- Published on 1964
- Author: Lennon/McCartney
- Track 11 on “Past Masters Volume 1“
JOHN 1980: “That was my song. When there was no Beatles and no group, I just had it around. It was my effort as a kind of blues originally, and then I wrote the middle-eight just to stick it in the album when it came out years later. The first part had been written before Hamburg even. It was one of my ‘first’ attempts at a song.”
PAUL circa-1994: “We worked on it together, but it was John’s idea. When I look back at some of these lyrics, I think, ‘Wait a minute. What did he mean? ‘I call your name but you’re not there.’ Is it his mother? His father? I must admit I didn’t really see that as we wrote it because we were just a couple of young guys writing. You didn’t look behind it at the time, it was only later you started analyzing things.”
About “I Call Your Name”
“I Call Your Name” is a song by the Beatles, primarily written by John Lennon but credited to the Lennon/McCartney songwriting partnership. It was released in 1964 on the album “The Beatles’ Second Album” in the United States and on the EP “Long Tall Sally” in the United Kingdom.
The song is characterized by its rock and roll style, catchy melody, and signature Beatles harmonies. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and urgency to connect with someone. While not as famous as some of their other hits, the song remains beloved among Beatles fans and is a part of their extensive catalog of memorable tracks. It has been covered by various artists over the years, attesting to its enduring popularity.
Meaning of “I Call Your Name”
“I Call Your Name” expresses a sense of longing and a strong desire to communicate with someone. The lyrics suggest an urgent need to connect with the person addressed in the song. The narrator seems to be reaching out, attempting to bridge a gap or distance between them. The title, “I Call Your Name,” signifies this effort to establish contact, emphasizing the significance and urgency of this connection.
In a broader sense, the song can be interpreted as a reflection on the universal human experience of seeking closeness and communication with others, particularly those we hold dear or have strong feelings for. The song captures a feeling of yearning and a willingness to make an effort to be close to someone important in the narrator’s life
Personnel
- John Lennon – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Paul McCartney – bass guitar
- George Harrison – 12 string lead guitar
- Ringo Starr – drums, cowbell
- George Martin – producer
- Norman Smith – engineer
