus during our tour with Roy Orbison. We did alot of writing then.”
PAUL circa-1994: “It was a good show song. It worked well live.”
About “All My Loving”
It was written by Paul McCartney (credited to Lennon–McCartney), and produced by George Martin. Though not officially released as a single in the United Kingdom or the United States, the song drew considerable radio airplay, prompting EMI to issue it as the title track of an EP.
The song was released as a single in Canada, where it became a number one hit. The Canadian single was imported into the US in enough quantities to peak at number 45 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in April 1964.
The lyrics follow the “letter song” model as used on “P.S. I Love You“, the B-side of their first single. McCartney originally envisioned it as a country & western song, and George Harrison added a Nashville-style guitar solo. John Lennon’s rhythm guitar playing utilized back and forth strummed triplets similar to “Da Doo Ron Ron” by The Crystals, a song that was popular at the time, while McCartney plays a walking bass line.
It has been hypothesized that the piece draws inspiration from the Dave Brubeck Quartet’s 1959 song “Kathy’s Waltz”.
Meaning of “All My Loving”
“All My Loving” revolves around the theme of unwavering devotion and the optimistic longing for a loved one. The lyrics convey a deep and abiding affection that remains steadfast despite physical separation or any challenges that may arise. The singer reassures his love interest that his feelings are constant and enduring, promising a return to his side.
This theme captures the youthful enthusiasm and intense emotions that accompany the early stages of a romantic relationship. It reflects the eagerness to express affection and the belief in the strength of their connection. This Beatles’ classic stands as a testament to the enduring nature of love, offering a message of hope and commitment that resonates with audiences across generations.
Personnel
- Paul McCartney – double-tracked lead vocals, bass guitar
- John Lennon – harmony vocals and rhythm guitar
- George Harrison – backing and harmony vocals, lead guitar
- Ringo Starr – drums
- George Martin – producer
- Norman Smith – engineer
How to play “All My Loving” on guitar (2 guitar parts)
“All My Loving” is a classic song that highlights a catchy melody and a relatively straightforward chord progression. The song features a distinctive guitar riff played by George Harrison, and it is known for its catchy melody and upbeat tempo.
The guitar part in “All My Loving” consists of a lively, arpeggiated riff that serves as the main musical motif of the song. It’s played on a Rickenbacker 360/12 twelve-string guitar, which gives the song its signature jangly sound.
In the following video you will find the guitar tab of the song:
How to play “All My Loving” on bass
“All My Loving” has an iconic bassline played by Paul McCartney, a standout element of the song. The bassline is characterized by its lively and melodic nature. McCartney’s bass provides a driving rhythm that propels the song forward. It features a combination of steady quarter-note pulses and melodic fills that add depth and musicality to the arrangement.
One distinctive aspect of McCartney’s bassline in this song is its counterpoint with the vocal melody. The bassline weaves in and out of the vocal lines, creating a dynamic interplay between the bass and the vocals. This adds a layer of complexity and interest to the musical arrangement.
McCartney’s bass playing in “All My Loving” showcases his ability to craft inventive and memorable basslines that contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel of the song. It is a testament to his skill as a musician and his unique contribution to the Beatles’ iconic sound.
In the following video you will find the bass tab of the song:
“All My Loving” karaoke
If you want to try singing “All my Loving”, the next video features the karaoke version of the song:
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