- Published on 1963
- Author: Lennon/McCartney
- Track 6 on “Please Please Me“
About “Ask Me Why”
“Ask Me Why” was originally released in the United Kingdom as the B-side of their hit single “Please Please Me“. It was also included on their first UK album, Please Please Me.
The song was mainly a John Lennon composition, written in early 1962, but it was credited to Paul McCartney and John Lennon, as were all other Lennon/McCartney originals on the first pressings of Please Please Me album. It was part of their live act prior to their recording contract, and was one of the songs performed at their Parlophone audition in Abbey Road’s studio three on 6 June 1962.
Complex in arrangement, it emulates the style of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, whom Lennon was influenced by, and the guitar phrase is drawn from the Miracles’ What’s So Good About Goodbye” (1961).
“Ask Me Why” was recorded on 26 November 1962, the same day they attempted another Lennon and McCartney song called “Tip of My Tongue” which, along with “Ask Me Why” was also being considered for the B-side of the “Please Please Me” single. However, George Martin felt that “Tip of My Tongue” still needed some work, and it was eventually given to Tommy Quickly to record.
Personnel
- John Lennon – vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar
- Paul McCartney – bass, backing vocals
- George Harrison – lead guitar, backing vocals
- Ringo Starr – drums
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