• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 11 on “1962 ‐ 1966 (Red Album)“
• Track 14 on “Past Masters Volume 1“

JOHN 1964: “George and I play the same bit on the guitar together– that’s the bit that’ll set your feet a-tapping, as the reviews say. The middle-eight is the most tuneful part, to me, because it’s a typical Beatles bit.”

JOHN 1972: “This was the first time feedback was used on a record. It’s right at the beginning.”

JOHN 1974: “I wrote this at a recording session. It was tied together around the guitar riff that opens it.”

JOHN 1980: “That’s me completely. Including the guitar lick with the first feedback anywhere. I defy anybody to find a record… unless it is some old blues record from 1922… that uses feedback that way. So I claim it for the Beatles. Before Hendrix, before the Who, before anybody. The first feedback on record.”

PAUL circa-1994: “John had a semi-acoustic Gibson guitar. It had a pick-up on it so it could be amplified… We were just about to walk away to listen to a take when John leaned his guitar against the amp. I can still see him doing it… and it went, ‘Nnnnnnwahhhhh!” And we went, ‘What’s that? Voodoo!’ ‘No, it’s feedback.’ Wow, it’s a great sound!’ George Martin was there so we said, ‘Can we have that on the record?’ ‘Well, I suppose we could, we could edit it on the front.’ It was a found object– an accident caused by leaning the guitar against the amp. The song itself was more John’s than mine. We sat down and co-wrote it with John’s original idea. John sang it, I’m on harmonies.”

About “I Feel Fine”

The Beatles released “I Feel Fine” as their eighth single in November 1964 backed by “She’s A Woman”. The song was written by John Lennon and credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership. One of the earliest uses of guitar feedback in popular music can be found on this recording.

The song was not originally part of any studio album but was later included in the Beatles’ 1962-1966 compilation album (also known as the “Red Album“). “I Feel Fine” falls into the rock and roll genre, with elements of pop and it’d notable for its feedback-driven guitar riff, which was one of the earliest examples of intentionally recorded feedback in popular music. This was achieved when John Lennon’s guitar was placed close to the amplifier, creating a deliberate feedback sound that opens the song.

Among the countries that charted the single were the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden. The song was the fifth-best-selling single of the 1960s in the UK

During the recording of “Eight Days a Week” in October 1964, Lennon wrote the guitar riff and kept playing it between takes. George Harrison and Lennon both said that the riff was influenced by a riff in Bobby Parker’s 1961 song “Watch Your Step”, which the Beatles covered in 1962 and 1963. “I Feel Fine”‘s drums were inspired by Ray Charles’ 1959 single “What’d I Say?”, according to McCartney.

Having mastered the studio basics, the Beatles began looking for inspiration in noises previously dismissed as mistakes (such as twisted tapes, electronic goofs, and talkback). In popular music, “I Feel Fine” represents one of the earliest instances of feedback being used as a recording effect. The Kinks and the Who had already used feedback live, but Lennon remained proud of the fact that the Beatles were perhaps the first to put it on vinyl.

“I Feel Fine” remains one of the well-loved and iconic songs in The Beatles’ extensive catalog and is often featured on various compilation albums and retrospectives of the band’s work. It’s a testament to The Beatles’ innovative approach to music production and their ability to continually push the boundaries of popular music. Its catchy melody and distinctive guitar riff have contributed to its enduring popularity.

Meaning of “I Feel Fine”

“I Feel Fine” by The Beatles is a love song that conveys a sense of joy, contentment, and happiness. The lyrics express the narrator’s positive emotions and the wonderful feeling they have because of their romantic relationship:

“Baby’s good to me, you know she’s happy as can be / You know she said so“
“She’s in love with me and I feel fine“.

These lines suggest a harmonious and fulfilling romantic relationship. The narrator is confident in the love and happiness they share with their partner.

The upbeat and cheerful tone of the music complements the positive message of the lyrics. The use of intentional guitar feedback at the beginning of the song also adds an energetic and distinctive element.

“I Feel Fine” is a celebration of the positive emotions that come with being in love and feeling content in a relationship.

Personnel

• John Lennon – double tracked lead vocal, lead/rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – harmony vocal, bass guitar
• George Harrison – harmony vocal, lead guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums

• Published on 1968
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 26 on “The Beatles – White Album“

PAUL 1968: “My dad’s always played fruity old songs like that, you know. And I liked ’em. I like the melody of old songs, and the lyrics actually as well. There’s some old lyrics, like, you know– the woman singing about the man, and she’s saying something about ‘I wanna have his initial on my monogram.’ You know what I mean? There’s good lyrics and just good thoughts that you don’t sort of hear so much these days, you know. And so, I would quite like to have been a 1920’s writer, ‘cuz I like that thing, you know. Umm, you know, up in top hat and tails and sort of coming-on to ’em. So this kind of number, I like that thing. But, uhh… So this is just me doing it, pretending I’m living in 1925.”

GEORGE 1987: “John played a brilliant solo on ‘Honey Pie’ –sounded like Django Reinhardt or something. It was one of them where you just close your eyes and happen to hit all the right notes… sounded like a little jazz solo.”

PAUL circa-1994: “I very much liked that old crooner style– the strange fruity voice that they used, so ‘Honey Pie’ was me writing one of them to an imaginary woman, across the ocean, on the silver screen, who was called Honey Pie. It’s another of my fantasy songs. We put a sound on my voice to make it sound like a scratchy old record. So it’s not a parody, it’s a nod to the vaudville tradition that I was raised on.”

About “Honey Pie”

“Honey Pie” is a charming composition featured on 1968 White Album. This delightful tune was penned entirely by Paul McCartney but bears the collaborative stamp of the Lennon-McCartney partnership.

The song pays direct homage to the whimsical British music hall style. It narrates the tale of a renowned actress, affectionately dubbed “Honey Pie”, who achieves stardom in the United States. Her former lover yearns for her return to England, a theme reminiscent of classic music hall plots. The band artfully infuses an old-timey ambiance by incorporating lines like “Now she’s hit the big time!” and adding “crackles” reminiscent of 78 rpm records. The song kicks off with a leisurely intro before picking up the pace.

“Honey Pie” boasts a skillfully arranged ensemble of clarinets and saxophones. The clarinets, creating harmonious water sprays in parallel thirds, harmonize with the saxophones.

The recording process commenced on October 1, 1968, at London’s Trident Studios on Wardour Street. The first day saw only one take, although prior rehearsals were likely recorded and subsequently discarded. McCartney recorded his lead vocals the following day, accompanied by the addition of a lead guitar part. George Harrison attested that John Lennon contributed the guitar solo. On October 4, George Martin recorded the song’s woodwind arrangement. McCartney concluded the session with a final vocal overdub.

Before formal recording sessions for the album began, the Beatles produced a demo of “Honey Pie” at George Harrison’s Esher home studio. This rendition featured slightly altered lyrics and lacked the introduction found in the final version. In 1996, this demo was released on Anthology 3 and included in the 2018 Super Deluxe edition of “The Beatles” album.

Marking its 50th anniversary, “Honey Pie” was ranked 25th in Jacob Stolworthy’s assessment of the 30 tracks on the White Album. He characterized it as a catchy yet somewhat uninspiring tribute to wartime-era music hall entertainment, noting it as one of McCartney’s comparatively weaker compositions.

Over the years, “Honey Pie” has been lovingly covered by various artists including Barbra Streisand, Tuck & Patti, and John Pizzarelli. It even found its way into the repertoire of the band Phish, who performed the entire “White Album” for their Live Phish Volume 13. Notably, in the 1978 film “Sextette”, Dom DeLuise delivered a rendition of the song.

Meaning of “Honey Pie”

“Honey Pie” is a whimsical and nostalgic love song. The lyrics are written in a style reminiscent of early 20th-century music hall or vaudeville performances.

The song tells the story of a man expressing his affection for a woman he endearingly calls “Honey Pie.” In the narrative, Honey Pie becomes a famous actress in the United States, achieving stardom. Despite her success, the narrator longs for her to return to him in England. The premise of a devoted admirer yearning for the return of his lover is a common theme in music hall songs.

Overall, “Honey Pie” captures a sense of old-fashioned charm and romance, drawing on imagery and sentimentality from an earlier era. It showcases the Beatles’ ability to experiment with different musical styles and genres, in this case, evoking a nostalgic, vaudeville-inspired atmosphere.

Personnel

The Beatles

• Paul McCartney – vocal, piano
• John Lennon – rhythm guitar, lead guitar
• George Harrison – six-stringed bass
• Ringo Starr – drums

Additional musicians

• George Martin – saxophone and clarinet arrangement
• Harry Klein – saxophone
• Dennis Walton – saxophone
• Ronald Chamberlain – saxophone
• Jim Chester – saxophone
• Rex Morris – saxophone
• Raymond Newman – clarinet
• David Smith – clarinet

• Published on (1962 – 1965)
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 15 on “Past Masters Volume 1“

JOHN 1980: “That’s Paul with some contribution from me on lines, probably. We put in the words ‘turns me on.’ We were so excited to say ‘turn me on’ –you know, about marijuana and all that… using it as an expression.”

PAUL circa-1994: “This was my attempt at a bluesy thing… instead of doing a Little Richard song, whom I admire greatly, I would use the (vocal) style I would have used for that but put it in one of my own songs.”

About “She’s A Woman”

“She’s a Woman” was written primarily by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon–McCartney. This song was released on a non-album single in November 1964 as the B-side to “I Feel Fine“, except in North America, where it also appeared on the album Beatles ’65. Despite being the B-side, it charted in the US, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and number eight on the Cash Box Top 100. McCartney tried to write a song in the style of Little Richard when he wrote the song. As the line “turn(s) me on”) refers to marijuana, it is the first time drugs have been referenced in a Beatles song.

A recording of “She’s a Woman” was made during the sessions for the Beatles’ album Beatles for Sale in October 1964. Shortly before recording, McCartney composed most of the song at EMI Recording Studios. As a result of a sparse arrangement, John Lennon’s rhythm guitar hits on offbeats, leaving the bass to dominate. Until that point, McCartney’s bass was the loudest on a Beatles recording, anticipating his high-profile bass lines later on. During the song’s opening, he strains his voice near the top of his register. As a result, the song has appeared on compilation albums such as Rarities, Past Masters Vol. 1, and Mono Masters.

Many music critics and musicologists praised McCartney’s strong vocals and the band’s loud backing, but some criticised its lyrics as weak. As well as recording the song twice for BBC radio, the Beatles performed it frequently during their 1965 and 1966 tours. An August 1965 performance appears on the 1977 live album The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl, while a June 1966 performance appears on the 1996 compilation Anthology 2. In his post-Beatles career, McCartney has occasionally performed the song in concert, including an acoustic version on Unplugged (The Official Bootleg), released in 1991. The track has been covered by artists such as Charles River Valley Boys, Jeff Beck, and Scritti Politti.

While not as widely known as some of The Beatles’ biggest hits, “She’s a Woman” remains a beloved track among fans and is appreciated for its energetic and catchy musicality. The song showcases The Beatles’ versatility and their ability to incorporate different musical styles into their repertoire. Its combination of engaging lyrics and memorable melody has contributed to its enduring appeal.

Meaning of “She’s A Woman”

“She’s a Woman” is a song that celebrates the strength, independence, and allure of a particular woman. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who is confident, self-assured, and knows her own mind. While the lyrics do not provide specific details about this woman, they convey a sense of admiration and attraction from the narrator’s perspective:

“She’s a woman who understands / She’s a woman who loves her man“

These lines suggest a woman who is considerate, caring, and attentive to the narrator’s needs and feelings. She is portrayed as someone who has a deep understanding of the narrator and their relationship.

“She’s a Woman” is a tribute to a woman who is strong, caring, and has a positive impact on the narrator’s life. The song captures a sense of admiration and appreciation for her qualities.

Personnel

• Paul McCartney – double tracked vocal, bass, piano
• John Lennon – rhythm guitar
• George Harrison – double tracked lead guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums, chocalho

• Published on 1965
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 7 on “Help!“
• Track 12 on “1962 ‐ 1966 (Red Album)“

GEORGE 1965: “We are always worried with each record. With ‘Ticket To Ride’ we were even more worried. There’s bound to be a time when we come in at 19 (on the charts). But this ‘number one’ business doesn’t seem to stop– great while it lasts– but now we’ll have to start all over again and people will start predicting funny things for the next one.”

JOHN 1970: “It’s a heavy record, and the drums are heavy too. That’s why I like it.”

JOHN 1980: “That was one of the earliest heavy-metal records made. Paul’s contribution was the way Ringo played the drums.”

PAUL circa-1994: “I think the interesting thing is the crazy ending– instead of ending like the previous verse, we changed the tempo. We picked up one of the lines, ‘My baby don’t care,’ but completely altered the melody. We almost invented the idea of a new bit of a song on the fade-out with this song… It was quite radical at the time.”

About “Ticket to Ride”

“Ticket to Ride” was written primarily by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney. Issued as a single in April 1965, it became the Beatles’ seventh consecutive number 1 hit in the United Kingdom and their third consecutive number 1 hit (and eighth in total) in the United States, and similarly topped national charts in Canada, Australia and Ireland. The song was included on their 1965 album Help! Recorded at EMI Studios in London in February that year, the track marked a progression in the Beatles’ work through the incorporation of drone and harder-sounding instrumentation relative to their previous releases. Among music critics, Ian MacDonald describes the song as “psychologically deeper than anything the Beatles had recorded before” and “extraordinary for its time”.

“Ticket to Ride” appears in a sequence in the Beatles’ second feature film, Help!, directed by Richard Lester. Live performances by the band were included in the Beatles at Shea Stadium concert film, on the live album documenting their concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, and on the 1996 Anthology 2 box set. In 1969, “Ticket to Ride” was covered by the Carpenters, whose version peaked at number 54 on the Billboard Hot 100.

While the lyrics describe a girl “riding out of the life of the narrator”, the inspiration of the title phrase is unclear, as is the meaning of the song. McCartney said the title referred to “a British Railways ticket to the town of Ryde on the Isle of Wight”, and Lennon said it described cards indicating a clean bill of health carried by Hamburg prostitutes in the 1960s. The Beatles played in Hamburg early in their musical career, and a “ride” was British slang for having sex. Gaby Whitehill and Andrew Trendall of Gigwise have interpreted the song to be about a woman leaving her boyfriend to become a prostitute.

Meaning of “Ticket to Ride”

The meaning of “Ticket to Ride” has been the subject of much interpretation and analysis. It’s widely believed that the song revolves around the end of a romantic relationship, with the phrase “ticket to ride” symbolizing the documents needed for someone to leave or end a relationship. The lyrics of the song convey a sense of emotional detachment and the realization that the relationship is coming to an end. Lines like “She’s got a ticket to ride, but she don’t care” and “She said that living with me is bringing her down” suggest that the protagonist is aware of his partner’s desire to move on.

The chorus, which repeats “My baby don’t care,” emphasizes the sense of indifference and distance that has grown between the two individuals. Some interpretations suggest that the song may be autobiographical, reflecting Lennon’s own feelings and experiences in relationships at the time.

“Ticket to Ride” is a poignant and musically engaging song that addresses the complexities and challenges of romantic relationships, especially when faced with the prospect of parting ways. It’s considered one of the iconic tracks in the Beatles’ discography.

Personnel

• John Lennon – double-tracked lead vocal, rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – harmony vocal, bass guitar, lead guitar
• George Harrison – lead guitar (12-string), rhythm guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums, tambourine, handclaps

Listen to “She’s Leaving Home”

• Published in 1967
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 6 on “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band“

PAUL 1984: “I wrote that. My kind of ballad from that period. One of my daughters likes that. Still works. The other thing I remember is that George Martin was offended that I used another arranger. He was busy and I was itching to get on with it; I was inspired. I think George had a lot of difficulty forgiving me for that. It hurt him; I didn’t mean to.”

About “She’s Leaving Home”

“She’s Leaving Home” was written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon: Paul wrote and sang the verse and John wrote the chorus, which they sang together. George Harrison and Ringo Starr were not involved in the recording. There are only a few Beatles recordings in which none of the members play musical instruments, and this song’s instrumental background was performed entirely by a small string orchestra arranged by Mike Leander.

“She’s Leaving Home” content was inspired by a story on the front page of the Daily Mirror about a girl named Melanie Coe. Although most of the content was invented by McCartney, Coe said it was mostly accurate. She left with her boyfriend, a croupier. Her boyfriend previously worked in the motor trade, but she did not meet a man from that trade. She left in the afternoon while her parents were at work, while the girl in the song left early in the morning. After ten days, Coe was found because she had disclosed where her boyfriend worked. She had an abortion when she returned home.

McCartney and Coe actually met three years earlier, in 1963, when she won an ITV dancing contest on Ready Steady Go!. The Guardian published an update on Coe in December 2008, and The One Show interviewed her about the song on 24 November 2010. Rolling Stone magazine interviewed Coe to commemorate the album’s 50th anniversary in May 2017.

Meaning of “She’s Leaving Home”

“She’s Leaving Home” tells the story of a young woman who decides to leave her family home. The lyrics are written from two perspectives: the parents’ point of view and the daughter’s point of view.

From the parents’ perspective, they are depicted as bewildered and hurt by their daughter’s decision. They are unable to understand why she would leave, feeling as though they’ve provided everything she needs. The line “She’s leaving home after living alone for so many years” highlights the emotional distance that had developed between them and their daughter.

From the daughter’s perspective, the song suggests that she feels unfulfilled or restricted in some way in her family home. The reasons for her departure are not explicitly mentioned in the song, but it’s implied that she seeks something more or different in her life.

Overall, “She’s Leaving Home” touches on themes of generational gaps, the desire for independence, and the challenges of communication within a family. It captures a poignant moment of transition in a young person’s life and the emotional impact it has on both the individual and their parents.

Personnel

• Paul McCartney – double-tracked lead vocal
• John Lennon – double-tracked alternate lead vocals on chorus
• Mike Leander – string arrangement
• George Martin – conductor, producer
• Erich Gruenberg – violin
• Derek Jacobs – violin
• Trevor Williams – violin
• José Luis García – violin
• John Underwood – viola
• Stephen Shingles – viola
• Dennis Vigay – cello
• Alan Dalziel – cello
• Peter Halling – cello
• Gordon Pearce – double bass
• Sheila Bromberg – harp