- Published on 1965
- Author: Williams
- Track 14 on “Help!“
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About “Dizzy Miss Lizzy”
“Dizzy, Miss Lizzy” is a rock and roll song written and recorded by Larry Williams in 1958. Although identified as a “genuine rock & roll classic”, it had limited success on the record charts.
In 1965, the Beatles recorded “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” in response to requests from Capitol Records (their US record label) for new material. The song is included on the UK album Help! and the US album Beatles VI. They recorded it along with another Williams tune, “Bad Boy”, on the same day.
Group biographer Ian MacDonald describes the song as “an unprepossessing shambles of ersatz hysteria and jumbled double-tracking”. However, AllMusic’s Stephen Thomas Erlewine comments “‘Dizzy Miss Lizzy’ gives John an opportunity to flex his rock & roll muscle.”
Lennon later recorded “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” at a performance at the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival on September 13, 1969. The song is included on the Plastic Ono Band album Live Peace in Toronto 1969. Paul McCartney has stated that he believes this song to be one of the Beatles best recordings. It features loud, rhythmic instrumentation, and John Lennon giving the vocal his all.
The title is playfully misleading. The actual lyric is, “You make me dizzy, Miss Lizzy”.
The song was originally thought about by band manager Brian Epstein, and was later introduced to Ringo Starr, the band’s drummer. He made sure that the band recorded it after loving its upbeat rhythm and interesting lyrics.
Meaning of “Dizzy Miss Lizzy”
The lyrics of “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” revolve around a woman named Lizzy who is described as being wild, carefree, and somewhat unpredictable. The narrator is drawn to her energetic and vivacious personality, but also acknowledges the challenges that come with being involved with someone so dynamic. The chorus, which repeats the line “You make me dizzy, Miss Lizzy,” conveys the exhilarating and sometimes overwhelming effect Lizzy has on the narrator.
“Dizzy Miss Lizzy” is a lively and energetic rock song that celebrates the spirited and free-spirited nature of the titular character. It’s known for its infectious rhythm and dynamic performance, both in Larry Williams’ original version and the Beatles’ cover.
Personnel
- John Lennon – vocal, rhythm guitar, Vox Continental organ
- Paul McCartney – bass
- George Harrison – double-tracked lead guitar
- Ringo Starr – drums, cowbell
How to play “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” on guitar
“Dizzy Miss Lizzy” features a prominent electric guitar riff throughout the song. George Harrison’s double-tracked guitar shines through the mix and John Lennon’s rhythm guitar blends with the Hammond organ to create the intensity needed for this song. The following video features a guitar cover of the song:
How to play “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” on bass
In “Dizzy Miss Lizzy,” Paul McCartney handles the bass guitar. The bassline in this song is lively and propulsive, driving the rhythm alongside the drums. McCartney’s bass work is characterized by its energetic and melodic quality, adding depth and a strong foundation to the song. His playing in “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” complements the upbeat nature of the track, contributing to its overall groove and dynamics. The following video features a bass cover of “Dizzy Miss Lizzie”:
“Dizzy Miss Lizzy” karaoke
For those who want to try singing “Dizzy Mis Lizzy”, the following video features a karaoke version of the song:
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