• Published on 1965
• Author: Harrison
• Track 4 on “Help!“

About “I Need You”

“I Need You” was written by George Harrison and was the second composition of his to be released by the Beatles. The track appears in their film “Help!”, in a scene filmed on Salisbury Plain where the group were under military protection from a murderous cult.

Harrison wrote “I Need You” about Pattie Boyd, the English model whom he married in January 1966. Recorded in February 1965 at the start of the sessions for “Help!“, it features the Beatles’ first use of a guitar volume pedal. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers played the song in tribute to Harrison at the Concert for George in November 2002.

George Harrison presented “I Need You”, along with “You Like Me Too Much”, for consideration for the Beatles’ second feature film, Help!, in early 1965. Before this, he had struggled to complete a song since the band recorded his first composition, “Don’t Bother Me“, for their 1963 album With the Beatles. In a September 1964 press conference, Harrison said he had written three “bits” of songs, but nothing “whole”. George Martin, the band’s producer, attributed his lack of productivity to the fact that “none of us had liked something he had written”, and Harrison had felt disheartened.

He subsequently resolved to ensure that his occasional vocal spots on the group’s albums were his own compositions rather than Lennon–McCartney songs or cover versions. According to biographer Gary Tillery, Harrison’s creativity was most likely inspired by his habitual marijuana use, a legacy of the Beatles’ first meeting with Bob Dylan in August 1964.

Meaning of “I Need You”

The lyrics of “I Need You” convey a message of longing and dependency within a romantic relationship. The narrator expresses a deep emotional need for the person he loves.

Lines like “You don’t realize how much I need you / Love you all the time and never leave you” clearly articulate a profound emotional attachment. The repeated refrain of “Please, please, love me too” underscores the urgency and intensity of the narrator’s feelings.

The song captures the universal sentiment of needing someone in one’s life for emotional fulfillment and support. It’s a theme that resonates with many people who have experienced the depth of emotions that come with romantic love.

“I Need You” is a heartfelt expression of the vulnerability and dependency that can be inherent in romantic relationships. It showcases George Harrison’s ability to convey deep emotions through his songwriting, and it remains a beloved track in the Beatles’ repertoire.

Personnel

• George Harrison – double-tracked lead vocal, classical guitar, twelve-string lead guitar
• John Lennon – harmony vocal, snare drum
• Paul McCartney – harmony vocal, bass guitar
• Ringo Starr – acoustic guitar percussion, cowbell

• Published on 1965
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 5 on “Help!“

JOHN 1980: “‘Another Girl’ is Paul.”

PAUL circa-1994: “It’s a bit much to call them fillers because I think they were a bit more than that, and each one of them made it past the Beatles test. We all had to like it.”

About “Another Girl”

The song was written by Paul McCartney and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. The song is addressed to the singer’s girlfriend, who is informed that the singer has found “another girl”.

McCartney wrote the song while holidaying in Hammamet, a resort in Tunisia. With an up-tempo swing-beat that McCartney favoured (“Can’t Buy Me Love“, “She’s a Woman“) it opens with a short refrain, powered by block vocal harmonies, that segues straight into the verse, which is constructed on the blues-mode chord changes the group currently favoured.

The Beatles recorded the song on 15 February 1965, having also worked that day on “Ticket to Ride” and “I Need You“. The backing track was quickly recorded in a single take. George Harrison added a guitar “flourish” at the end which was omitted from the final mix: McCartney added lead guitar the next day. This is one of several Beatles songs recorded at the time on which McCartney played lead guitar in addition to his usual bass.

Four-track recording allowed the group to refine songs’ arrangements in the studio and McCartney often had clear ideas about the guitar lines he wanted. He also contributed lead guitar to “Ticket to Ride” and played an electric guitar duet with Harrison on “The Night Before“. The song was mixed down on 18 February and again on 23 February.

This song features the often-utilized three-part harmonies between Lennon, McCartney and Harrison, but it is one of the only instances in which Lennon sings the highest harmony.

Meaning of “Another Girl”

“Another Girl” convey a sense of confidence and independence. In the song, the narrator asserts that he’s found another girl who has captured his interest and attention. He suggests that he’s moving on from a previous romantic interest and is ready to embrace a new relationship. Lines like “For I have got another girl” and “You’re making me say that I’ve got nobody but you” emphasize the narrator’s determination to assert his autonomy and explore new romantic possibilities.

The song can be seen as a reflection of the complexities and fluctuations of romantic relationships, as well as the natural evolution of feelings over time. “Another Girl” is a lively and catchy tune that showcases McCartney’s knack for writing catchy, pop-infused songs with relatable themes of love and relationships.

Personnel

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

How to play “Another Girl” on guitar

The guitars in this song, played by John Lennon, Paul McCartney (lead guitar) and George Harrison, contribute to the upbeat and rock-oriented sound of the track.

The overall guitar arrangement in “Another Girl” is a blend of rhythm and lead work, reflecting The Beatles’ evolving sound as they moved from their early rock ‘n’ roll style to a more sophisticated and experimental approach.

The following two videos feature guitar tutorials for the song:

How to play “Another Girl” on bass

Paul McCartney played the bass on this track, and his bassline is a notable part of the song’s energetic sound. The bassline in “Another Girl” is characteristic of McCartney’s dynamic and melodic style. He often used a Hofner 500/1 bass guitar during this period, which contributed to the unique tone of his playing.

In “Another Girl,” McCartney’s bassline is lively and complements the upbeat nature of the song. It follows the chord progressions while also incorporating melodic elements that add depth to the composition. McCartney was known for his ability to create basslines that were both rhythmically solid and melodically interesting, and “Another Girl” is no exception.

“Another Girl” karaoke

For those who want to test themselves by singing “Another Girl”, the following video presents the karaoke version of the song:

• Published on 1965
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 11 on “Help!“

About “Tell Me What You See”

“Tell Me What You See” appeared in 1965 on their album Help! in the United Kingdom and on Beatles VI in the United States. The song is credited to Lennon–McCartney but mainly written by Paul McCartney. Regarding the song’s authorship, McCartney said, “I seem to remember it as mine. I would claim it as a 60–40 but it might have been totally me.” John Lennon said, in his interviews with Playboy (1980) and Hit Parader (1972), that “Tell Me What You See” was written completely by McCartney.

“Tell Me What You See” was deemed by McCartney, “Not awfully memorable”, in an interview with author Barry Miles. Following each repetition of the title phrase, there is a brief instrumental break featuring a Hohner Pianet. The instrument is featured on two other tracks on Help!: “You Like Me Too Much” and “The Night Before“, both recorded the day before “Tell Me What You See.” Ringo Starr’s drumming on the track is augmented with a trio of percussion instruments; a güiro, a tambourine, and a pair of claves. This is not the first time the Beatles had used additional percussion instruments to flesh out their sound, having done so as early as “Don’t Bother Me” in 1963.

Evident in the song’s structure and instrumentation are the Beatles’ then growing folk influence, with lyrics more mature and reflective than was standard in their earlier output. The line “trying to get to you” (the title of an early Elvis Presley song recorded for Sun Records, which served as inspiration for McCartney and George Harrison’s composition “In Spite of All the Danger”) reflects the band’s continued love of early rock and roll. Other songs on Help!, such as Lennon’s “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” and the title track, also exhibit compositional growth.

A verse in the song, beginning with the line “Big and black the clouds may be”, was taken from a religious inscription that had hung in Lennon’s childhood home in Liverpool: “However black the clouds may be, in time they’ll pass away. Have faith and trust and you will see, God’s light make bright your day.” The same inscription was parodied by Lennon in his 1965 book A Spaniard in the Works.

Meaning of “Tell Me What You See”

Tell Me What You See” revolves around a plea for communication and understanding in a romantic relationship. The lyrics express a desire for the partner to open up and share their thoughts and feelings. Lines like “If you let me take your heart, I will prove to you” and “I will do my best to make your dreams come true” convey a sense of devotion and a promise to be there for the other person.

The title refrain, “Tell me what you see,” emphasizes the narrator’s interest in understanding the world from the perspective of their partner. It’s an invitation for open and honest communication. “Tell Me What You See” is a tender and heartfelt song that emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding and emotional connection in a relationship. It reflects the Beatles’ ability to touch on universal themes of love and communication through their music.

Personnel

• Paul McCartney – lead vocal, bass, electric piano
• John Lennon – lead vocal, rhythm guitar, tambourine
• George Harrison – güiro
• Ringo Starr – drums, claves

• Published on 1965
• Author: Williams
• Track 14 on “Help!“

About “Dizzy Miss Lizzy”

“Dizzy, Miss Lizzy” is a rock and roll song written and recorded by Larry Williams in 1958. Although identified as a “genuine rock & roll classic”, it had limited success on the record charts.

In 1965, the Beatles recorded “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” in response to requests from Capitol Records (their US record label) for new material. The song is included on the UK album Help! and the US album Beatles VI. They recorded it along with another Williams tune, “Bad Boy”, on the same day.

Group biographer Ian MacDonald describes the song as “an unprepossessing shambles of ersatz hysteria and jumbled double-tracking”. However, AllMusic’s Stephen Thomas Erlewine comments “‘Dizzy Miss Lizzy’ gives John an opportunity to flex his rock & roll muscle.”

Lennon later recorded “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” at a performance at the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival on September 13, 1969. The song is included on the Plastic Ono Band album Live Peace in Toronto 1969. Paul McCartney has stated that he believes this song to be one of the Beatles best recordings. It features loud, rhythmic instrumentation, and John Lennon giving the vocal his all.

The title is playfully misleading. The actual lyric is, “You make me dizzy, Miss Lizzy”.
The song was originally thought about by band manager Brian Epstein, and was later introduced to Ringo Starr, the band’s drummer. He made sure that the band recorded it after loving its upbeat rhythm and interesting lyrics.

Meaning of “Dizzy Miss Lizzy”

The lyrics of “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” revolve around a woman named Lizzy who is described as being wild, carefree, and somewhat unpredictable. The narrator is drawn to her energetic and vivacious personality, but also acknowledges the challenges that come with being involved with someone so dynamic. The chorus, which repeats the line “You make me dizzy, Miss Lizzy,” conveys the exhilarating and sometimes overwhelming effect Lizzy has on the narrator.

“Dizzy Miss Lizzy” is a lively and energetic rock song that celebrates the spirited and free-spirited nature of the titular character. It’s known for its infectious rhythm and dynamic performance, both in Larry Williams’ original version and the Beatles’ cover.

Personnel

• John Lennon – vocal, rhythm guitar, Vox Continental organ
• Paul McCartney – bass
• George Harrison – double-tracked lead guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums, cowbell

How to play “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” on guitar

“Dizzy Miss Lizzy” features a prominent electric guitar riff throughout the song. George Harrison’s double-tracked guitar shines through the mix and John Lennon’s rhythm guitar blends with the Hammond organ to create the intensity needed for this song. The following video features a guitar cover of the song:

How to play “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” on bass

In “Dizzy Miss Lizzy,” Paul McCartney handles the bass guitar. The bassline in this song is lively and propulsive, driving the rhythm alongside the drums. McCartney’s bass work is characterized by its energetic and melodic quality, adding depth and a strong foundation to the song. His playing in “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” complements the upbeat nature of the track, contributing to its overall groove and dynamics. The following video features a bass cover of “Dizzy Miss Lizzie”:

“Dizzy Miss Lizzy” karaoke

For those who want to try singing “Dizzy Mis Lizzy”, the following video features a karaoke version of the song:

• Lyrics of “Dizzy Miss Lizzy”

• Published on 1965
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 2 on “Help!“

JOHN 1965: “‘The Night Before’ that Paul does is good.”

PAUL circa-1994: “I would say that’s mainly mine. I don’t think John had a lot to do with that.”

About “The Night Before”

“The Night Before” is a song from 1965 film Help! and accompanying album Help! The song was written by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon–McCartney.

The Beatles recorded “The Night Before” and George Harrison’s “You Like Me Too Much” on 17 February 1965, during the third session devoted to the soundtrack of their second feature film Help! Recorded in EMI’s Studio Two, George Martin produced the session, assisted by engineers Norman Smith and Ken Scott. The band achieved a satisfactory basic track in two takes, featuring McCartney singing and playing bass, Ringo Starr on drums, Harrison playing rhythm guitar on his Gretsch Tennessean, and Lennon playing a Hohner Pianet electric piano, the first time the instrument was used on a Beatles recording.

Help! premiered in the United Kingdom on 29 July 1965, and EMI’s Parlophone label released the soundtrack LP on 6 August.
“The Night Before” appeared on side one along with the six other tracks used in the film, sequenced between “Help!” and “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away“. On 13 August, Capitol released the North American version of the album, with the song sequenced between “Help!” and “From Me To You Fantasy”, an orchestral piece from Ken Thorne’s film score. In a contemporary interview, McCartney said that “The Night Before” was one of his favorite songs from the film and that the band struggled deciding whether it or “Ticket to Ride” should have been the lead single.

Meaning of “The Night Before”

The lyrics of the song revolve around themes of love, heartbreak, and the aftermath of a romantic relationship.

In “The Night Before,” the narrator reflects on the events of the previous night, suggesting that it was a significant turning point in their relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of disappointment and sadness, as the narrator realizes that the person they were with may not be as committed or invested in the relationship as they had hoped.

The chorus, which goes “I have got to get it right / I have got to get it right now,” suggests a sense of urgency and a determination to make things work, despite the emotional turmoil.

The song captures a common theme in many love songs: the complexity and sometimes painful nature of romantic relationships. It portrays a moment of self-reflection and a desire for clarity and resolution.

“The Night Before” can be interpreted as a reflection on the challenges and uncertainties that often accompany romantic relationships, and the desire to find a sense of closure and understanding. The emotions expressed in the song are relatable to anyone who has experienced the complexities of love and relationships.

Personnel

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

• Published on 1965
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 9 on “Help!“

JOHN 1972: “That’s the one song I really hate of mine. Terrible lyric.”

JOHN 1980: “‘It’s Only Love’ is mine. I always thought it was a lousy song. The lyrics are abysmal. I always hated that song.”

PAUL circa-1994: “Sometimes we didn’t fight it if the lyric came out rather bland on some of those filler songs like ‘It’s Only Love.’ If a lyric was really bad we’d edit it. But we weren’t that fussy about it, because it’s only a rock ‘n roll song. I mean, this is not literature.”

About “It’s Only Love”

“It’s Only Love” was written mostly by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney. The Beatles recorded it at EMI Studios in London on 15 June 1965. Lennon’s working title for the composition was “That’s a Nice Hat”. The band recorded six takes of the rhythm track, two of which were incomplete, with a line-up of 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars, bass and drums. The high register of the acoustic guitars was created through Lennon and George Harrison each using a capo on the neck of their instrument.

Lennon overdubbed his vocals onto the final take, and Harrison recorded lead guitar parts, including one with a heavy tremolo effect. According to musicologist Walter Everett’s description of the recording, Harrison played all three of the electric guitar parts, including one that doubles the main riff on a Rickenbacker 12-string. Author Ian MacDonald cites the varied sound treatment applied to Lennon’s vocals and Harrison’s guitars as an example of the Beatles’ increasingly experimental approach to production during the Help! period.

Take 2 of “It’s Only Love” was included on the Anthology 2 compilation in 1996, with a false start (the incomplete take 3) edited onto the beginning of the track.

Meaning of “It’s Only Love”

The meaning of “It’s Only Love” has been a subject of interpretation and analysis. The lyrics convey a somewhat contradictory message. On one hand, they express the beauty and intensity of love, with lines like “When I go away / I know my heart can stay with my love, it’s understood.”

However, the song also introduces a sense of emotional distance and uncertainty about the nature of love. Lines like “Oh, how I love you, babe / But you’re so hard to find” and “Yes, it’s only love, but that’s all” suggest a recognition that love, while powerful, can also be complex and sometimes elusive.

The title refrain, “It’s only love, and that is all,” seems to encapsulate the idea that love, while a profound and transformative emotion, is still just one aspect of human experience.

Some interpretations suggest that the song may reflect Lennon’s own contemplation of love and relationships at the time, as he was going through personal challenges and changes.”It’s Only Love” is a reflective and contemplative song that captures the multifaceted nature of love. It acknowledges both the deep emotional impact of love and the complexities that can accompany it.

Personnel

• John Lennon – double-tracked lead vocal, 12-string acoustic guitar
• Paul McCartney – bass guitar
• George Harrison – acoustic guitar, lead guitars
• Ringo Starr – drums, tambourine

• Published on 1965
• Author: Morrison/Russell
• Track 8 on “Help!“

About “Act Naturally”

“Act Naturally”, written by Johnny Russell, with a writing credit given to Voni Morrison, tells the tale of someone who has been jilted and, because of that, can play a film part of someone sad and lonely without knowing anything about acting. 

The Beatles’ version of “Act Naturally” is sung by Ringo Starr. They performed the song during an The Ed Sullivan Show appearance which was taped on August 14, 1965 and broadcast on September 12, 1965.

The Beatles recorded the song on June 17, 1965 in 13 takes. The first 12 takes were evidently used to work out the arrangement; the master was take 13, the only take with vocals. It was mixed the following day. The Beatles almost recorded a song by their engineer Norman Smith, but realized that Ringo didn’t yet have a vocal on Help! and so “Act Naturally” was recorded instead, the last cover they recorded until the Get Back/Let It Be sessions in 1969.

Because Capitol Records’ version of the Help! album included only the songs that appeared in the movie, plus incidental music from the film, the label held back “Yesterday” and “Act Naturally” and issued them initially as a non-LP single. As the B-side of the U.S. single, “Act Naturally” peaked at #47 in October 1965. The two songs made their first American album appearance on Yesterday and Today, released in the U.S. on June 20, 1966.

When the single was reissued on Apple Records in 1971, “Act Naturally” had the “full apple” side and “Yesterday” ended up on the “sliced apple” side. That is because “Act Naturally” was the intended A-side and has always been listed as such in Capitol’s files.

Meaning of “Act Naturally”

“Act Naturally” can be interpreted as a humorous take on heartbreak and the desire to put on a brave face in front of others. In the song, the narrator has just experienced a romantic disappointment, but he tries to act as if everything is fine. He’s putting on a performance of being nonchalant and carefree, even though he’s actually feeling quite down.

The phrase “act naturally” itself is a bit of an oxymoron – it’s an instruction to pretend, but to do it in a way that looks uncontrived and genuine. “Act Naturally” is a fun, country-flavored tune that provides a bit of comic relief in the midst of the deeper emotional themes present on the Help! album.

Personnel

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

How to play “Act Naturally” on lead guitar

George Harrison’s lead guitar part in “Act Naturally” is played using a combination of single notes and double stops (playing two notes simultaneously).
The following video shows how to play the lead guitar part of “Act Naturally”:

How to play “Act Naturally” on bass

“Act Naturally” is a classic country song with a simple yet effective bassline. It essentially follows a simple walking pattern, moving through the notes of each chord in a rhythmic fashion. The timing and groove are crucial for capturing the feel of the song.
The following video shows how to play the bassline for this song:

“Act Naturally” karaoke

Here is the karaoke version of “Act Naturally” to try singing it:

• Lyrics of “Act Naturally”

• Published on 1965
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 12 on “Help!“

JOHN 1980: “That’s Paul.”

PAUL circa-1994: “I think of this as totally by me. It was slightly country and western from my point of view. It was faster, though. It was a strange uptempo thing. I was quite pleased with it. The lyric works. It keeps dragging you forward… it keeps pulling you to the next line. There’s an insistent quality about it.”

About “I’ve Just Seen a Face”

Written and sung by Paul McCartney, the song is credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. The song is a cheerful love ballad, its lyrics discussing a love at first sight while conveying an adrenaline rush the singer experiences that makes him both enthusiastic and inarticulate.

The song began as an uptempo country and western-style piano piece, originally titled “Auntie Gin’s Theme”. McCartney then added lyrics that may have been inspired by his relationship with actress Jane Asher. The Beatles completed the track on 14 June 1965 at EMI Studios in London on the same day they recorded “I’m Down” and “Yesterday”. The recording fuses country and western with several other musical genres, including folk rock, folk, pop rock and bluegrass. With no bass guitar, it features three acoustic guitars, a brushed snare and maracas.

Several reviewers have described “I’ve Just Seen a Face” in favourable terms, highlighting its rhyming lyricism and McCartney’s vocal delivery, and described it as an overlooked song. Its replacement of “Drive My Car” on the North American version of Rubber Soul furthered the album’s identity as a folk rock work, although some commentators view this change as masking the band’s late-1965 creative developments. It was among the first Beatles songs McCartney played live with his group Wings, and versions from their 1975–76 world tour appear on the 1976 live album Wings over America and in the 1980 concert film Rockshow. The song has been covered by several bluegrass bands, including the Charles River Valley Boys, the Dillards and the New Grass Revival with Leon Russell. George Martin, Holly Cole and Brandi Carlile are among the other artists who have covered it.

Meaning of “I’ve Just Seen a Face”

“I’ve Just Seen a Face” is often interpreted as a joyful expression of newfound love or infatuation. The lyrics convey a sense of excitement and exhilaration after meeting someone who has captured the narrator’s attention. Lines like “I’ve just seen a face I can’t forget, the time or place where we just met” and “Falling, yes, I am falling” suggest a rapid and intense emotional connection.

The song’s upbeat tempo and acoustic sound add to the overall feeling of exuberance and elation. It’s a celebration of the immediate, visceral impact that love can have on a person. “I’ve Just Seen a Face” is a vibrant and infectious love song that captures the exhilaration and energy of romantic attraction. It’s considered one of the more upbeat and cheerful tracks in the Beatles’ catalog.

Personnel

• Paul McCartney – lead and harmony vocals, nylon-string guitar
• John Lennon – acoustic rhythm guitar
• George Harrison – acoustic twelve-string guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums (with brushes), maracas

• Published on 1965
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 13 on “Help!“
• Track 13 on “1962 ‐ 1966 (Red Album)“

PAUL 1968: “I just started playing it and this tune came, ‘cuz that’s what happens. They just, sort of– they COME, you know. It just came and I couldn’t think of any words to it, so originally it was just, ‘Scrambled Egg.’ It was called ‘Scrambled Egg’ for a couple of months, until I thought of ‘Yesterday.’ And that’s it. True story.”

JOHN 1980: “Paul wrote the lyrics to ‘Yesterday.’ Although the lyrics don’t reslove into any sense, they’re good lines. They certainly work, you know what I mean? They’re good– but if you read the whole song, it doesn’t say anything; you don’t know what happened. She left and he wishes it were yesterday– that much you get– but it doesn’t really resolve. So, mine didn’t used to either. I have had so much accolade for ‘Yesterday.’ That’s Paul’s song, and Paul’s baby. Well done. Beautiful– and I never wished I’d written it.”

PAUL 1984: “It fell out of bed. I had a piano by my bedside and I… must have dreamed it, because I tumbled out of bed and put my hands on the piano keys and I had a tune in my head. It was just all there, a complete thing. I couldn’t believe it. It came too easy. In fact, I didn’t believe I’d written it. I thought maybe I’d heard it before, it was some other tune, and I went around for weeks playing the chords of the song for people, asking them, ‘Is this like something? I think I’ve written it.’ And people would say, ‘No, it’s not like anything else, but it’s good.’”

PAUL 1986: “The hits are always the ones you thought wouldn’t be hits, like ‘Yesterday’ or ‘Mull Of Kintyre.’ I didn’t want to put them out. We didn’t put ‘Yesterday’ out in England, it was only here (America) that it was a single. We didn’t think it was going to be a good idea… so it’s crazy how it goes.”

PAUL 1988: “We didn’t think it fitted our image. In fact, it was one of our most successful songs.”

About “Yesterday”

“Yesterday”, written by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon–McCartney, was first released on the album Help! in August 1965, except in the United States, where it was issued as a single in September. The song reached number one on the US charts. It subsequently appeared on the UK EP Yesterday in March 1966 and made its US album debut on Yesterday and Today, in June 1966.

McCartney’s vocal and acoustic guitar, together with a string quartet, essentially made for the first solo performance of the band. It remains popular today and, with more than 2,200 cover versions, is one of the most covered songs in the history of recorded music. “Yesterday” was voted the best song of the 20th century in a 1999 BBC Radio 2 poll of music experts and listeners and was also voted the No. 1 pop song of all time by MTV and Rolling Stone magazine the following year. In 1997, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) asserts that it was performed over seven million times in the 20th century.

“Yesterday” is a melancholy ballad about the break-up of a relationship. The singer nostalgically laments for yesterday when he and his love were together, before she left because of something he said. McCartney is the only member of the Beatles to appear on the track. The final recording was so different from other works by the Beatles that the band members vetoed the release of the song as a single in the United Kingdom, although other artists were quick to record versions of it for single release. The Beatles recording was issued as a single there in 1976 and peaked at number 8.

Meaning of “Yesterday”

The song’s lyrics reflect a sense of nostalgia, longing, and introspection. In “Yesterday,” the narrator is reminiscing about a time when things were simpler and he took them for granted. He expresses a yearning to go back to that time, but realizes he can’t. The opening lines, “Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away / Now it looks as though they’re here to stay,” encapsulate the theme of the song. It’s about a moment of reflection, where the narrator looks back on a time when things were easier and he felt carefree.

The song’s melody and McCartney’s heartfelt delivery add to the emotional impact of the lyrics. “Yesterday” is known for its beautiful and timeless melody, and it’s one of the most covered songs in music history. “Yesterday” is a poignant and universally relatable song about the passage of time, nostalgia, and the realization that some moments can never be recaptured. It’s considered one of the greatest compositions in the history of popular music.

Personnel

• Paul McCartney – vocal, acoustic guitar
• Tony Gilbert – violin
• Sidney Sax – violin
• Kenneth Essex – viola
• Peter Halling/Francisco Gabarró – cello
• George Martin – producer, string arrangement
• Norman Smith – engineer

• Published on 1965
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 6 on “Help!“

JOHN 1980: “That’s me.”

About “You’re Going to Lose That Girl”

Credited to the Lennon–McCartney songwriting partnership, the song was mostly written by John Lennon with contributions from Paul McCartney.

Walter Everett and Ian MacDonald both refer to the song as Lennon’s. In his official biography Paul McCartney: Many Years from Now, Paul McCartney estimates the writing as 60–40 to John Lennon. The song was likely written in January or February 1965. In a 16 January 1965 interview with Ray Coleman for Melody Maker magazine, Lennon explained he had only written “half a song” for the Beatles’ next film. From 25 January to 7 February, Lennon and his wife Cynthia vacationed in the Austrian Alps with Beatles producer George Martin and Martin’s future wife, Judy Lockhart-Smith. The time off from touring provided Lennon, McCartney and George Harrison time to write new songs, eventually recording 11 new tracks between 15 and 20 February.

In the film, the group appears singing this song in the recording studio. In addition to the group’s familiar guitar-and-drum setup, there is also footage of Paul McCartney at a piano and Ringo Starr playing the bongos, both miming instruments they had overdubbed onto the recording. Towards the end, one of the thugs uses a chainsaw to saw a hole in the floor around the drum kit. The producer reports that they will have to re-record the song due to a buzzing noise, at which point The Beatles begin asking one another who was buzzing. As they look to Ringo, he and the drums fall through the floor.

Meaning of “You’re Going to Lose That Girl”

The lyrics of “You’re Going to Lose That Girl” convey a warning to a romantic rival. The narrator is essentially telling the rival that they will eventually lose the girl they’re pursuing because the narrator is confident in their own ability to win her heart. Lines like “If you don’t take her out tonight, she’s going to change her mind” and “You’re going to lose that girl” emphasize the narrator’s conviction that the girl’s affections will ultimately shift towards him.

The song captures a common theme in many love songs: competition for affection. It’s a playful and confident expression of romantic rivalry. “You’re Going to Lose That Girl” is a lively and catchy tune that showcases Lennon’s ability to infuse wit and attitude into his songwriting.

Personnel

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