• 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

• Published on 1962 – 1965
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 3 on “1962 ‐ 1966 (Red Album)“
• Track 2 on “Past Masters Volume 1“

Beatles quotes about “From Me To You”

PAUL 1964: “‘From Me To You.’ It could be done as an old Ragtime tune… especially the middle-eight. And so, we’re not writing the tunes in any particular idiom. In five years time, we may arrange the tunes differently. (jokingly) But we’ll probably write the same old rubbish!!”

JOHN 1980: “We were writing it in a car, I think… and I think the first line was mine. I mean, I know it was mine. (humms melody) And then after that we just took it from there. We were just writing the next single. It was far bluesier than that when we wrote it. The notes, today.. you could rearrange it pretty funky.”

PAUL circa-1994: “The thing I liked about ‘From Me To You’ was it had a very complete middle. It went to a surprising place. The opening chord of the middle section of that song heralded a new batch for me. That was a pivotal song. Our songwriting lifted a little with that song. It was very much co-written.”

About “From Me To You”

“From Me to You” is a classic song by the Beatles, penned by the renowned songwriting duo of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Released as a single in April 1963, it later found its place on various albums including “Please Please Me” in the UK and “The Early Beatles” in the US.

Musically, the song encapsulates the infectious melodies, harmonies, and catchy lyrics that were characteristic of the early Beatles’ sound. It’s a prime example of their blend of rock and roll and rhythm and blues influences.

The track achieved significant chart success, reaching the coveted number one spot on the UK Singles Chart, marking it as one of the Beatles’ earliest triumphs. Moreover, it holds a special place in Beatles’ history as the first song written by Lennon and McCartney to attain such a distinction, solidifying them as an exceptional songwriting team.

“From Me to You” has endured in popularity over the years and has been covered by a multitude of artists, attesting to its lasting appeal. The Beatles performed it frequently during their early years, showcasing its significance in their live repertoire.

In the grander scheme of Beatles’ legacy, “From Me to You” remains a cherished track among their dedicated fan base and is recognized as one of the foundational pieces that contributed to their rapid ascent to global stardom. Its vibrant and infectious sound continues to resonate with audiences, securing its place in the pantheon of iconic Beatles songs.

Meaning of “From Me To You”

“From Me to You,” a song by the Beatles, expresses a sentiment of personal connection and affection. The lyrics convey a message of care, warmth, and a desire to communicate feelings directly.

The title phrase, “From Me to You,” signifies a heartfelt and direct connection between the sender and recipient.

Overall, the song celebrates the idea of sharing one’s emotions openly and genuinely with someone special. It’s a declaration of affection and a pledge to maintain a close and personal bond.

Personnel

• John Lennon – vocal, rhythm guitar, harmonica
• Paul McCartney – vocal, bass guitar
• George Harrison – lead guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums

• Published on 1962 – 1965
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 5 on “Past Masters Volume 1“

JOHN 1963: “The B-side of ‘She Loves You’ was meant to be the A-side.”

PAUL 1963: “If we write one song, then we can get going after that and get more ideas. We wrote ‘I’ll Get You,’ which is the B-side, first. And then ‘She Loves You’ came after that. You know– We got ideas from that. Then we recorded it.”

JOHN 1980: “That was Paul and me trying to write a song… and it didn’t work out.”

PAUL circa-1994: “It’s got an interesting chord in it– ‘It’s not easy/ To pre-TEND…’ That was nicked from a song called ‘All My Trials’ which is on an album I had by Joan Baez.”

About “I’ll Get You”

“I’ll Get You” is a lively song predominantly authored by John Lennon with contributions from Paul McCartney. Released as the B-side to the single “She Loves You“ in the UK on August 23, 1963, it also found its place in various compilation albums.

Musically, the song embodies the signature early Beatles style: a vibrant tempo, a memorable melody, and tight harmonies. It mirrors the band’s early influences in rock and roll and rhythm and blues.

Typical of the Beatles’ vocal style of that period, John Lennon and Paul McCartney sing in unison for the majority of the track, allowing the few occasions when they do harmonise to stand out. But unlike most Beatles songs of the time there is no lead guitar break; the lead guitar is virtually reduced to a second rhythm guitar. The most prominent instruments in the track are McCartney’s “plumply rounded bass” and Lennon’s harmonica, which was overdubbed in a rush as session time ran out.

Although “She Loves You“ was the standout hit of the single, “I’ll Get You” garnered its own share of popularity. It is remembered as one of the early successes that played a pivotal role in establishing the Beatles’ international fame. “I’ll Get You” was a part of the Beatles’ early live performances, highlighting its importance within their live repertoire.

While perhaps not as instantly recognizable as some of the Beatles’ bigger hits, “I’ll Get You” holds a special place among fans. It is cherished for its infectious energy and the enduring appeal of its harmonies. In sum, “I’ll Get You” stands as a testament to the Beatles’ early musical talent and their knack for crafting engaging, catchy songs that resonated deeply with audiences. It’s a valuable piece of the band’s history, reflecting their burgeoning success and evolving musical identity during the early 1960s.

Meaning of “I’ll Get You”

“I’ll Get You” expresses a determination to win over the affections of someone special. The lyrics convey a sense of confidence and persistence in pursuing a romantic interest. The narrator asserts that despite any challenges or obstacles, he is committed to ultimately winning the person’s heart. It’s a declaration of determination and a pledge to overcome any barriers in the pursuit of love. Overall, the song conveys a message of unwavering dedication and the belief that true love will prevail.

Personnel

• John Lennon – lead vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica
• Paul McCartney – lead vocals, bass guitar
• George Harrison – electric guitar, harmony vocals
• Ringo Starr – drums

• Published on 1962 – 1965
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 4 on “Past Masters Volume 1“

What the Beatles said about “She Loves You”

JOHN 1963: “We wrote that two days before we recorded it, actually.”

PAUL 1963: “John and I wrote it together. We were in a van up in Newcastle somewhere, and we’d just gone over to our hotel. I originally got an idea of doing one of those answering songs, where a couple of us sing about ‘she loves you’ …and the other one sort of says the ‘yes, yes’ bit. You know, ‘yeah yeah’ answering whoever is saying it. But we decided that was a crummy idea anyway. But we had the idea to write a song called ‘She Loves You’ then. And we just sat up in the hotel bedroom for a few hours and wrote it, you know.”

JOHN 1963: “‘Yeah.’ That’s sort of the main catch phrase from ‘She Loves You.’ We’d written the song, and then suddenly realized we needed more… so we added ‘yeah, yeah, yeah’ and it caught on.”

JOHN 1980: “It was written together (with Paul) and I don’t remember how. I remember it was Paul’s idea– instead of singing ‘I love you’ again, we’d have a third party. The ‘Woooo’ was taken from the Isley Brothers ‘Twist And Shout,’ which we stuck into everything.”

PAUL 1982: “Occasionally, we’d overrule George Martin, like on ‘She Loves You,’ we end on a sixth chord, a very jazzy sort of thing. And he said, ‘Oh, you can’t do that! A sixth chord? It’s too jazzy.’ We just said, ‘No, it’s a great hook, we’ve got to do it.'”

PAUL 1988: “We rehearsed the end bit of ‘She Loves You’ and took it to George. And he just laughed and said, ‘Well, you can’t do the end of course… that sixth… it’s too like the Andrew Sisters.’ We just said, ‘Alright, we’ll try it without,’ and we tried it and it wasn’t as good. Then he conceded, ‘You’re right, I guess.’ But we were both very flexible. We would listen to George’s ideas too, because he was a producer and a musician, and he obviously knew what he was talking about. There was good to-and-fro. We loved that bit, and we rehearsed it alot. John and I wrote that in a hotel room, on twin beds during an afternoon off– I mean, God bless their little cotton socks, those boys WORKED! Here I am talking about an afternoon off, and we’re sitting there writing! We just loved it so much. It wasn’t work.”

Info about “She Loves You”

“She Loves You” is one of the most influential and iconic song in history. It was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and released in 1963 as a single. The song is renowned for its catchy melody, energetic tempo, and memorable lyrics.

Lennon and McCartney started composing “She Loves You” on 26 June 1963 after a concert at the Majestic Ballroom in Newcastle upon Tyne during their tour with Roy Orbison and Gerry and the Pacemakers. They began writing the song on the tour bus, and continued later that night at their hotel in Newcastle eventually completing it the following day at McCartney’s family home in Forthlin Road, Liverpool.

“She Loves You” was released as a single in the United Kingdom on August 23, 1963. The song quickly became a massive hit, reaching the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart. It held the position for four consecutive weeks. The single set and surpassed several sales records in the United Kingdom charts, and set a record in the United States as one of the five Beatles songs that held the top five positions in the charts simultaneously, on 4 April 1964. It remains the band’s best-selling single in the United Kingdom and the top-selling single of the 1960s there by any artist.

It was also the best-selling single in the UK for 14 years (until it was surpassed by Paul McCartney and Wings’ “Mull of Kintyre” in 1977). The song’s success wasn’t limited to the UK. It also achieved significant popularity in the United States, helping to launch the Beatles’ international career.

In November 2004, Rolling Stone ranked “She Loves You” number 64 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In August 2009, at the end of its “Beatles Weekend”, BBC Radio 2 announced that “She Loves You” was the Beatles’ all-time best-selling single in the UK based on information compiled by the Official Charts Company.

The lyrics are written from the perspective of a narrator giving advice to a friend about his romantic troubles. The repeated refrain of “She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah” became one of the most recognizable and memorable lines in popular music. “She Loves You” is often cited as a pivotal moment in the history of popular music. Its simple, infectious melody and harmonies helped to define the “Beatles sound” that would come to dominate the 1960s.

“She Loves You” is considered a classic of the early rock ‘n’ roll era. It’s often featured in lists of the greatest songs of all time and is a staple in the Beatles’ extensive discography. The song’s influence goes beyond music. Phrases like “Yeah, yeah, yeah” became synonymous with the Beatles and with the youth culture of the 1960s.

Overall, “She Loves You” is a pivotal song in the Beatles’ career and played a significant role in shaping the landscape of popular music. It remains a beloved and enduring classic to this day.

Meaning of “She Loves You”

“She Loves You” is a straightforward love song where the singer is conveying a message to a friend who is struggling with a romantic relationship. The narrator is offering reassurance and advice to his friend, telling him that he should take comfort in the fact that the girl he loves also loves him back.

The central message of the song is one of encouragement and support. It’s about celebrating mutual love and emphasizing the positive aspects of the relationship. The repeated refrain of “She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah” reinforces this message of affirmation and positivity.

The song’s lyrics are written in a way that is relatable and easy to understand, which contributed to its widespread popularity. The simplicity of the message, combined with the catchy melody and energetic performance by the Beatles, helped make “She Loves You” an enduring and beloved classic.

Personnel

• John Lennon – vocal, rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – vocal, bass
• George Harrison – harmony vocal, lead guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums
• George Martin – producer
• Norman Smith – engineer

• Published on (1962 – 1965)
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 9 on “Past Masters Volume 1”

About “Sie Liebt Dich”

“She Loves You” is also unusual in that, under the title “Sie liebt dich”, it is one of two songs rerecorded by the Beatles in German (the other being “Komm, gib mir deine Hand”). “Sie liebt dich” was released in Germany and in the USA (as “Sie liebt dich (She Loves You)” b/w “I’ll Get You” by “Die Beatles” on May 21, 1964.

Personnel

John Lennon – vocal, rhythm guitar
Paul McCartney – vocal, bass
George Harrison – harmony vocal, lead guitar
Ringo Starr – drums
George Martin – producer
Norman Smith – engineer

• 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 (1962 – 1965)
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 8 on “Past Masters Volume 1“

About “Komm Gib Mir Deine Hand”

“I Want To Hold Your Hand” was recorded in German as “Komm, gib mir deine Hand” (“Come, give me your hand”), one of only two times the Beatles recorded a song entirely in a language other than English (the other being “She Loves You“). German lyrics were written by Camillo Felgen.

Personnel

• John Lennon – vocal, rhythm guitar, handclaps
• Paul McCartney – vocal, bass, handclaps
• George Harrison – lead guitar, handclaps
• Ringo Starr – drums, handclaps

• Published on (1962 – 1965)
• Author: Perkins
• Track 13 on “Past Masters Volume 1“

RINGO 1964: “I’m featured on it. Actually it was written by Carl Perkins about six years ago. Carl came to the session. I felt very embarrassed. I did it just two days before I went in the hospital (with tonsilitis) so please forgive my throat.”

About “Matchbox”

As fans of Perkins, the Beatles performed “Matchbox” during their 1961 and 1962 concerts. The song was sung by Pete Best until his sacking in August 1962, when John Lennon took over as lead singer. There is a live version of this song included on the 1977 album Live at the Star-Club in Hamburg, Germany; 1962. The Beatles performed “Matchbox” on their BBC radio show Pop Go the Beatles in July 1963, with Ringo Starr replacing Best as the lead singer. This version was included on the 1994 compilation Live at the BBC.

In 1964, Starr also sang lead vocals on the band’s Long Tall Sally EP. The session on June 1 was observed by Perkins while he was visiting London. Having a bad throat led to Starr feeling very embarrassed. Two days later, he was hospitalized with acute tonsillitis and pharyngitis, so he missed the start of the Beatles’ world tour. Producer George Martin played piano on the recording along with the band. According to Ian MacDonald’s commentary on the track, the Beatles’ performance is “flat-footed” and only George Harrison shows “any motivation” in his contribution as a student of Perkins’ playing.

“Matchbox” was released on June 19 in the UK. In the US, it appeared on Capitol Records’ Something New album in July before being released as a single backed by “Slow Down” on August 24. On three record charts, “Matchbox” reached number 17: in the U.S., the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box, and in Canada, the RPM Top 40. Subsequently, the song was included on the Beatles compilation albums Rock ‘n’ Roll Music, Past Masters Volume 1, and Mono Masters.

Meaning of “Matchbox”

The lyrics of “Matchbox” are straightforward and tell a story of a man who is confident in his abilities to get by in life with very little. He boasts about being a “matchbox” and can light his fire with ease, symbolizing his self-reliance and resourcefulness. The song exudes a carefree and confident attitude, emphasizing the narrator’s ability to handle any situation.

In the context of The Beatles’ catalog, “Matchbox” was one of the many covers they recorded, demonstrating their deep appreciation for early rock and roll music. Their rendition carries their signature energy and style, infusing the song with their own unique flair while paying homage to the original. It’s a testament to their ability to breathe new life into classic tunes.

Personnel

• Ringo Starr – drums and lead vocals
• John Lennon – rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – bass guitar
• George Harrison – lead guitar
• George Martin – piano

• Published on 1965
• Author: Williams
• Track 16 on “Past Masters Volume 1“

About “Bad Boy”

“Bad Boy” is one of several Larry Williams songs the Beatles recorded during their career, a rock and roll song with a lively, energetic tempo typical of Williams’ style.

The group recorded it on May 10, 1965, (William’s birthday), along with his song “Dizzy, Miss Lizzy“, which was intended for North American release only. A version of “Bad Boy” was released on the American album Beatles VI in June 1965, while a version of “Dizzy, Miss Lizzy“appeared on the British album Help! in August of that year. After being released in December 1966 as part of the compilation A Collection of Beatles Oldies, “Bad Boy” was also released worldwide on the 1988 compilation Past Masters Vol. 1, as well as its 2009 reissue, Past Masters, which combined both volumes.

In 1966 “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)“, “I’m Looking Through You” and “In My Life” were released on an EP in Sweden together with “Bad Boy”. As a result of this EP’s success, the song hit number seven on the Swedish sales chart Kvällstoppen and number five on the Swedish radio chart Tio i Topp in December of the same year.

While not considered one of The Beatles’ standout tracks, “Bad Boy” still showcases their ability to infuse their style into cover songs and provides a snapshot of the wide range of influences that contributed to their sound. It remains a part of The Beatles’ discography and is appreciated by fans, though it’s not as frequently covered or performed as some of their more famous hits.

Meaning of “Bad Boy”

“Bad Boy” was written by Larry Williams, an American rock and roll and rhythm and blues singer, songwriter, and pianist. In this song, the term “Bad Boy” is used in the same sense as it is commonly understood in popular culture.

In the context of the song, a “Bad Boy” refers to a man who exhibits rebellious, non-conformist, or delinquent behavior. The lyrics suggest that the narrator is attracted to a woman who is described as a “Bad Boy,” which indicates that she possesses some of the qualities associated with this term.

The song’s lyrics do not delve into great detail about the specific behaviors or characteristics of the “Bad Boy” in question, but it conveys a sense of attraction and intrigue towards someone who may be seen as unconventional or edgy.

It’s worth noting that the term “Bad Boy” can carry various connotations depending on the context in which it is used, and interpretations may vary. In the case of this song, it appears to reflect a certain fascination with someone who exudes a rebellious or non-conformist aura.

Personnel

• John Lennon – lead vocal and rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – bass
• George Harrison – double-tracked lead guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums

Ho to play “Bad Boy” on guitar

“Bad Boy” features prominent electric guitar work, typical of the rock ‘n’ roll style prevalent in the 1950s and early 1960s. It is characterized by its bright and jangly tone and employs a classic rock ‘n’ roll chord progression, which gives the song its energetic and catchy feel. The rhythm guitar provides a driving force, keeping the song’s pace steady and lively. Additionally, there are melodic lead guitar lines that complement the vocal melody, adding texture and depth to the overall sound.

The guitar work in “Bad Boy” exemplifies the band’s ability to take a cover song and infuse it with their own style and energy. The Beatles were known for their adeptness at adapting and interpreting songs from various genres, and “Bad Boy” is no exception. The guitar in “Bad Boy” contributes to the song’s lively and upbeat character, and it showcases The Beatles’ proficiency in delivering rock ‘n’ roll music with their signature touch.

Here’s a video featuring the guitar parts of “Bad Boy”:

Ho to play “Bad Boy” on bass

The bassline in “Bad Boy” is characterized by its rhythmic pulse and melodic flair. It follows the chord progressions closely, providing a strong rhythmic backbone while also adding melodic embellishments that give the song a distinctive groove. McCartney’s bass playing style in “Bad Boy” showcases his ability to craft memorable basslines that enhance the overall musical arrangement.

The bass in “Bad Boy” contributes significantly to the song’s dynamic and infectious rhythm. It exemplifies McCartney’s skill as a bassist and his knack for creating engaging basslines that elevate the musicality of The Beatles’ songs.

The following video features a bass cover with tab of the song:

“Bad Boy” karaoke

For those who want to try singing “Bad Boy” the next video presents the karaoke version of the song:

• Published on 1963
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 7 on “Past Masters Volume 1“
• Track 37 on “Anthology 1“

JOHN 1980: “Just my attempt at writing one of those three-part harmony Smokey Robinson songs. Nothing in the lyrics… just a sound and a harmony. There was a period when I thought I didn’t write melodies… that Paul wrote those and I just wrote straight, shouting rock ‘n roll. But of course, when I think of some of my own songs– ‘In My Life,’ or some of the early stuff– ‘This Boy,’ I was writing melody with the best of them.”

PAUL 1988: “Fabulous. And we just loved singing that three-part too. We’d learned that from: (sings) ‘To know know know her is to love love love her…’ We learned that in my dad’s house in Liverpool.”

About “This Boy”

“This Boy” was written by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney. The song was released as the B-side of the band’s Parlophone single “I Want to Hold Your Hand” in November 1963. As an American release, it appeared on Meet the Beatles! in January 1964. During their second appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Beatles performed the song live.

George Martin remastered “This Boy” for compact disc and released it on the Past Masters, Volume 1 compilation in 1988. In 2009, it was released on the two-CD set Past Masters, as part of the remastering of the original Beatles’ catalogue, including The Beatles Stereo Box Set and The Beatles in Mono.

Lennon composed the song in the style of Motown star Smokey Robinson, whose song “I’ve Been Good To You” also features circular doo-wop chord changes, melody and arrangement. In addition, the tune and arrangement are influenced by Bobby Freeman’s B-side “You Don’t Understand Me.”. In addition, McCartney cites the Teddy Bears’ 1958 hit “To Know Him Is to Love Him.” as an influence.

Throughout the verses and refrain, Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison sing close harmony in three parts, a technique that is similar to that employed in the songs “Yes It Is” and “Because“. The middle eight was originally intended as a guitar solo, but was altered during recording. With its chains of pandiatonic clusters, William Mann describes the song as “harmonically…one of their most intriguing”.

“This Boy” was recorded on 17 October 1963, along with “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, the band’s first fan club Christmas single, and “You Really Got a Hold on Me”. Officially released alternative recordings are also available. A live version performed on Two of a Kind in 1963 appeared on Anthology 1, and two incomplete takes from the original recording were released as a single.

While not as universally recognized as some of the Beatles’ bigger hits, “This Boy” is celebrated among fans and musicians for its musical craftsmanship and emotional depth. The song is a testament to the Beatles’ skill in crafting emotionally resonant songs and their innovative approach to vocal harmonies. It remains a hidden gem in their extensive discography, cherished by fans and appreciated for its musical artistry.

Meaning of “This Boy”

“This Boy” is a poignant song about heartbreak and longing. The lyrics tell the story of a young man who has lost the affection of his love interest. He’s filled with sorrow and expresses a deep yearning for her to return to him. The song conveys a sense of vulnerability and the pain of unrequited love.

The narrator expresses a sense of hope that, despite the current heartache, there is still a chance for reconciliation. He implores the girl to see the love he has for her and to understand his feelings.

Overall, “This Boy” is a beautifully crafted song that captures the universal theme of romantic longing and the emotional rollercoaster of love and loss. Its heartfelt lyrics and intricate three-part harmonies make it a standout piece in the Beatles’ discography.

Personnel

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