With the Beatles is the second studio album by the Fab Four. It was released in the United Kingdom on 22 November 1963 on Parlophone, eight months after the band’s debut Please Please Me. Produced by George Martin, the album features eight original compositions (seven by Lennon–McCartney and “Don’t Bother Me“, George Harrison’s first recorded solo composition and his first released on a Beatles album) and six covers (mostly of rock and roll and Motown R&B hits). The sessions also yielded the non-album single, “I Want to Hold Your Hand” backed by “This Boy“. The cover photograph was taken by the fashion photographer Robert Freeman and has since been mimicked by several music groups over the years. A different cover was used for the Australian release of the album, which the Beatles were displeased with.

In the United States, the album’s tracks were unevenly split over the group’s first two albums released on Capitol Records: Meet the Beatles! and The Beatles’ Second Album. It was also released in Canada under the name Beatlemania! With the Beatles. The album was ranked number 420 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2003, and was included in Robert Dimery’s 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die (2010). It was also voted number 275 in the third edition of English writer Colin Larkin’s All Time Top 1000 Albums (2000).

• Release date: November 22, 1963
• Genres: Rock, Pop music, Rock and roll, Pop rock, Rhythm and blues, Beat music, Blues rock
• Label: Odeon Records

With the Beatles tracklist

SIDE A

1. It Won’t Be Long
   (Lennon/McCartney)
2. All I’ve Got to Do
   (Lennon/McCartney)
3. All My Loving
   (Lennon/McCartney)
4. Don’t Bother Me
   (Harrison)
5. Little Child
   (Lennon/McCartney)
6. Till There Was You
   (Wilson)
7. Please Mr. Postman
   (Dobbins/Garrett/Gorman/Holland/Bateman)

SIDE B

1. Roll Over Beethoven
   (C. Berry)
2. Hold Me Tight
   (Lennon/McCartney)
3. You Really Got a Hold on Me
   (Robinson)
4. I Wanna Be Your Man
   (Lennon/McCartney)
5. Devil in Her Heart
   (Drapkin)
6. Not a Second Time
   (Lennon/McCartney)
7. Money (That’s What I Want)
   (Bradford/Gordy)

In 1964, the Beatles released their first studio album, Please Please Me, which was their debut studio album. The record was produced by George Martin and released in the United Kingdom on 22 March 1963 by EMI’s Parlophone label following the success of the band’s first two singles, “Love Me Do“, which reached the number 17 spot on the Record Retailer Chart, and “Please Please Me“, which reached the number 1 position on the NME and Melody Maker charts. At that time, the album was the top selling LP on Record Retailer’s chart for 30 consecutive weeks, an unprecedented achievement for a pop album.

After originally being planned as a live album by Martin in November 1962, the recording was moved to the studio in January 1963, but the album was intended to capture the sound of the Beatles’ live performances, which took place in Liverpool Cavern Club and other venues like that. Please Please Me was recorded at EMI Studios in a long recording session on 11 February 1963, and apart from the singles that were already released, the Beatles recorded most of the album on the same day, though Martin later added overdubs to “Misery” and “Baby It’s You” nine days later.

The album consists of fourteen songs, eight of which were written by the songwriting partnership of John Lennon and Paul McCartney (originally credited “McCartney-Lennon”). Rolling Stone magazine later cited these original compositions as early evidence of the Beatles’ “invention of the idea of the self-contained rock band, writing their own hits and playing their own instruments”.

Please Please Me was voted 39th on Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” (2012), and number 622 in the third edition of Colin Larkin’s All Time Top 1000 Albums (2000).

• Release date: March 22, 1963
• Label: Parlophone
• Genres: Rock, Pop music, Rock and roll, Pop rock, Rhythm and blues, Beat music, Blues rock
• Length: 31:59
• Studio: EMI, London

Please Please Me tracklist

SIDE A

1. I Saw Her Standing There
   (Lennon/McCartney)
2. Misery
   (Lennon/McCartney)
3. Anna (Go To Him)
   (Arthur Alexander)
4. Chains
   (Gerry Goffin/Carole King)
5. Boys
   (Luther Dixon/Wes Farrell)
6. Ask Me Why
   (Lennon/McCartney)
7. Please Please Me
   (Lennon/McCartney)

SIDE B

1. Love Me Do
   (Lennon/McCartney)
2. P.S. I Love You
   (Lennon/McCartney)
3. Baby It’s You
   (David/Williams/Bacharach)
4. Do You Want to Know a Secret
   (Lennon/McCartney)
5. A Taste of Honey
   (Scott/Marlow)
6. There’s A Place
   (Lennon/McCartney)
7. Twist and Shout
   (Medley/Russell)

• Published on 1963
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 3 on “With The Beatles“

JOHN 1972: “This was one of his first biggies.”

JOHN 1980: “‘All My Loving’ is Paul, I regret to say. Because it’s a damn fine piece of work. But I play a pretty mean guitar in back.”

PAUL 1984: “Yeah, I wrote that one. It was the first song I ever wrote where I had the words before the music. I wrote the words on a bus on tour, then we got the tune when I arrived there. The first time I’ve ever worked upside down.”

PAUL 1988: “I think that was the first song where I wrote the words without the tune. I wrote the words on the tour bus during our tour with Roy Orbison. We did alot of writing then.”

PAUL circa-1994: “It was a good show song. It worked well live.”

About “All My Loving”

It was written by Paul McCartney (credited to Lennon–McCartney), and produced by George Martin. Though not officially released as a single in the United Kingdom or the United States, the song drew considerable radio airplay, prompting EMI to issue it as the title track of an EP.

The song was released as a single in Canada, where it became a number one hit. The Canadian single was imported into the US in enough quantities to peak at number 45 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in April 1964.

The lyrics follow the “letter song” model as used on “P.S. I Love You“, the B-side of their first single. McCartney originally envisioned it as a country & western song, and George Harrison added a Nashville-style guitar solo. John Lennon’s rhythm guitar playing utilized back and forth strummed triplets similar to “Da Doo Ron Ron” by The Crystals, a song that was popular at the time, while McCartney plays a walking bass line.

It has been hypothesized that the piece draws inspiration from the Dave Brubeck Quartet’s 1959 song “Kathy’s Waltz”.

Meaning of “All My Loving”

“All My Loving” revolves around the theme of unwavering devotion and the optimistic longing for a loved one. The lyrics convey a deep and abiding affection that remains steadfast despite physical separation or any challenges that may arise. The singer reassures his love interest that his feelings are constant and enduring, promising a return to his side.

This theme captures the youthful enthusiasm and intense emotions that accompany the early stages of a romantic relationship. It reflects the eagerness to express affection and the belief in the strength of their connection. This Beatles’ classic stands as a testament to the enduring nature of love, offering a message of hope and commitment that resonates with audiences across generations.

Personnel

• Paul McCartney – double-tracked lead vocals, bass guitar
• John Lennon – harmony vocals and rhythm guitar
• George Harrison – backing and harmony vocals, lead guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums
• George Martin – producer
• Norman Smith – engineer

How to play “All My Loving” on guitar (2 guitar parts)

“All My Loving” is a classic song that highlights a catchy melody and a relatively straightforward chord progression. The song features a distinctive guitar riff played by George Harrison, and it is known for its catchy melody and upbeat tempo.

The guitar part in “All My Loving” consists of a lively, arpeggiated riff that serves as the main musical motif of the song. It’s played on a Rickenbacker 360/12 twelve-string guitar, which gives the song its signature jangly sound.

In the following video you will find the guitar tab of the song:

How to play “All My Loving” on bass

“All My Loving” has an iconic bassline played by Paul McCartney, a standout element of the song. The bassline is characterized by its lively and melodic nature. McCartney’s bass provides a driving rhythm that propels the song forward. It features a combination of steady quarter-note pulses and melodic fills that add depth and musicality to the arrangement.

One distinctive aspect of McCartney’s bassline in this song is its counterpoint with the vocal melody. The bassline weaves in and out of the vocal lines, creating a dynamic interplay between the bass and the vocals. This adds a layer of complexity and interest to the musical arrangement.

McCartney’s bass playing in “All My Loving” showcases his ability to craft inventive and memorable basslines that contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel of the song. It is a testament to his skill as a musician and his unique contribution to the Beatles’ iconic sound.

In the following video you will find the bass tab of the song:

“All My Loving” karaoke

If you want to try singing “All my Loving”, the next video features the karaoke version of the song:

Useful Links

• Wikipedia page of “All My Loving”

• Published on 1963
• Author: David/Williams/Bacharach
• Track 10 on “Please Please Me“

About “Baby It’s You”

Burt Bacharach wrote the music for “Baby It’s You”, and Luther Dixon (credited as Barney Williams) and Mack David wrote the lyrics. Both the Shirelles and the Beatles recorded the song and had hits with it. The highest-charting version of “Baby It’s You” was by the band Smith, who took the song to #5 on the US charts in 1969.

The Beatles performed “Baby It’s You” as part of their stage act from 1961 until 1963. It was the only Burt Bacharach song the group covered. They recorded it on 11 February 1963 for their album Please Please Me along with “Boys“, another Shirelles song. American label Vee Jay Records included it on Introducing… The Beatles and Songs, Pictures And Stories Of the Fabulous Beatles. Capitol included it on The Early Beatles.

Meaning of “Baby It’s You”

The lyrics of “Baby It’s You” convey a sense of seeking reassurance and comfort from a loved one. The narrator is looking for affirmation and wants to feel secure in the relationship. This theme resonates with anyone who has experienced moments of vulnerability and uncertainty in love.

The song suggests a strong emotional dependence on the person addressed as “baby.” The narrator looks to this person for emotional support and stability, highlighting the deep bond and reliance that can develop in a romantic relationship.

Lines like “It’s not the way you smile that touched my heart” and “You don’t realize how much I need you” emphasize the narrator’s acknowledgment of the significance of his partner in his life.

There’s a clear yearning for affection and closeness in the song. The narrator longs to be held and comforted, emphasizing the universal need for physical and emotional intimacy in a relationship.

The lyrics showcase a vulnerability and openness in the narrator’s feelings. They are not afraid to admit their need for love and reassurance, which reflects a willingness to be emotionally exposed in the context of the relationship.

The themes of seeking reassurance, feeling vulnerable, and desiring affection are universal experiences in romantic relationships. This universality contributes to the song’s enduring appeal and relatability.

In essence, “Baby It’s You” is a song that speaks to the universal experience of seeking reassurance and comfort in a romantic relationship. It highlights the importance of emotional support and vulnerability, demonstrating how love can provide a sense of security and belonging. The song’s timeless themes continue to resonate with listeners across generations.

Personnel

• John Lennon – vocals, rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – bass, backing vocals
• George Harrison – lead guitar, backing vocals
• Ringo Starr – drums
• George Martin – celesta
• Norman Smith – engineer

• Published on 1963
• Author: Harrison
• Track 4 on “With The Beatles“

GEORGE 1980: “The first song that I wrote… as an exercise to see if I could write a song. I wrote it in a hotel in Bounemouth, England, where we were playing a summer season in 1963. I was sick in bed… maybe that’s why it turned out to be ‘Don’t Bother Me.’ I don’t think it’s a particularly good song… It mightn’t even be a song at all, but at least it showed me that all I needed to do was keep on writing, and then maybe eventually I would write something good.”

PAUL 1988: “I think John and I were really concentrating on– ‘We’ll do the ‘real’ records,’ but because the other guys had a lot of fans we wrote for them too. George eventually came out with his own, ‘Don’t Bother Me,’ but until then he hadn’t written one.”

About “Don’t Bother Me”

It was the first song written by George Harrison, the group’s lead guitarist, to appear on one of their albums. An uptempo rock and roll song, it was originally released in the United States on the 1964 album Meet the Beatles! In 2018, the music staff of Time Out London ranked “Don’t Bother Me” at number 47 on their list of the best Beatles songs.

Between 19 and 24 August 1963 the Beatles held a residency in Bournemouth, England with Billy J. Kramer & the Dakotas and Tommy Quickly. Feeling sick one day, George Harrison was prescribed tonic and bed rest by a doctor. With nothing to do in his room at the Palace Court Hotel, he began writing a song, recording himself on a portable tape recorder. The surviving recording includes him working on the bridge and whistling through the song’s melody, likely because the song did not yet have lyrics.

Besides the 1958 song “In Spite of All The Danger” – co-written with McCartney, and the 1961 instrumental “Cry for a Shadow” – co-written as Lennon–Harrison, “Don’t Bother Me” was Harrison’s first composition. Liverpool journalist Bill Harry claims that he encouraged Harrison to write a new song, and that Harrison’s response of “Don’t bother me” served as inspiration for the song’s title.

Meaning of “Don’t Bother Me”

The lyrics of “Don’t Bother Me” convey a sense of introspection and independence. George Harrison wrote the song during a period of illness, and the lyrics express a desire for solitude and personal space. The singer asks not to be bothered and emphasizes the need for some time alone. The song’s tone is somewhat melancholic, reflecting Harrison’s state of mind at the time.

Overall, “Don’t Bother Me” can be interpreted as a reflection of George Harrison’s personality and his desire for introspection and solitude during a challenging period in his life. It also showcases his early songwriting abilities, which would later become significant contributions to The Beatles’ body of work.

Personnel

The Beatles

• George Harrison – double-tracked vocal, lead guitar
• John Lennon – rhythm guitar, tambourine
• Paul McCartney – bass, claves
• Ringo Starr – drums, bongos

Production

• George Martin – producer
• Norman Smith – engineer
• Richard Langham – engineer

• Published on 1963
• Author: Berry
• Track 8 on “With The Beatles“

About “Roll Over Beethoven”

“Roll Over Beethoven” was a favorite of John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison even before they had chosen “The Beatles” as their name, and they continued to play it live right into their American tours of 1964. Their version of “Roll Over Beethoven” was recorded on 30 July 1963 for their second British LP, With the Beatles, and features George Harrison on vocals and guitar. In the United States, it was released 10 April 1964 as the opening track of The Beatles’ Second Album.

In 1994, the Beatles released a live version of “Roll Over Beethoven” on Live at the BBC. This live version was recorded on 28 February 1964 and broadcast on 30 March 1964 as part of a BBC series starring the Beatles called From Us To You.

This version of “Roll Over Beethoven” was used in the film Superman III directed by Richard Lester who also directed a film for the Beatles, Help!

Meaning of “Roll Over Beethoven”

The song’s lyrics convey a message of musical revolution and a changing of the guard in the music industry. It’s a call for traditional classical music (represented by Beethoven) to make way for the new and energetic rock ‘n’ roll sound.

“Roll Over Beethoven” carries a theme of musical change and the passing of the torch from the old musical styles to the new and exciting sound of rock ‘n’ roll. The Beatles’ rendition of it helped further establish them as leading figures in the rock music revolution.

Personnel

• George Harrison – double-tracked vocals, lead guitar, handclaps
• John Lennon – rhythm guitar, handclaps
• Paul McCartney – bass, handclaps
• Ringo Starr – drums, handclaps

• Published on 1963
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 2 on “With The Beatles“

JOHN 1980: “That’s me trying to do Smokey Robinson again.”

About “All I’ve got to Do”

It was one of three songs Lennon wrote solo for With The Beatles, with “It Won’t Be Long” and “Not a Second Time.” Lennon said that it was written specifically for the American market; the idea of calling a girl on the telephone was unthinkable to a British youth in the early 1960s.

In the United States, “All I’ve Got to Do” originally appeared on Meet the Beatles! (1964). According to Dennis Alstrand, the song is the first time in rock and roll or rock music in which the bass player plays chords as a vital part of the song.

Meaning of “All I’ve got to Do”

The lyrics of “All I’ve Got to Do” express a sentiment of longing and devotion. The singer is assuring his love interest that he doesn’t need to worry or doubt his feelings, as he is entirely committed to the relationship. The song conveys a sense of willingness to do whatever it takes to make their partner happy and to be there for them.

The repetition of the line “All I’ve got to do is think of you” underscores the idea that the person is always on the singer’s mind. The song’s melody and arrangement evoke a sense of tenderness and vulnerability, which is characteristic of many early Beatles ballads.

“All I’ve Got to Do” is a heartfelt expression of love and devotion, with lyrics that capture the depth of feeling in a relationship.

Personnel

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

How to play “All I’ve got to Do” on guitar

“All I’ve Got to Do” features simple yet evocative guitar parts. Here are the chords and strumming patterns you’ll need to play this song:

How to play “All I’ve got to Do” on bass

“All I’ve Got to Do” features a simple yet effective bassline played by Paul McCartney. The following video shows how to play the bass part of the “All I’ve Got to Do”:

“All I’ve got to Do” karaoke

For those who want to try singing “All I’ve got to Do”, in the following video features the karaoke version of the song:

• Published on 1963
• Author: Arthur Alexander
• Track 3 on “Please Please Me“

About “Anna (Go To Him)”

Arthur Alexander wrote this, making it one of the world’s great trivia questions: Alexander is the only person to write songs that were recorded by Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.

This was distributed to US disc jockeys in 1963 on a single with “Ask Me Why.” The promotional disc is a rare collectors item.
John Lennon loved this song, which is why The Beatles recorded it.

He sang lead, and changed the lyric to “go WITH him”.

Meaning of “Anna (Go To Him)”

The lyrics of “Anna (Go To Him)” express a narrator’s plea to a woman named Anna to leave her current partner and come to him instead. The narrator believes he can offer her a better, more fulfilling relationship. He implores Anna to consider his feelings and make the choice to be with him.

Lines like “Anna, just one more thing, girl / You give back your ring to me, and I will set you free” and “Anna, just one more thing, girl / You give back your ring to me, and I will set you free” convey the narrator’s hope that Anna will choose to be with him.

“Anna (Go To Him)” explores themes of love, longing, and the complexities of romantic relationships. It’s a poignant plea from the narrator to Anna, asking her to make a choice that could lead to a better future for both of them.

Personnel

• John Lennon – vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – bass, backing vocals
• George Harrison – lead guitar, backing vocals
• Ringo Starr – drums

How to play “Anna (Go To Him)” on guitar

The guitar in “Anna (Go To Him)”, like many early Beatles songs, features a straightforward and simple arrangement. It typically involves the use of acoustic guitars, as the early Beatles recordings often utilized this instrument. The specific guitar used in the recording of this song is not widely documented, but it is likely to have been one of the acoustic guitars available to the Beatles at the time.

In terms of playing style, the song’s guitar part is characterized by a series of chords and a repeating pattern that accompanies the vocals. The chords used in this song are typically basic open chords, which are common in many early rock and pop songs. These chords provide a melodic and rhythmic foundation for the song.

The following two videos feature guitar scores for rhythm and lead guitar of the song:

How to play “Anna (Go To Him)” on bass

The bassline in “Anna (Go To Him)” is relatively simple but effective. It complements the song’s soulful and heartfelt lyrics. Paul McCartney typically used a Hofner 500/1 bass guitar during this period, which is known for its distinctive hollow body tone.

The bassline in this song follows the chord progression and provides a solid rhythmic foundation. It’s likely to consist of straightforward root notes that correspond to the chords being played by the other instruments. In many early Beatles songs, including this one, McCartney often played a supportive role, anchoring the harmonic structure of the song.

The following video features bassline scores and tab of the song:

“Anna (Go To Him)” karaoke

For those who want to test themselves by singing “Anna (Go To Him)”, the following video features the karaoke version of the song:

• Published on 1963
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 13 on “With The Beatles“

JOHN 1980: “That’s me trying to do something. I don’t remember.” (laughs)

PAUL 1984: “Influenced by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.”

About “Not a Second Time”

“Not a Second Time” is a song by John Lennon (credited to McCartney/Lennon) performed by The Beatles on their album With the Beatles. Lennon said he was “trying to write a Smokey Robinson or something at the time.”

This was the song that inspired the famous musical analysis from The Times, citing the “Aeolian cadences” of Lennon’s vocals as the song draws to a close, and comparing it to Mahler’s “Song Of The Earth”. Lennon, years later, remarked: “To this day, I have no idea what [Aeolian cadences] are. They sound like exotic birds.”
The song was recorded on 21 August 1963 at Abbey Road Studios.

Meaning of “Not a Second Time”

The Beatles’ song “Not a Second Time” conveys a theme of emotional resilience and the determination to move on from a past relationship. The lyrics suggest that the narrator has experienced heartbreak before and is now resolute in not letting it happen again. There’s a sense of emotional maturity and a refusal to be vulnerable to the same pain once more.

The theme captures a sense of personal growth and the ability to learn from past experiences. It reflects the idea that even in the face of heartbreak, one can find the strength to protect themselves and move forward.

“Not a Second Time” celebrates emotional strength and the capacity to protect one’s heart after facing heartbreak. It’s a theme that resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of lost love and emerged stronger because of it.

Personnel

• John Lennon – double-tracked vocal, acoustic guitar
• Paul McCartney – bass
• George Harrison – acoustic guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums
• George Martin – producer, piano
• Norman Smith – engineer

• Published on 1963
• Author: Wilson
• Track 6 on “With The Beatles“

About “Till There was You”

The song was the only Broadway tune the Beatles ever recorded.
“Till There Was You” was a minor hit in the UK for Peggy Lee in March 1961. Paul McCartney was introduced to her music by his older cousin, Bett Robbins, who would occasionally baby-sit the two McCartney brothers.

McCartney said: “I had no idea until much later that it was from The Music Man. “Till There Was You” was part of the Beatles repertoire in 1962 and performed at the Star Club in Hamburg. It became illustrative of the Beatles versatility, proving they could appeal to all sections of an audience, moving easily from ballads to rock and roll, as in their live 1963 Royal Command Performance when they followed this song with “Twist and Shout“.

The Beatles had previously performed “Till There Was You” as part of their failed audition for Decca Records in London on January 1st, 1962, and it was the second of six the group sang during their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9th, 1964.
Live versions of the song were released on Live at the BBC (1994) and Anthology 1 (1995). The latter version was recorded when the Beatles played at the Royal Command (Variety) Performance in November 1963.

Meaning of “Till There was You”

The lyrics of “Till There Was You” express a sentiment of finding completeness and contentment in the presence of a loved one. The author reflects on how his world and perspective changed for the better upon meeting this person. The song conveys a sense of romantic fulfillment and the idea that love has brought a new level of happiness and meaning into his life.

“Till There Was You” is a tender and romantic song that celebrates the transformative power of love, and The Beatles’ interpretation of it adds their own unique touch to this classic ballad.

Personnel

• Paul McCartney – lead vocal, bass guitar
• John Lennon – nylon-string guitar
• George Harrison – nylon-string guitar
• Ringo Starr – bongos