- Published on 1964
- Author: Lennon/McCartney
- Track 8 on “Beatles For Sale“
- Track 10 on “1962 ‐ 1966 (Red Album)“
JOHN 1972: “Both of us wrote it. I think we wrote this when we were trying to write the title song for ‘Help!’ because there was at one time the thought of calling the film, ‘Eight Arms To Hold You.’”
JOHN 1980: “Eight Days A Week’ was never a good song. We struggled to record it and struggled to make it into a song. It was his (Paul’s) initial effort, but I think we both worked on it. I’m not sure. But it was lousy anyway.”
PAUL 1984: “Yeah, he (Ringo) said it as though he were an overworked chauffeur: (in heavy accent) ‘Eight days a week.’ (Laughter) When we heard it, we said, ‘Really? Bing! Got it!’” (Laughs)
About “Eight Days a Week”
“Eight Days a Week” was written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon based on McCartney’s original idea. The song was released in the United Kingdom in December 1964 on the album Beatles for Sale. In the United States, it was first issued as a single in February 1965 before appearing on the North American release Beatles VI. The song was the band’s seventh number 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, a run of US chart success achieved in just over a year. The single was also number 1 in Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands.
The Beatles recorded “Eight Days a Week” at EMI Studios in London in October 1964. The track opens with a fade-in, marking the first time that this technique had been used on a pop studio recording.
Meaning of “Eight Days a Week”
The lyrics of “Eight Days a Week” convey a deep and unwavering devotion to a romantic partner. The narrator expresses a love that goes beyond the usual bounds of time, suggesting a level of dedication that extends even to an imaginary “eighth day” of the week. This metaphor emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of the narrator’s affection.
The catchy and upbeat melody, coupled with the repetition of the phrase “eight days a week,” adds to the infectious and joyous feel of the song.
Overall, “Eight Days a Week” is a testament to the intensity and depth of romantic love, presented in The Beatles’ signature pop-rock style. It remains one of the band’s well-loved and enduring tracks.
Personnel
John Lennon – double-tracked lead vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar, handclaps
Paul McCartney – harmony vocals, bass guitar, handclaps
George Harrison – backing vocals, lead guitars, handclaps
Ringo Starr – drums, handclaps
