- Published on 1965
- Author: Lennon/McCartney
- Track 5 on “Help!“
JOHN 1980: “‘Another Girl’ is Paul.”
PAUL circa-1994: “It’s a bit much to call them fillers because I think they were a bit more than that, and each one of them made it past the Beatles test. We all had to like it.”
About “Another Girl”
The song was written by Paul McCartney and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. The song is addressed to the singer’s girlfriend, who is informed that the singer has found “another girl”.
McCartney wrote the song while holidaying in Hammamet, a resort in Tunisia. With an up-tempo swing-beat that McCartney favoured (“Can’t Buy Me Love“, “She’s a Woman“) it opens with a short refrain, powered by block vocal harmonies, that segues straight into the verse, which is constructed on the blues-mode chord changes the group currently favoured.
The Beatles recorded the song on 15 February 1965, having also worked that day on “Ticket to Ride” and “I Need You“. The backing track was quickly recorded in a single take. George Harrison added a guitar “flourish” at the end which was omitted from the final mix: McCartney added lead guitar the next day. This is one of several Beatles songs recorded at the time on which McCartney played lead guitar in addition to his usual bass.
Four-track recording allowed the group to refine songs’ arrangements in the studio and McCartney often had clear ideas about the guitar lines he wanted. He also contributed lead guitar to “Ticket to Ride” and played an electric guitar duet with Harrison on “The Night Before“. The song was mixed down on 18 February and again on 23 February.
This song features the often-utilized three-part harmonies between Lennon, McCartney and Harrison, but it is one of the only instances in which Lennon sings the highest harmony.
Meaning of “Another Girl”
“Another Girl” convey a sense of confidence and independence. In the song, the narrator asserts that he’s found another girl who has captured his interest and attention. He suggests that he’s moving on from a previous romantic interest and is ready to embrace a new relationship. Lines like “For I have got another girl” and “You’re making me say that I’ve got nobody but you” emphasize the narrator’s determination to assert his autonomy and explore new romantic possibilities.
The song can be seen as a reflection of the complexities and fluctuations of romantic relationships, as well as the natural evolution of feelings over time. “Another Girl” is a lively and catchy tune that showcases McCartney’s knack for writing catchy, pop-infused songs with relatable themes of love and relationships.
Personnel
- Paul McCartney – double-tracked lead vocal, bass guitar, lead guitar
- John Lennon – harmony vocal, electric rhythm guitar
- George Harrison – harmony vocal, acoustic rhythm guitar
- Ringo Starr – drums
How to play “Another Girl” on guitar
The guitars in this song, played by John Lennon, Paul McCartney (lead guitar) and George Harrison, contribute to the upbeat and rock-oriented sound of the track.
The overall guitar arrangement in “Another Girl” is a blend of rhythm and lead work, reflecting The Beatles’ evolving sound as they moved from their early rock ‘n’ roll style to a more sophisticated and experimental approach.
The following two videos feature guitar tutorials for the song:
How to play “Another Girl” on bass
Paul McCartney played the bass on this track, and his bassline is a notable part of the song’s energetic sound. The bassline in “Another Girl” is characteristic of McCartney’s dynamic and melodic style. He often used a Hofner 500/1 bass guitar during this period, which contributed to the unique tone of his playing.
In “Another Girl,” McCartney’s bassline is lively and complements the upbeat nature of the song. It follows the chord progressions while also incorporating melodic elements that add depth to the composition. McCartney was known for his ability to create basslines that were both rhythmically solid and melodically interesting, and “Another Girl” is no exception.
“Another Girl” karaoke
For those who want to test themselves by singing “Another Girl”, the following video presents the karaoke version of the song:
