• Published on 1964
• Author: Buddy Holly
• Track 9 on “Beatles For Sale“

About “Words of Love”

The Beatles recorded a cover version of the song on October 18, 1964 for the UK album Beatles for Sale. It first appeared in the U.S. on the album Beatles VI. It was also on a 7-inch extended play, Beatles for Sale No. 2, released by Parlophone/EMI in 1965.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who were fans of Holly, sang in harmony with George Harrison, holding to the vocal and instrumental sound of Holly’s original as well as they could.

Before their big break, the group had performed the song live between 1958 and 1962, with Lennon and Harrison singing. For the official release, though, Lennon and McCartney shared vocal duties. The song only took two takes, along with a vocal overdub.

Ringo Starr played a packing case on this song instead of drums, to achieve a similar sound to Holly’s “Every Day”.

Meaning of “Words of Love”

The lyrics of “Words of Love” express the simple yet profound sentiment of love. The narrator emphasizes the power and significance of spoken words of affection and endearment. The song conveys a feeling of warmth, intimacy, and a desire to express love openly.

“Words of Love” is a heartfelt ode to the importance of verbal expressions of love, set to a sweet and melodic tune. The Beatles’ rendition of this Buddy Holly song adds their distinctive touch to the timeless theme of affection and connection.

Personnel

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

Personnel according to Ian MacDonald

• Published on 1964
• Author: Johnson
• Track 6 on “Beatles For Sale“

About “Mr. Moonlight”

The first known recording of the song was by blues pianist Piano Red, recording as “Dr. Feelgood and the Interns”. It was released as a b-side of a minor rhythm & blues hit single (titled “Dr. Feelgood”) in 1962.

The record became something of a cult favorite among several young British R&B enthusiasts, some of whom would soon go on to become members of well-known bands. The Beatles covered the song in their live act years before it appeared on record; another emerging Beat group, The Hollies, recorded and released their own performance of the same song nearly simultaneously with The Beatles’ version.

The Beatles’ recording of the song remains the most well-known version, featuring a rough lead vocal by John Lennon, classic Beatle harmonies, and a rolling organ solo. Despite this, it is cited by a few as possibly the worst song The Beatles ever recorded.

Meaning of “Mr. Moonlight”

The lyrics of “Mr. Moonlight” are about a person who is seeking solace and advice from the moonlight. The narrator turns to the moon as a source of comfort and companionship, suggesting a sense of loneliness or heartbreak. The moon is personified as “Mr. Moonlight,” portraying it as a figure with whom the narrator can share their troubles.

Despite its catchy melody, “Mr. Moonlight” is often considered one of the less successful tracks in The Beatles’ catalog. The song’s somewhat unusual theme and lyrics have been subject to some criticism, and it’s not as well-known or frequently discussed as many of their other songs.

“Mr. Moonlight” is a somewhat obscure entry in The Beatles’ discography, known more to dedicated fans than to casual listeners.

Personnel

• John Lennon – vocal, rhythm guitar.
• Paul McCartney – harmony vocals, bass, Hammond organ.
• George Harrison – harmony vocals, lead guitar, African drum.
• Ringo Starr – conga.

• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 11 on “Beatles For Sale“

JOHN 1980: “‘Every Little Thing’ is his song. Maybe I threw in something.”

PAUL circa-1994: “‘Every Little Thing,’ like most of the stuff I did, was my attempt at the next single… but it became an album filler rather than the great almighty single. It didn’t have quite what was required.”

About “Every Little Thing”

Credited to Lennon–McCartney, it was written by Paul McCartney. Capitol Records first issued the song in the US on Beatles VI in June 1965. The track is an early example of the Beatles’ use of non-rock instrumentation on a recording, through the addition of timpani drum over the choruses.

Recalling the song’s creation in his authorised biography, Many Years from Now (1997), McCartney says he wrote “Every Little Thing” in the music room at the London home of his then-girlfriend Jane Asher, where he was living at the time. Other sources, citing a 1964 interview with McCartney, place the song’s origins at Atlantic City in the United States, where the Beatles stopped over in late August that same year during their US tour. In 1980, John Lennon told Playboy magazine that McCartney wrote the song, although he himself might have “[thrown] something in”. Author John Winn concludes that McCartney began the composition in London and finished it with Lennon in Atlantic City.

“Every Little Thing” is a rare example of a Lennon–McCartney song in which one member of the partnership was primary composer (here McCartney) but the other sang lead vocal (here Lennon). McCartney sings in unison with Lennon on the verses, but Lennon’s vocal is more prominent. McCartney sings the high harmony on the chorus.

Meaning of “Every Little Thing”

The lyrics of “Every Little Thing” express a sentiment of deep affection and devotion. The narrator is in love and finds beauty and significance in every small detail and moment shared with their beloved. It’s a song that celebrates the little things that make a relationship special.

“Every Little Thing” is a tender and heartfelt love song, reflecting the joy and contentment that can be found in cherishing the small moments in a relationship. It remains one of the many beloved tracks in The Beatles’ extensive catalog.

Personnel

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

• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 5 on “Beatles For Sale“

JOHN 1972: “A nice one.”

JOHN 1980: “That’s Paul again. Can’t you tell? I mean– ‘Tomorrow may rain so/ I’ll follow the sun.’ That’s another early McCartney, you know… written almost before the Beatles, I think. He had alot of stuff.”

PAUL 1988: “I wrote that in my front parlour in Forthlin Road. I was about 16. There was a few from then– ‘Thinking Of Linking,’ ever heard of that one? So ‘I’ll Follow The Sun’ was one of those very early ones. I seem to remember writing it just after I’d had the flu… I remember standing in the parlour looking out through lace curtains of the window and writing that one. We had this hard R&B image in Liverpool, so I think songs like ‘I’ll Follow The Sun,’ ballads like that, got pushed back to later.”

About “I’ll Follow the Sun”

“I’ll Follow the Sun” is a ballad written and sung by Paul McCartney. It was released in 1964 on the Beatles for Sale album in the United Kingdom and on Beatles ’65 in the United States. The band played the song on the BBC program Top Gear, and the track was released on On Air – Live at the BBC Volume 2 in 2013.

The song was released as a mono extended play 45 in 1964 on Parlophone/EMI (and in 1995 as a B-side to “Baby It’s You“). In Sweden, it reached number one on the Tio i Topp chart in July and also peaked at number four on Sweden’s Kvällstoppen Chart.

Meaning of “I’ll Follow the Sun”

The lyrics of “I’ll Follow the Sun” convey a sense of longing and dedication. The narrator is expressing a willingness to go wherever love takes him, even if it means leaving behind familiar places and people. The sun is used metaphorically to represent the direction that love leads, and the narrator is prepared to follow it without hesitation.

The song’s tone is somewhat melancholic, as it reflects on the uncertainty and impermanence of love. The narrator understands that love can sometimes be transient, but he is committed to following it nonetheless.

“I’ll Follow the Sun” is a beautifully written and heartfelt ballad that showcases Paul McCartney’s talent for crafting emotionally resonant songs. It remains one of The Beatles’ beloved and enduring tracks.

Personnel

• Paul McCartney – lead and harmony vocals, acoustic guitar
• John Lennon – harmony vocal
• George Harrison – electric rhythm guitar, guitar solo
• Ringo Starr – percussion

• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 12 on “Beatles For Sale“

JOHN 1974: “That was a very personal one of mine.”

JOHN 1980: “That’s me!”

About “I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party”

“I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party” was written by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney. It was released on the album Beatles for Sale in the United Kingdom in December 1964.

The lyrics anticipate themes that were to become familiar in Lennon’s songwriting – alienation and inner pain. In this song, the narrator is at a party, waiting for his girl to show up. When it becomes clear that she has stood him up, he decides to leave, rather than spoil the party for everyone else.

Both the lyrics and melody share a melancholy sound and theme with songs that precede it on Beatles for Sale, such as “No Reply” and “I’m a Loser“. Author Ian MacDonald views the song as a return to the subject matter introduced by Lennon on “I’ll Cry Instead“, from the Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night album, and a “preview” of “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away“, from Help!

The Beatles recorded “I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party” on 29 September 1964 in 19 takes, the last of which was released. George Harrison’s guitar solo, played on his new Gretsch Tennessean in the style of Carl Perkins, was enhanced by midrange resonance boost, giving it an especially bright sound.

According to The Encyclopedia of Country Music, the song is an early example of country rock, anticipating the Byrds’ work in that style. MacDonald describes it as the “most overt” country track on Beatles for Sale, an album that is “dominated by the idiom”.

Among the band’s biographers, opinions differ on which Beatle sings the low harmony part during the verses, below Lennon’s lead vocal. MacDonald lists Harrison as the second vocalist on the track, while John Winn credits McCartney, saying that he sounds “deceptively like a second Lennon”. According to musicologist Walter Everett, the harmony part is Lennon “self-duetting”.

Meaning of “I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party”

The lyrics of “I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party” convey a sense of inner conflict and melancholy. The narrator is at a social gathering or event, but he’s not in the mood to participate in the festivities. He’s dealing with personal troubles or heartbreak, and he doesn’t want to bring down the mood or dampen the spirits of those around him. Instead, he chooses to quietly withdraw, not wanting to “spoil the party.”

The song reflects a universal feeling of not wanting to burden others with one’s own problems, even in a social setting. It touches on themes of isolation, sadness, and the difficulty of putting on a facade when one is feeling down.

Overall, “I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party” is a poignant reflection on the complexities of human emotions, presented in the distinctive musical style of The Beatles.

Personnel

• John Lennon – lead vocals (verses) and harmony vocals (chorus), acoustic rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – bass, harmony vocals (chorus)
• George Harrison – lead guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums, tambourine

• Published on 1964
• Author: Leiber/Stoller/Penniman
• Track 7 on “Beatles For Sale“

PAUL 1984: “It requires a great deal of nerve to just jump up and scream like an idiot, you know? Anyway, I would often fall a little bit short, not have that little kick, that soul, and it would be John who would go, ‘Come on! You can sing it better than that, man! Come on, come on! Really throw it!’ Alright, John, OK… He was certainly the one I looked up to, most definitely.”

PAUL 1985: “John used to egg me on. He used to say, ‘Come on, Paul, knock the shit out of ‘Kansas City,’ just when the engineers thought they had a vocal they could handle.”

About “Kansas City/Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey” medley

“Kansas City” is a rhythm and blues song written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in 1952. First recorded by Little Willie Littlefield the same year, the song later became a chart-topping hit when it was recorded by Wilbert Harrison in 1959. “Kansas City” is one of Leiber and Stoller’s “most recorded tunes, with more than three hundred versions”, with several appearing in the R&B and pop record charts.

The song “Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey”, also known as “Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey! (Goin’ Back to Birmingham)”, was written by Little Richard and recorded on May 9, 1956 at J&M Studio, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Paul McCartney discovered the track in the first half of 1959 when Little Richard’s 1955 medley “Kansas City”/”Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey” was re-released as a 45 in Britain. McCartney revered this particular rendition and was unaware of Wilbert Harrison’s version. The Beatles earliest performance of the song can be dated to the early summer of 1960 with its appearance on a set list McCartney copied to a piece of scrap paper.

In 1964, the group released the album Beatles for Sale featuring an arrangement of “Kansas City/Hey-Hey,-Hey-Hey” based on the Little Richard version.

Meaning of “Kansas City/Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey”

The lyrics of “Kansas City” are about a person expressing a desire to go to Kansas City, a city known for its vibrant music scene, particularly in the realm of blues and jazz. It’s a lively and upbeat song that captures the excitement of wanting to be a part of the musical energy of the city.

The second part, “Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey,” doesn’t have a specific narrative. Instead, it consists of a repetitive, catchy refrain that adds to the overall energetic feel of the medley.

“Kansas City/Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey” is a celebratory homage to the exuberance and excitement of the music scene, capturing the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.

Personnel

• Paul McCartney: lead vocals, bass, handclaps
• John Lennon: backing vocals, rhythm guitar, handclaps
• George Harrison: backing vocals, lead guitar, handclaps
• Ringo Starr: drums, handclaps
• George Martin: piano

• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 2 on “Beatles For Sale“

JOHN 1980: “That’s me in my Dylan period. Part of me suspects I’m a loser, and part of me thinks I’m God almighty.” (laughs)

PAUL circa-1994: “We used to listen to alot of country and western songs and they were all about sadness and ‘I lost my truck’ so it was quite acceptable to sing ‘I’m a loser.’ You really didn’t think about it at the time, it’s only later you’d think, God! That was pretty brave of John. ‘I’m a Loser’ was very much John’s song and there may have been a dabble or two from me.”

About “I’m a Loser”

Written by John Lennon, and credited to Lennon–McCartney, it was considered for release as a single until Lennon wrote “I Feel Fine“. According to music critic Richie Unterberger, while the lyrics tell a story of romantic rejection, “I’m a Loser” is one of the first Beatles compositions that “goes beyond young love,” including “the hypocrisy of keeping up a happy face when your world’s falling down”.

Musicologists say the song was “notable for being perhaps the first Beatles’ song to directly reflect the influence of Dylan, thus nudging folk and rock a little closer together toward the folk-rock explosion of the following year.” Musicologist Alan Pollack said the song contained “a stronger blend of folk elements than almost anything else The Beatles had done to-date.” The line “I’m not what I appear to be” was Lennon’s most introspective to date, the start of the progression that led to “Help” and “Nowhere Man” the following year.

The song includes what would be the last of John Lennon’s harmonica solos, which had been a prominent feature of the band’s early-era records and live shows. The group still occasionally used harmonica in their later recordings, such as “Rocky Raccoon“.

The Beatles recorded this song on 14 August 1964, the same day as “Mr. Moonlight“. It was recorded in eight takes. It was released four months after it was recorded, but beforehand, it was previewed on BBC Radio on 17 November, along with three other songs from Beatles for Sale and also the “I Feel Fine“/”She’s a Woman” single.

Meaning of “I’m a Loser”

The song is a reflection on feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and heartbreak. In the lyrics, the narrator admits to feeling like a “loser” due to a romantic relationship that has ended. He acknowledges his own mistakes and shortcomings, expressing a sense of regret and self-criticism.

However, despite the melancholic theme, the song also carries a message of resilience and self-awareness. The narrator acknowledges his own flaws and accepts the reality of the situation, suggesting a willingness to learn and grow from the experience.

“I’m a Loser” is considered one of the more introspective and personal songs in The Beatles’ early catalog. It showcases John Lennon’s ability to infuse raw emotion into his songwriting, which contributed to the band’s enduring popularity and critical acclaim.

Personnel

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

• Published on 1964
• Author: Perkins
• Track 10 on “Beatles For Sale“

About “Honey Don’t”

“Honey Don’t” is a song written by Carl Perkins, originally released on January 1, 1956 as the B-side of the “Blue Suede Shoes” single. Both songs became rockabilly classics. Bill Dahl of Allmusic praised the song saying, “‘Honey Don’t’ actually outclasses its more celebrated platter-mate in some ways.”

The Beatles recorded this song on October 26, 1964 one of the last songs recorded for Beatles for Sale which was released in the UK on December 4, 1964. The U.S. release was on December 15 on Beatles ’65.

Although John Lennon had previously sung the song live, Ringo Starr sang it for the album, his requisite one lead vocal per album. During the song, he makes self-referential remarks leading into Harrison’s guitar riffs, such as, “Rock on George, one time for me!”

A version sung by Lennon is available on Live at the BBC. George Harrison was a fan of Perkins, and Starr sang “Honey Don’t” during the Concert For George which was held at the Royal Albert Hall, London on November 29, 2002, the first anniversary of Harrison’s death.

Along with “Matchbox“, “Honey Don’t” is one of the rare songs that all four Beatles have separately recorded or performed on stage.

Meaning of “Honey Don’t”

The lyrics of “Honey Don’t” speak to a troubled romantic relationship. The narrator addresses his partner, asking her not to mistreat him or cause him pain. He expresses a desire for stability and a harmonious relationship.

The phrase “Honey Don’t” serves as a refrain throughout the song, emphasizing the plea for the partner not to engage in hurtful behaviors. The song reflects a common theme in rock ‘n’ roll and country music of that era, which often dealt with the trials and tribulations of love and relationships.

In essence, “Honey Don’t” is a plea for understanding and consideration in a romantic partnership, set to a catchy rock ‘n’ roll beat.

Personnel

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

• Published on 1964
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 8 on “Beatles For Sale“
• Track 10 on “1962 ‐ 1966 (Red Album)“

JOHN 1972: “Both of us wrote it. I think we wrote this when we were trying to write the title song for ‘Help!’ because there was at one time the thought of calling the film, ‘Eight Arms To Hold You.’”

JOHN 1980: “Eight Days A Week’ was never a good song. We struggled to record it and struggled to make it into a song. It was his (Paul’s) initial effort, but I think we both worked on it. I’m not sure. But it was lousy anyway.”

PAUL 1984: “Yeah, he (Ringo) said it as though he were an overworked chauffeur: (in heavy accent) ‘Eight days a week.’ (Laughter) When we heard it, we said, ‘Really? Bing! Got it!’” (Laughs)

About “Eight Days a Week”

“Eight Days a Week” was written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon based on McCartney’s original idea. The song was released in the United Kingdom in December 1964 on the album Beatles for Sale. In the United States, it was first issued as a single in February 1965 before appearing on the North American release Beatles VI. The song was the band’s seventh number 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, a run of US chart success achieved in just over a year. The single was also number 1 in Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands.

The Beatles recorded “Eight Days a Week” at EMI Studios in London in October 1964. The track opens with a fade-in, marking the first time that this technique had been used on a pop studio recording.

Meaning of “Eight Days a Week”

The lyrics of “Eight Days a Week” convey a deep and unwavering devotion to a romantic partner. The narrator expresses a love that goes beyond the usual bounds of time, suggesting a level of dedication that extends even to an imaginary “eighth day” of the week. This metaphor emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of the narrator’s affection.

The catchy and upbeat melody, coupled with the repetition of the phrase “eight days a week,” adds to the infectious and joyous feel of the song.

Overall, “Eight Days a Week” is a testament to the intensity and depth of romantic love, presented in The Beatles’ signature pop-rock style. It remains one of the band’s well-loved and enduring tracks.

Personnel

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

• Published on 1964
• Author: Berry
• Track 4 on “Beatles For Sale“

About “Rock and Roll Music”

“Rock and Roll Music” is a song written and recorded (in May 1957) by Chuck Berry. It has been widely covered and is one of Berry’s most popular and enduring compositions.

The Beatles performed the song in many of their early Hamburg shows, and also played it on the BBC show Pop Go the Beatles. In late 1964, exhausted from non-stop touring and recording and short of original material, they decided to record several of their old rock and rhythm and blues favorites to fill out their LP release Beatles for Sale. Among these was a version of Berry’s tune that eventually became as well-known as the original.

The lead vocal in the Beatles’ version was performed by John Lennon. In contrast to Berry’s even-toned rendition, Lennon sang it as loudly and dynamically as his voice would permit. In the USA, it was released on the LP Beatles ’65.

The Beatles’ version of “Rock and Roll Music” was released as a single in some countries, and topped the charts in Norway.

Meaning of “Rock and Roll Music”

The lyrics of “Rock and Roll Music” celebrate the power and appeal of rock and roll music itself. The narrator expresses a deep passion for the genre, emphasizing its ability to provide joy, energy, and a sense of escape. The song’s lyrics highlight the universal and timeless nature of rock and roll, suggesting that it transcends cultural and generational boundaries.

The Beatles’ cover of “Rock and Roll Music” was part of their early repertoire, and it became a popular live performance. The band’s rendition captures their enthusiasm for rock and roll and showcases their ability to infuse their own style into a classic song.

The song is a tribute to the enduring spirit and impact of rock and roll music, and it became an iconic part of The Beatles’ catalog.

Personnel

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