• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 7 on “A Hard Day’s Night“
• Track 7 on “1962 ‐ 1966 (Red Album)“

JOHN 1972: “John and Paul, but mainly Paul.”

JOHN 1980: “That’s Paul completely. Maybe I had something to do with the chorus, but I don’t know. I always considered it his song.”

PAUL 1984: “We recorded it in France, as I recall. Went over to the Odeon in Paris. Recorded it over there. Felt proud because Ella Fitzgerald recorded it, too, though we didn’t realize what it meant that she was doing it.”

PAUL circa-1994: “‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ is my attempt to write a bluesy mode. The idea behind it was that all these material possessions are all very well but they won’t buy me what I really want.”

About “Can’t Buy Me Love”

“Can’t Buy Me Love” was released in March 1964 as the A-side of their sixth single. It was written by Paul McCartney and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. The song was included on the group’s album A Hard Day’s Night and was featured in a scene in Richard Lester’s film of the same title. The single topped charts in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and Sweden. In the UK, it was the fourth highest selling single of the 1960s.

While in Paris, the Beatles stayed at the five-star George V hotel and had an upright piano moved into one of their suites so that songwriting could continue. It was here that McCartney wrote “Can’t Buy Me Love”. The song was written under the pressure of the success achieved by “I Want to Hold Your Hand“, which had just reached number one in America.

When producer George Martin first heard “Can’t Buy Me Love”, he felt that the song needed changing: “I thought that we really needed a tag for the song’s ending, and a tag for the beginning; a kind of intro. So I took the first two lines of the chorus and changed the ending, and said ‘Let’s just have these lines, and by altering the second phrase we can get back into the verse pretty quickly.’” And they said: “That’s not a bad idea, we’ll do it that way”. The song’s verse is a twelve-bar blues in structure, a formula that the Beatles seldom applied to their own material.

Meaning of “Can’t Buy Me Love”

The lyrics of “Can’t Buy Me Love” convey a message about the value of true love and human connection over material possessions. The song essentially asserts that money and wealth cannot buy genuine affection or happiness. It’s a declaration that the most important things in life are beyond monetary measure.

The chorus, “Can’t buy me love, oh / Can’t buy me love, oh / Can’t buy me love, oh / I’ll buy you a diamond ring, my friend, if it makes you feel all right,” juxtaposes the idea of material offerings with the notion that love itself cannot be purchased.

The song’s message is one of prioritizing authentic human connections and experiences over material wealth.

Personnel

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

How to play “Can’t Buy Me Love” on guitar

“Can’t Buy Me Love” features a distinctive guitar riff that is one of the song’s most recognizable elements. The riff is played on a 12-string Rickenbacker guitar by George Harrison. It is a prominent and catchy musical motif that repeats throughout the song. It is characterized by its bright and jangly tone, which is characteristic of the 12-string guitar. It provides a lively and upbeat feel that complements the song’s lyrics about the importance of love over material wealth.

In addition to the riff, there are also rhythm guitar parts that provide a solid foundation for the song. These rhythm guitar parts help drive the tempo and provide a sense of groove. The guitar work in “Can’t Buy Me Love” is a key element that contributes to the song’s infectious and memorable sound. George Harrison’s playing, along with the rest of the band’s tight musicianship, is a testament to their musical prowess.

The following video features tab of rhythm and lead guitar of “Can’t Buy Me Love”:

How to play “Can’t Buy Me Love” on bass

In “Can’t Buy Me Love” by the Beatles, Paul McCartney’s bass playing is dynamic and integral to the song’s overall groove and energy. McCartney’s bassline in “Can’t Buy Me Love” is characterized by its driving and melodic nature. It features a bouncy rhythm that complements the upbeat tempo of the song. The bassline also incorporates melodic runs and fills that add musicality and depth to the overall arrangement.

One of the notable features of McCartney’s bass playing in this song is its syncopated feel. He often accents off-beats, which adds a lively and danceable quality to the music. This syncopation creates a sense of movement and contributes to the song’s infectious rhythm. McCartney’s bass playing in “Can’t Buy Me Love” is a prime example of his skill as a bassist and his ability to craft memorable and inventive basslines. It plays a crucial role in shaping the song’s sound and is an important element in the Beatles’ iconic musical style.

The following video features the bassline tab of “Can’t Buy Me Love”:

“Can’t Buy Me Love” karaoke

For those who want to try singing “Can’t Buy Me Love” the following video features the karaoke version of the song:

• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 1 on “A Hard Day’s Night“
• Track 8 on “1962 ‐ 1966 (Red Album)“

The Beatles’ quotes about “A Hard Day’s Night”

RINGO 1964: “We went to do a job, and we’d worked all day and we happened to work all night. I came up still thinking it was day I suppose, and I said, ‘It’s been a hard day…’ and I looked around and saw it was dark so I said, ‘…night!’ So we came to ‘A Hard Day’s Night.’”

JOHN 1980: “I was going home in the car and Dick Lester suggested the title, ‘Hard Day’s Night’ from something Ringo had said. I had used it in ‘In His Own Write,’ but it was an off-the-cuff remark by Ringo. You know, one of those malapropisms. A Ringo-ism, where he said it not to be funny… just said it. So Dick Lester said, ‘We are going to use that title.’ And the next morning I brought in the song… ‘cuz there was a little competition between Paul and I as to who got the A-side– who got the hits. If you notice, in the early days the majority of singles, in the movies and everything, were mine… in the early period I’m dominating the group. The only reason he sang on ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ was because I couldn’t reach the notes. (sings) ‘When I’m home/ everything seems to be right/ when I’m home…’ –which is what we’d do sometimes. One of us couldn’t reach a note but he wanted a different sound, so he’d get the other to do the harmony.”

PAUL circa-1994: “The title was Ringo’s. We’d almost finished making the film, and this fun bit arrived that we’d not known about before, which was naming the film. So we were sitting around at Twickenham studios having a little brain-storming session… and we said, ‘Well, there was something Ringo said the other day.’ Ringo would do these little malapropisms, he would say things slightly wrong, like people do, but his were always wonderful, very lyrical… they were sort of magic even though he was just getting it wrong. And he said after a concert, ‘Phew, it’s been a hard day’s night.’”

About “A Hard Day’s Night”

“A Hard Day’s Night” was released as the title track of The Beatles’ third studio album in 1964. It’s known for its distinctive opening chord, played on George Harrison’s 12-string Rickenbacker guitar. The song was written by John Lennon and credited to the songwriting duo Lennon-McCartney. It was also released as a single in the UK (with “Things We Said Today” as its B-side), and in the US (with “I Should Have Known Better” as its B-side.)

The song opens with a famous chord that has been the subject of much discussion and analysis. It’s often referred to as the “G7sus4” chord. The rest of the song follows a classic chord progression. John Lennon takes the lead vocals in the song, with Paul McCartney and George Harrison providing harmonies. The vocal delivery is energetic and captures the youthful exuberance of The Beatles.

“A Hard Day’s Night” features the distinctive 12-string Rickenbacker guitar played by George Harrison, providing a jangly sound. Paul McCartney’s melodic bassline and Ringo Starr’s solid drumming contribute to the overall musical texture. The lyrics of “A Hard Day’s Night” were inspired by a remark made by Ringo Starr. The phrase “a hard day’s night” was a Ringoism, a term used by the band to describe his unintentional wordplay. The lyrics capture the fatigue and relief after a day’s work.

The success of the song led to the use of its title for both the Beatles’ first feature film, released in 1964, and their third studio album. The film is a musical comedy featuring the band’s music and was well-received by both critics and fans. “A Hard Day’s Night” is widely considered one of The Beatles’ classics and is often celebrated for its innovation and influence on the pop and rock music of the time. It marked a turning point in the band’s sound as they began to explore more complex musical arrangements and experiment with different instruments.

The phrase “A Hard Day’s Night” was actually coined by Ringo Starr, who used it to describe the exhaustion and fatigue that came from their demanding schedule of recording and performing. The lyrics talk about the feeling of working hard all day and then looking forward to spending the night with a lover. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and anticipation, and the upbeat tempo and energetic melody capture the excitement and youthful enthusiasm that characterized much of the Beatles’ early music.

“A Hard Day’s Night” is often interpreted as a celebration of youthful vigor and the joy of being in love, while also acknowledging the challenges and demands of their hectic lifestyle as one of the most popular and successful bands in the world at that time.

Personnel

• John Lennon – double-tracked vocals (verses), electric and acoustic rhythm guitars
• Paul McCartney – double-tracked vocals (middle-eight), harmony vocal, bass
• George Harrison – lead electric twelve-string guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums, bongos, cowbell
• George Martin – piano, producer

How to play “A Hard Day’s Night” on guitar

The guitar work in “A Hard Day’s Night” by The Beatles is distinctive and iconic. The song features a prominent and instantly recognizable opening chord played by George Harrison on his 12-string Rickenbacker guitar. The chord is often referred to as the “G7sus4” or “G suspended 4” chord, and its exact formation has been the subject of much discussion among musicians and Beatles fans.

The rest of the guitar work in the song includes a combination of strumming and arpeggios, contributing to the lively and energetic feel of the track. The guitar parts, played by both George Harrison and John Lennon, are integral to the overall sound of “A Hard Day’s Night” and helped define the signature sound of The Beatles during that period. The use of the 12-string guitar, in particular, gives the song a jangly and distinctive quality that set it apart from other contemporary rock and pop songs.

The following video shows how to play “A Hard Day’s Night” on acoustic and electric guitar. Two parts concern the rhythm guitar, one acoustic and one electric, and a third which is the solo together with the final arpeggio:

How to play “A Hard Day’s Night” on bass

McCartney’s bass line in this song is notable for its melodic and rhythmic qualities. Instead of simply providing a foundational rhythm, McCartney’s bass part in “A Hard Day’s Night” is more melodic and dynamic, contributing to the overall musicality of the track.

The bass line follows the chord progression of the song but includes distinctive runs and fills that add a sense of movement and excitement. McCartney’s approach to the bass in many Beatles songs was innovative for its time, and it played a crucial role in shaping the band’s sound.

The bass in “A Hard Day’s Night” is a key element in the song’s composition, blending with the guitars and other instruments to create the distinctive sound that became synonymous with The Beatles during the 1960s.

The following video shows how to play the bass parts of “A Hard Day’s Night” with tabs:

Opening chord of “A Hard Day’s Night”

The opening chord of the song is famously known as the “A Hard Day’s Night” chord. It’s a unique and debated chord due to its complex and dissonant sound. It’s actually a combination of several guitars and a piano playing different chords simultaneously. The exact composition of this chord is still a subject of discussion among musicians and scholars. This video shows how to play it on different instruments.

“A Hard Day’s Night” karaoke

Here’s a great Karaoke version of “A Hard Day’s Night”

• Lyrics of “A Hard Day’s Night”

• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 13 on “A Hard Day’s Night“

JOHN 1972: “A nice tune, though the middle is a bit tatty.”

JOHN 1980: “‘I’ll Be Back’ is me completely. My variation of the chords in a Del Shannon song.”

PAUL circa-1994: “‘I’ll Be Back’ was co-written, but it was largely John’s idea.”

About “I’ll Be Back”

“I’ll Be Back” was recorded for the soundtrack album to their film “A Hard Day’s Night” (1964) but not used in the film. This song was not released in North America until Beatles ’65 five months later.

According to musicologist Ian MacDonald, Lennon created the song based on the chords of Del Shannon’s “Runaway” which had been a UK hit in April 1961. Author Bill Harry also wrote: “He just reworked the chords of the Shannon number and came up with a completely different song”.

Producer George Martin preferred to open and close Beatles albums using dominant material stating: “Another principle of mine when assembling an album was always to go out on a side strongly, placing the weaker material towards the end but then going out with a bang”.

Ian MacDonald points out however: “Fading away in tonal ambiguity at the end of A Hard Day’s Night, it was a surprisingly downbeat farewell and a token of coming maturity”. Music journalist Robert Sandall wrote in Mojo magazine: “‘I’ll Be Back’ was the early Beatles at their most prophetic. This grasp of how to colour arrangements in darker or more muted tones foreshadowed an inner journey they eventually undertook in three albums’ time, on Rubber Soul”

Meaning of “I’ll Be Back”

The lyrics of “I’ll Be Back” convey a mixture of longing, uncertainty, and a promise of return. The narrator acknowledges that they’re leaving, but reassures their partner that they will eventually come back. There’s a sense of conflicted emotions, as the narrator is torn between the desire to leave and the love they feel for their partner.

Lines like “You know, if you break my heart, I’ll go” and “I’ll be back again” express the narrator’s vulnerability and the complexity of their feelings.

“I’ll Be Back” is a song that captures the bittersweet nature of leaving a loved one while promising to return. It touches on themes of love, separation, and the hope for future reunion. It’s a poignant reflection on the complexities of romantic relationships.

Personnel

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

• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 11 on “A Hard Day’s Night“

JOHN 1980: “That’s me again… another Wilson Pickett, Motown sound… a four-in-the-bar cowbell song.”

About “When I Get Home”

“When I Get Home” is a song written by John Lennon (credited to Lennon–McCartney), and recorded by the English rock band the Beatles on 2 June 1964, during the last session for their third studio album A Hard Day’s Night (1964). Its first US release was on the Something New LP.

Influenced somewhat by the Shirelles, “When I Get Home” is essentially a rock and roll number, but with unusual chord progressions. Lennon liked this particular ploy, and used it on many of his songs at the time. Typical also of this period of the Beatles is the vocal leap into falsetto.

After completing “When I Get Home” in 11 takes, the Beatles finished recording another Lennon song, “Any Time At All”, which they had started work on earlier that day. They also recorded Paul McCartney’s “Things We Said Today” during the same session.

A mono mix was made on 4 June 1964, although this was replaced when new mono and stereo mixes were made on 22 June.

The band Yellow Matter Custard covered the song for their CD/DVD release One Night In New York City. There have also been covers by The Rustix, Tony Visconti, and Alejandro Escovedo.

Meaning of “When I Get Home”

The lyrics of “When I Get Home” express a longing for a romantic partner and a sense of anticipation to be reunited with them. The narrator looks forward to returning home and being with their loved one, emphasizing the joy and comfort they find in their partner’s presence.

Lines like “I got no time for trivialities” and “I got a whole lot of things to tell her” convey a sense of urgency and eagerness to share their feelings with their beloved.

“When I Get Home” is a love song that celebrates the anticipation and excitement of being reunited with a loved one after being away. It conveys a sense of longing and the desire for intimate connection.

Personnel

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

• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 2 on “A Hard Day’s Night“

JOHN 1980: “That’s me. Just a song– It doesn’t mean a damn thing.”

Info about “I Should Have Known Better”

“I Should Have Known Better” was composed by John Lennon (credited to Lennon/McCartney), and originally released by The Beatles on the United Kingdom-version of A Hard Day’s Night, their soundtrack for the film of the same name.

“I Should Have Known Better” is basically an early imitation of American singer and songwriter Bob Dylan. In January 1964, during a three-week engagement at the Olympia Theatre in Paris, the Beatles acquired his albums Bob Dylan and Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan and began playing them continuously. American journalist Al Aronowitz introduced them to Dylan when the Beatles visited New York in February 1964, and Dylan subsequently became a big influence on the group, especially Lennon, who even started wearing a copycat Huckleberry Finn cap. Paul McCartney said Dylan’s songs were “great lyrically,” and Lennon credited Dylan with inspiring him to write more meaningful lyrics.

Lennon’s harmonica playing opens the track, the last occasion the Beatles were to feature the instrument on an intro (“I’m a Loser”, recorded 14 August 1964, has a harmonica solo) and thus drawing a line under a significant era of their music. The song’s middle sixteen section features George Harrison’s brand new Rickenbacker 12 string guitar.

Meaning of “I Should Have Known Better”

The lyrics of “I Should Have Known Better” reflect regret and self-blame. In the song, the narrator expresses remorse for not realizing sooner that he should have been more cautious or perceptive about a situation, particularly in matters of the heart. The song conveys a sense of hindsight and the realization that one has made a mistake or overlooked something important.

The chorus, “I should have known better with a girl like you, that I would love everything that you do,” encapsulates the sentiment of the song. It suggests that the narrator acknowledges his feelings for the girl and regrets not recognizing them earlier.

Overall, “I Should Have Known Better” is a classic Beatles track that captures themes of introspection, self-awareness, and the complexities of romantic relationships. The song is known for its catchy melody, harmonies, and the distinctive sound of the early Beatles era.

Personnel

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

• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 9 on “A Hard Day’s Night“

JOHN 1980: “I wrote that for ‘A Hard Day’s Night,’ but Dick Lester didn’t even want it. He resurrected ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ for that sequence instead. I like the middle-eight to that song, though that’s about all I can say about it.”

About “I’ll Cry Instead”

“I’ll Cry Instead” was written by John Lennon (credited to Lennon–McCartney), and recorded by the Beatles for their third studio album, A Hard Day’s Night (1964), a part-studio and part-soundtrack album to their film of the same name (1964). The song was released as a single in the US and later appeared on the album Something New in the US.

Both John Lennon and Paul McCartney identified “I’ll Cry Instead” as having been written entirely by Lennon. Lennon wrote the song for inclusion in the Beatles’ 1964 film, A Hard Day’s Night, intended for use in the film’s “break out” and open field sequence. Director Richard Lester disliked the song and replaced it in the film with “Can’t Buy Me Love“, so the band opted to wait on its recording.

Lennon reflected that the lyrics of “I’ll Cry Instead” represent his then newfound feelings of frustration with success and the sense that he had lost his freedom. Lennon’s wife, Cynthia Lennon, similarly described the lyrics as a cry for help, explaining that “It reflects the frustration he felt at that time”, being “the idol of millions … [while] the freedom and fun of the early days had gone.” McCartney later suggested the song referred to difficulties in Lennon’s marriage with Cynthia.

In contrast to the Beatles’ earlier teenage love songs, the lyrics of “I’ll Cry Instead” are comparatively darker. The song’s singer explains that, while he is now crying over a lost love, he plans to seek vengeance and break the hearts of girls “around the world”, thereby punishing anyone who had ever rejected him.

Author and musician John Kruth describes the song as one of Lennon’s “stalker songs”, alongside his other 1964 compositions “You Can’t Do That” and “No Reply“, dealing in themes of separation and uncontrollable jealousy. The singer makes reference to a chip on his shoulder, something author Steve Turner suggests signals Lennon’s entrance into a period of self-examination that lasted through the 1969–1970 break-up of the Beatles and his first solo albums.

Meaning of “I’ll Cry Instead”

The lyrics of “I’ll Cry Instead” express feelings of heartbreak and frustration. The narrator is experiencing the pain of a broken relationship, and he is struggling to come to terms with it. Instead of putting on a brave face or pretending to be fine, the narrator acknowledges emotional turmoil and allows himself to grieve.

Lines like “I’ve got a chip on my shoulder that’s bigger that my feet” and “I’ll find a place where no one knows me” convey a sense of isolation and a desire to retreat from the world to process their feelings.

Overall, “I’ll Cry Instead” is a song that captures the raw, human emotions of heartbreak and the need to let those feelings out. It’s a reflection on the importance of acknowledging and processing one’s emotions rather than suppressing them.

Personnel

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

• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 12 on “A Hard Day’s Night“

Beatles quotes about “You Can’t Do That”

JOHN 1964: “I’d find it a drag to play rhythm all the time, so I always work myself out something interesting to play. The best example I can think of is like I did on ‘You Can’t Do That.’ There really isn’t a lead guitarist and a rhythm guitarist on that, because I feel the rhythm guitarist role sounds too thin for records. Anyway it drove me potty to play chunk-chunk rhythm all the time. I never play anything as lead guitarist that George couldn’t do better. But I like playing lead sometimes, so I do it.”

JOHN 1980: “That’s me doing Wilson Pickett. You know, a cowbell going four-in-the bar, and the chord going ‘chatoong!’”

About “You Can’t Do That”

“You Can’t Do That” is a song written by John Lennon (credited to Lennon–McCartney) and released as the B-side of their sixth British single “Can’t Buy Me Love“. It was later released on their third UK album A Hard Day’s Night (1964).

One of Lennon’s semi-autobiographical songs, “You Can’t Do That” “contradicted the genial tone with its tense threats, sexual paranoia and nagging, dragging groove”, wrote Robert Sandall. The song’s theme of jealousy was revisited in other Lennon compositions, such as “Run for Your Life” and “Jealous Guy”.

With filming due to begin on A Hard Day’s Night, film director Richard Lester needed the Beatles to provide him with original material ahead of production; “You Can’t Do That” was selected to be part of the Scala Theatre “live performance” scene in the film, but was dropped from the final cut along with “I’ll Cry Instead” and “I Call Your Name“. The recording took nine takes to complete, and was considered for the A-side of their next single until McCartney wrote “Can’t Buy Me Love“.

“You Can’t Do That” was recorded on Tuesday, 25 February 1964, in EMI Studios in London. An early take with a guide vocal is included on Anthology 1. It was the first song completed in the week before the Beatles began filming A Hard Day’s Night, though “I Should Have Known Better” and “And I Love Her” were also started on the same day.

The song was first released as the B-side of the “Can’t Buy Me Love” single on 16 March 1964 in the United States by Capitol Records and on 20 March 1964 in the United Kingdom by Parlophone. It was the Beatles’ seventh US single and sixth UK single.

The Beatles recorded “You Can’t Do That” four times for BBC radio in 1964. It also became a part of the group’s live repertoire that year, and was the second song in their set—after “Twist And Shout“—during their Australian and North American tours.

Meaning of “You Can’t Do That”

The lyrics of “You Can’t Do That” convey a sense of possessiveness and jealousy in a romantic relationship. The narrator expresses discomfort and insecurity about their partner’s interactions with others, particularly with a specific person mentioned in the song. They set boundaries and assert their expectations regarding their partner’s behavior.

Lines like “If I catch you talking to that boy again” and “I’m gonna let you down, and leave you flat” highlight the narrator’s feelings of possessiveness and the warning they’re giving their partner.

“You Can’t Do That” is a song that delves into the complexities of romantic relationships, particularly the feelings of jealousy and the need for trust and communication. It reflects a common human emotion and the challenges of maintaining a healthy balance in a partnership.

Personnel

• John Lennon – lead vocal, lead and rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – backing vocal, bass guitar, cowbell
• George Harrison – backing vocal, 12-string lead guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums, bongos

• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 5 on “A Hard Day’s Night“
• Track 9 on “1962 ‐ 1966 (Red Album)“

JOHN 1972: “Both of us wrote it. The first half was Paul’s and the middle-eight is mine.”

JOHN 1980: “‘And I Love Her’ is Paul again. I consider it his first ‘Yesterday.’ You know, the big ballad in ‘A Hard Day’s Night.’

PAUL 1984: “It’s just a love song. It wasn’t for anyone. Having the title start in midsentence, I thought that was clever. Well, Perry Como did ‘And I Love You So’ many years later. Tried to nick the idea. I like that… it was a nice tune, that one. I still like it.”

About “And I Love Her”

“And I Love Her” was written primarily by Paul McCartney and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. It is the fifth track of their third UK album A Hard Day’s Night and was released 20 July 1964, along with “If I Fell“, as a single release by Capitol Records in the United States, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The Beatles performed “And I Love Her” just once outside EMI Studios; on 14 July 1964 they played it for an edition of the BBC’s Top Gear radio show, which was broadcast two days later. “And I Love Her” has been covered by a variety of artists, including Esther Phillips, Kurt Cobain and Cliff Richard.

Beatles publisher Dick James lends support to this claim, saying that the middle eight was added during recording at the suggestion of producer George Martin (an early take of the song was released on Anthology 1 in 1995, and the middle eight had not yet been added). According to James, Lennon called for a break and “within half an hour [Lennon and McCartney] wrote … a very constructive middle to a very commercial song.” McCartney, on the other hand, maintains that “the middle eight is mine … I wrote this on my own. I would say that John probably helped with the middle eight, but he can’t say ‘It’s mine’.” McCartney has credited George Harrison with composing the signature guitar riff, saying it “made a stunning difference to the song”.

“The ‘And’ in the title was an important thing – ‘And I Love Her,’ it came right out of left field, you were right up to speed the minute you heard it,” McCartney said. “The title comes in the second verse and it doesn’t repeat. You would often go to town on the title, but this was almost an aside: ‘Oh … and I love you.’”

An instrumental version of “And I Love Her”, orchestrated by George Martin, was released as a single with “Ringo’s Theme (This Boy)” as the B-side on 18 July 1964. It failed to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 105, while “Ringo’s Theme (This Boy)” peaked at number 53 later that year. “And I Love Her” was included on Martin’s Parlophone album Off the Beatle Track and the EP Music From A Hard Day’s Night by the George Martin Orchestra, released on 19 February 1965. It was also included on the American A Hard Day’s Night soundtrack album.

Meaning of “And I Love Her”

The lyrics of “And I Love Her” express deep and sincere affection for a romantic partner. The narrator emphasizes the depth and constancy of their love, highlighting that it’s not something that wavers with time or circumstances.

Lines like “Bright are the stars that shine, dark is the sky” and “I give her all my love, that’s all I do” convey a sense of devotion and admiration. The imagery of the stars and sky underscores the enduring nature of the narrator’s feelings.

The chorus, “And I love her, if you saw her you’d love her too,” reinforces the narrator’s belief that anyone who encounters his beloved would also come to love her due to her exceptional qualities.

Overall, “And I Love Her” is a heartfelt declaration of love, capturing the depth and sincerity of the narrator’s feelings for his partner. It remains one of the iconic romantic ballads in the Beatles’ repertoire.

Personnel

• Paul McCartney – vocals, bass guitar
• John Lennon – acoustic rhythm guitar
• George Harrison – classical lead guitar
• Ringo Starr – bongos, claves
• George Martin – producer

How to play “And I Love Her” on guitar

The guitar in “And I Love Her” is characterized by its delicate and intricate fingerpicking style. It’s a crucial element of the song’s distinctive sound. It showcases a blend of classical and folk influences. The fingerpicking style is essential to the song’s intimate and heartfelt atmosphere.

The following video features the guitar tab of “And I Love Her”:

How to play “And I Love Her” on bass

In “And I Love Her” the bass plays a crucial role in creating the song’s distinctive sound. Paul McCartney employs a melodic and supportive approach throughout the track.

The bassline in “And I Love Her” is characterized by its smooth, flowing melody that complements the gentle acoustic guitar arpeggios. It provides a melodic foundation for the song, enhancing the emotional impact.

The bassline follows the chords of the song, incorporating subtle variations and movements that add depth and interest. McCartney’s playing style in this song is often cited as an example of his melodic and creative bass work.

While the bass in “And I Love Her” is relatively straightforward, it’s the subtle nuances and the way McCartney interacts with the other instruments that make it stand out.

The following video features the bass tab of “And I Love Her”:

“And I Love Her” karaoke

For those who want to try singing “And I Love Her”, the following video features the karaoke version of the song:

• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 4 on “A Hard Day’s Night“

JOHN 1980: “‘I’m Happy Just To Dance With You,’ that was written for George to give him a piece of the action. I couldn’ta sung it.”

PAUL circa-1994: “We wrote ‘I’m Happy Just To Dance With You’ for George in the film. It was a bit of a formula song. We knew that in (the key of) E if you went to an A-flat-minor, you could always make a song with those chords… that change pretty much always excited you.”

Info about “I’m Just Happy to Dance with You”

“I’m Happy Just to Dance with You”was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and recorded for the film soundtrack to A Hard Day’s Night. Lead vocals are by George Harrison, whose performance in the film marked the first mass media depiction of Harrison singing lead. The song was written specifically for George Harrison to sing at a time when he lacked the confidence to compose his own material.

The song features a hectic style rhythm guitar in juxtaposition with Harrison’s placid vocal. Its composers give it an unexpected choice of chord at the crux of its chorus, augmenting the B7th on “I’m happy just to dance with you”. The song is also distinctive in that it begins not with a verse or chorus but with the last four bars of the bridge. According to musicologist Ian MacDonald, its guitar part derives its inspiration from the Rolling Stones’ cover of Buddy Holly’s song, Not Fade Away. Cash Box described it as “a stomp-a-rhythmic delight.

The Beatles recorded “I’m Happy Just to Dance with You” on a Sunday, the first time they had used Abbey Road Studios on a day other than a normal work day. United Artists released the song on the album A Hard Day’s Night on 26 June. It was also included on the album Something New, released by Capitol Records on 20 July. It hit #95 on the Billboard Top 100 chart on 1 August 1964, its only appearance on that chart. It is one of only two Lennon–McCartney songs sung by Harrison during the group’s career, the other song being “Do You Want to Know a Secret“.

The group also recorded a version for the BBC’s From Us to You radio show. The session took place on 17 July 1964 at the BBC Paris Studio in London, and was first broadcast on 3 August that year. An instrumental piano-only version is heard in the A Hard Day’s Night film, during rehearsals for a musical television broadcast.

Meaning of “I’m Just Happy to Dance with You”

The lyrics of “I’m Happy Just to Dance with You” express a simple, joyful sentiment. The narrator is content and fulfilled by the act of dancing with the person they love, without needing anything more. It’s a song about finding happiness in the moment and cherishing the experience of being close to someone special.

The chorus, “I’m happy just to dance with you, I don’t wanna kiss or hold you tight,” emphasizes the narrator’s focus on the pleasure derived from dancing, rather than any romantic or physical expectations.

This song has a more straightforward and innocent theme compared to some of the Beatles’ other works. It’s a feel-good love song that celebrates the pure joy of being in the company of a loved one.

Overall, “I’m Happy Just to Dance with You” is a sweet and lighthearted love song, conveying the happiness that can be found in the simplest moments of connection and togetherness.

Personnel

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

• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 6 on “A Hard Day’s Night“

JOHN 1980: “‘Tell Me Why…’ they needed another upbeat song and I just knocked it off. It was like a black, New York girl-group song.”

PAUL circa-1994: “I think alot of these songs like ‘Tell Me Why’ were based in real life experiences… but it never occured to us until later to put that slant on it all.”

Info about “Tell Me Why”

“Tell Me Why” is a song from the album A Hard Day’s Night. In North America, it was released on both the American version of A Hard Day’s Night and the album Something New. Credited to Lennon–McCartney, it was written by John Lennon in either Paris or New York City, and recorded in eight takes on 27 February 1964.

The song is in the key of D major. John, Paul, and George sing a three-part harmony. In the chorus, John’s lead vocal part sits higher than George’s, and more unusual in this case, Paul’s harmonies.

“Tell Me Why” was performed in the Beatles’ debut feature film, A Hard Day’s Night. The song was part of the “studio performance” sequence, which was filmed at the Scala Theatre, London, on 31 March 1964. That marks the only time the song was ever performed in front of a live audience, which consisted of 350 paid actors, one of whom was a thirteen-year old Phil Collins. The song was mimed by the Beatles and the words were lip-synced on stage.

Meaning of “Tell Me Why”

The lyrics of “Tell Me Why” express a sense of confusion and frustration in a romantic relationship. The narrator is seeking an explanation for the behavior or actions of their partner. They want to understand why things are not going as expected and are looking for honesty and clarity.

Lines like “Is there anything I can do?,” “Tell me what I did wrong,” and “If I’m mad for you, I’ll always be” indicate a longing for resolution and a desire to make the relationship work.

“Tell Me Why” is a song that captures the emotional complexity and challenges that can arise in romantic relationships. It reflects a universal sentiment of wanting to understand and communicate with a loved one in order to make the relationship stronger.

Personnel

• John Lennon – lead vocal, rhythm guitar (Lennon’s vocal is double-tracked in the stereo version, but single-tracked in the mono mix).
• Paul McCartney – harmony vocal, bass
• George Harrison – harmony vocal, lead guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums
• George Martin – piano