- Published on 1964
- Author: Perkins
- Track 14 on “Beatles For Sale“
About “Everybody’s Trying to be My Baby”
“Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” is a rockabilly song often credited to Carl Perkins -who later covered it in 1956- based on a 1936 song written by singer/songwriter Rex Griffin.
It was later covered by Johnny Cash.
The Beatles recorded “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” on October 18, 1964, at EMI Studios, London, with George Harrison (a lifelong fan of Perkins) on vocals. Harrison’s vocals were heavily processed with the steed effect. It was first released as the final track on Beatles for Sale in the United Kingdom later that year, and likewise as the concluding track on the North American album Beatles ’65.
The Beatles’ recording finishes with a false ending, with the final phrase repeating itself after the song seems to have stopped. A version recorded live at the Star-Club in Hamburg in December 1962 contained four of these musical phrases.
Live performances of the Beatles’ “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” were recorded in June 1963 for the BBC radio program Pop Go The Beatles, and in November 1964 for Saturday Club. The latter recording can be heard on Live at the BBC.
The Beatles continued to perform the song after their studio recording was released. It was included in the on stage set list in their 1965 European tour of France, Italy and Spain and their ten city August tour of the United States. The performance from the Paris concert was videotaped and broadcast on French television later that year. Audio from the performance recorded at New York’s Shea Stadium on August 15, 1965, edited from the 1966 documentary film, was later included in Anthology 2.
Meaning of “Everybody’s Trying to be My Baby”
The lyrics of “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” convey a sense of self-assuredness and confidence. The narrator sings about being the object of attention and desire for many people. They’re aware of their own popularity and attractiveness, and they enjoy the attention it brings.
The song is characterized by its catchy melody and lively rhythm, which are hallmarks of rockabilly and early rock ‘n’ roll music.
In The Beatles’ rendition of the song, the band’s energy and enthusiasm shine through, showcasing their admiration for rock ‘n’ roll classics.
Overall, “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” is a celebratory and upbeat rock ‘n’ roll song that captures the excitement and allure of being a sought-after figure in the world of music and entertainment.
Personnel
- George Harrison – double-tracked lead vocals, lead guitar
- John Lennon – acoustic rhythm guitar, tambourine
- Paul McCartney – bass guitar
- Ringo Starr – drums
