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

About “Baby It’s You”

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

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

Meaning of “Baby It’s You”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Personnel

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

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

About “Anna (Go To Him)”

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

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

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

Meaning of “Anna (Go To Him)”

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

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

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

Personnel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Anna (Go To Him)” karaoke

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

• Published on 1963
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 2 on “Please Please Me“

JOHN 1980: “It was kind of a John song, more than a Paul song… but it was written together.”

PAUL 1988: “John and I were a songwriting team, and what songwriting teams did in those days was wrote for everyone. ‘Misery’ was for Helen Shapiro, and she turned it down. It may not have been that successful for her because it’s rather a downbeat song… ‘the world is treating me bad, misery.’ It was quite pessimistic. And in the end Kenny Lynch did it. Kenny used to come out on tour with us, and he used to sing it. That was one of his minor hits.”

About “Misery”

“Misery” was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney together. When Ken Lynch did a single of this song in 1963, it became the first song of the Beatles to be recorded by someone other than the Beatles.

It was during Helen Shapiro’s tour of the United Kingdom in February 1963 that The Beatles joined the artist on the bill and performed on the fifth position as part of the artist’s nationwide tour of the country.

She was looking for new material for a country and western album she was going to record in Nashville, Tennessee, and her artist and repertoire manager, Norrie Paramor, suggested that the Beatles compose a song especially for her for the album. As part of The Beatles’ performance at the King’s Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, on 26 January 1963, “Misery” was started backstage before the performance, and it was later completed in Paul McCartney’s Forthlin Road home.

In 11 takes, the Beatles recorded “Misery” on 11 February 1963 during their marathon recording session. The engineer for the project was Norman Smith. At a later date, George Martin played the piano solo, which was added to the recorded track at half speed an octave below, and he preferred to record this at half speed so that it would sound correct at normal speed when mixed.

Meaning of “Misery”

The lyrics of “Misery” express feelings of heartbreak and longing. The narrator is in a state of emotional distress due to a failed relationship. They’re lamenting the pain and sadness caused by the end of the romance.

Lines like “The world is treating me bad… I’m so sad” and “I’ll remember all the little things we’ve done” convey a sense of sorrow and nostalgia for the lost relationship.

“Misery” is a poignant reflection on the emotional pain of a failed romance. It’s a testament to the band’s ability to convey universal emotions through Beatles’ music, even in their early years.

Personnel

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

• Published on 1963
• Author: Gerry Goffin/Carole King
• Track 4 on “Please Please Me“

About “Chains”

“Chains” is the song that Gerry Goffin and Carole King wrote together in 1961 as part of a husband-and-wife songwriting duo. An American girl group called the Cookies recorded this song in 1962 and it went on to become a hit. In 1980, Carole King recorded a solo version of “Chains” for the album Pearls: Songs of Goffin and King, which was released in 1980.

There was a lot of cover versions of this song by Liverpool groups during 1962, and it was also incorporated into the Beatles’ live performances. It was recorded by the group on 11 February 1963 and it was included on their first album in the UK, Please Please Me, which was released in June 1963.

The song was the first of two songs on the album featuring George Harrison on lead vocals, and it features the early Beatles trademark harmonica introduction accompanied by the backing vocal harmonies provided by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

A number of BBC radio shows have featured the Beatles playing the song live, including “Side By Side”, “Here We Go” and “Pop Go the Beatles”.

Meaning of “Chains”

The lyrics of “Chains” tell the story of a person who feels trapped in a relationship. The narrator feels bound and restricted, as if he is imprisoned by the chains of love. He expresses a desire to break free from the emotional constraints that hold him back.

Lines like “You got me where you want me / I ain’t nothin’ but your fool” and “You should have let me be” convey the narrator’s feelings of being controlled and restricted.

“Chains” explores the theme of feeling constrained and restricted within a romantic relationship. It touches on the challenges of navigating the complexities of love and the desire for freedom and autonomy.

Personnel

• George Harrison – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
• John Lennon – Rhythm Guitar, Harmonica Background Vocals
• Paul McCartney – Bass Guitar, Background Vocals
• Ringo Starr – Drums

How to play “Chains” on guitar

In The Beatles’ rendition of “Chains,” the guitar parts in this song are relatively straightforward, featuring a repeated riff that provides a catchy and rhythmic foundation for the song. The riff is based on a simple bluesy pattern and is played with a clean, jangly tone.

While the guitar in “Chains” may not be as complex or prominent as in some of The Beatles’ later songs, it fits well with the overall style and sound of their early recordings. It complements the vocal harmonies and adds to the upbeat and infectious quality of the track.

The guitar in The Beatles’ version of “Chains” serves its purpose in creating a catchy and enjoyable pop song, characteristic of their early musical style.

The following video features the guitar parts of “Chains”:

How to play “Chains” on bass

The bass line in “Chains” is relatively simple and provides a solid rhythmic foundation for the song. It follows the chord progressions and complements the melody and harmonies. McCartney’s bass playing style, even in their early recordings, was known for its melodic and inventive qualities, and “Chains” is no exception.

While the bass may not be as prominent or intricate as in some of The Beatles’ later compositions, it effectively supports the overall sound of the song, contributing to the tight and cohesive rhythm section that was characteristic of their early recordings.

The bass in The Beatles’ version of “Chains” plays a vital role in shaping the musical arrangement and complements the other instruments and vocals in the track.

The following video features the bassline of “Chains”:

“Chains” karaoke

For those who want to try singing “Chains” over a backing track, the following video features a good karaoke version of the song:

• Published on 1963
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 1 on “Please Please Me“

JOHN 1980: “That’s Paul doing his usual job of producing what George Martin used to call a ‘potboiler.’ I helped with a couple of the lyrics.”

PAUL 1988: “I wrote it with John. We sagged off school and wrote it on guitars. I remember I had the lyrics, ‘Just seventeen/Never been a beauty queen,’ which John… it was one of the first times he ever went, ‘What? Must change that!’ And it became, ‘you know what I mean.’”

PAUL circa-1994: “Sometimes we would just start a song from scratch, but one of us would nearly always have a germ of an idea, a title, or a rough little thing they were thinking about and we’d do it. ‘I Saw Her Standing There’ was my original. I’d started it and I had the first verse, which therefore gave me the tune, the tempo, and the key. It gave you the subject matter, a lot of information, and then you had to fill in. So it was co-written… and we finished it that day.

About “I Saw Her Standing There”

“I Saw Her Standing There” is one of the most famous songs in the Beatles’ catalogue, as it opens both the band’s first UK album “Please Please Me” in 1963 as well as their debut American album “Introducing… The Beatles”. It was written primarily by Paul McCartney with some help from John Lennon.

In December 1963, Capitol Records released the song in the United States as the B-side to the label’s first single from the Beatles, “I Want to Hold Your Hand“, in the United States. Until 8 February 1964, “I Saw Her Standing There” remained at the top of the US Billboard chart for seven weeks, peaking at number 14 on the chart. The A-side topped the US Billboard chart for seven weeks starting on 1 February 1964. The song placed on the Cashbox chart for only one week at No. 100 on the same week of its Billboard debut. In 2004, “I Saw Her Standing There” was No. 139 on Rolling Stone’s rank of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Meaning of “I Saw Her Standing There”

The lyrics of “I Saw Her Standing There” narrate the excitement and thrill of seeing an attractive girl for the first time. It’s a song that captures the immediate infatuation and joy that can come from meeting someone who catches your eye.

The opening lines, “Well, she was just seventeen, you know what I mean,” have become iconic. They set the stage for a story of youthful infatuation and the exuberance of young love.

“I Saw Her Standing There” is a celebration of the joy and excitement that can come from the initial spark of attraction and the promise of a potential romantic connection. It’s considered one of the classic rock ‘n’ roll songs and remains a favorite among Beatles fans and music enthusiasts worldwide.

Personnel

• Paul McCartney – lead vocals, bass guitar, hand claps
• John Lennon – rhythm guitar, harmony vocals, hand claps
• George Harrison – lead guitar, hand claps
• Ringo Starr – drums, hand claps

• Published on 1963
• Author: Medley/Russell
• Track 14 on “Please Please Me“

JOHN 1963: “I always hate singing the song, ‘Twist And Shout’ when there’s a colored artist on the bill with us. It doesn’t seem right, you know. I feel sort of embarrassed… It makes me curl up. I always feel they could do the song much better than me.”

JOHN 1971: “The more interesting songs to me were the black ones because they were more simple. They sort of said shake-your-arse, or your prick, which was an innovation really. The blacks were singing directly and immediately about their pain, and also about sex, which is why I like it.”

JOHN 1976: “The last song nearly killed me. My voice wasn’t the same for a long time after– everytime I swallowed it was like sandpaper. I was always bitterly ashamed of it because I could sing it better than that, but now it doesn’t bother me. You can hear I’m just a frantic guy doing his best.”

PAUL 1988: “There’s a power in John’s voice there that certainly hasn’t been equaled since. And I know exactly why– It’s because he worked his bollocks off that day. We left ‘Twist And Shout’ until the very last thing because we knew there was one take.”

RINGO 1994: “We started (recording the album) about noon and finished it at midnight, with John being really hoarse by ‘Twist And Shout.’”

About “Twist and Shout”

“Twist and Shout” is a 1961 song written by Phil Medley and Bert Berns (later credited as “Bert Russell”). Recorded by the Top Notes, it did not become a hit in the record charts until it was reworked by the Isley Brothers in 1962. The song has been covered by several artists who experienced chart success with their versions. The tune was inspired from the 1958 Ritchie Valens version of “La Bamba”.

This song was released by The Beatles as a single from their first UK album Please Please Me. The song is based on the Isley Brothers’ “Twist and Shout”. Initially, John Lennon was embarrassed by his performance in the song, and he initially felt ashamed of it. A second take of the song was attempted, but Lennon had nothing left to play, and it was abandoned. According to Mark Lewisohn, the Beatles’ version of “Twist and Shout” is one of the most famous single takes in the history of rock & roll. He calls it “arguably the most stunning rock and roll vocal and instrumental performance of all time.”.

On March 2, 1964, The Beatles released the song as a single in the US, along with “There’s a Place” as its B-side, and it reached No. 2 on April 4, the same week all five of the top singles on the chart were Beatles singles. This was the only Beatles single to sell over a million copies in the United States that was a cover song, and it was the only Beatles cover single to chart in the top ten on a national record chart. Despite the song’s success, it failed to hit the top of the charts as the group’s own follow-up single “Can’t Buy Me Love” held the position.

The UK release of “Twist and Shout” was released by Parlophone in 1963 as part of an eponymous EP along with “Do You Want to Know a Secret” from the album Please Please Me, as well as “A Taste of Honey” and “There’s a Place” from the album Please Please Me (1963). As a result, both the EP and the album reached number one on the charts.

This song was used by the Beatles as their closing number for Sunday Night at the London Palladium in October 1963 as well as for the Royal Variety Show in November 1963, which was included on the Anthology 1 compilation album released by Universal in 1995. In February 1964, the Beatles performed the song live on the Ed Sullivan Show, and they continued to do so until the end of their American tour in 1965, when they performed it live one last time. In addition, they recorded “Twist and Shout” for BBC television and radio broadcasts nine times, with the first of these recordings being for the Talent Spot radio show on November 27, 1962.

Meaning of “Twist and Shout”

The lyrics of “Twist and Shout” are relatively simple and convey a joyful, carefree spirit. The song’s primary message is about letting loose and having a good time on the dance floor. It’s an invitation to dance, shout, and let the music take over.

The refrain, “Twist and shout!” is a call to action, encouraging listeners to participate in the lively atmosphere of a dance party. The repetitive nature of the lyrics amplifies the energetic and infectious nature of the song.

“Twist and Shout” is a celebratory anthem of youthful exuberance and the joy of dancing. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its infectious energy and timeless appeal as a party and dance song.

Personnel

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

• Published on 1963
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 9 on “Please Please Me“

JOHN 1980: “That’s Paul’s song. He was trying to write a ‘Soldier Boy’ like the Shirelles. He wrote that in Germany, or when we were going to and from Hamburg. I might have contributed something. I can’t remember anything in particular. It was mainly his song.”

PAUL circa-1994: “A theme song based on a letter… It was pretty much mine. I don’t think John had much of a hand in it. There are certain themes that are easier than others to hang a song on, and a letter is one of them… It’s not based in reality, nor did I write it to my girlfriend from Hamburg, which some people think.”

About “P.S. I Love You”

“P.S. I Love You” was composed principally by Paul McCartney (credited to Lennon–McCartney), and produced by Ron Richards. The song was released in the UK on 5 October 1962 as the B-side of their debut single “Love Me Do” and is also included on their debut album Please Please Me (1963). It was later included on the American release Introducing… The Beatles (1964), its reissue The Early Beatles (1965), and the Beatles compilation album Love Songs (1977).

The version featured on the single and album was recorded in ten takes on 11 September 1962 at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios, London. Producer George Martin had booked session drummer Andy White as a replacement for Pete Best, whom he considered not technically good enough for recording purposes; Martin had been unaware that the other Beatles had already replaced Pete Best with Ringo Starr, who attended the session and plays maracas on the song. White was a freelance show band and session drummer, and gave the recording a lightweight cha cha treatment.

Martin was not present at the session; in his absence, it was run by Ron Richards. Richards told the group that the song could not be the A-side of their single because of an earlier song with the same title: “I was originally a music publishing man, a plugger, so I knew someone had done a record with that title. I said to Paul, ‘You can have it as B-side, but not an A-side.’”

With Starr playing drums, the Beatles recorded the song at the BBC on 25 October 1962, 27 November 1962 and 17 June 1963 for subsequent broadcast on the BBC radio programmes Here We Go, Talent Spot and Pop Go the Beatles, respectively. The 17 June 1963 recording was officially published on the On Air – Live at the BBC Volume 2 album (2013).

Meaning of “P.S. I Love You”

The song reflects universal themes of love, longing, and heartfelt communication. The “P.S.” (Post Script) in the title signifies an afterthought or an addition to a letter. In the context of the song, it symbolizes the narrator’s desire to keep the connection alive and the yearning to communicate their love beyond the initial message.

The lyrics suggest a sense of physical distance or separation between the narrator and their beloved. This theme resonates with anyone who has experienced a long-distance relationship or a period of absence from a loved one. The song revolves around the act of writing a letter to express affection. This theme highlights the power of written words to convey deep emotions. It reflects an era when letter-writing was a prominent means of long-distance communication.

Writing a letter can be an intimate and personal way to communicate one’s feelings. The narrator chooses this method to articulate their love, underscoring the importance of meaningful and heartfelt expressions of affection. By writing a love letter, the narrator opens themselves up emotionally. This theme emphasizes the courage and vulnerability required to express one’s feelings, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.

The act of writing love letters, although somewhat nostalgic in today’s digital age, remains a timeless expression of love. This theme highlights the enduring nature of sincere and heartfelt communication in relationships. The song’s themes of love, communication, and vulnerability are universal and resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds. This has contributed to the enduring popularity and appeal of “P.S. I Love You.”

In summary, “P.S. I Love You” by The Beatles is a poignant reflection on love and communication. It celebrates the power of written words to express deep emotions and underscores the enduring significance of heartfelt expressions of affection. The song’s themes of connection and vulnerability continue to touch the hearts of listeners around the world.

Personnel

Paul McCartney – Lead vocals, bass
John Lennon – acoustic rhythm guitar, backing vocals
George Harrison – acoustic guitar, backing vocals
Ringo Starr – maracas
Andy White – drums

• Published on 1963
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 13 on “Please Please Me“

JOHN 1980: “‘There’s a Place’ was my attempt at a sort of Motown, black thing. It says the usual Lennon things: ‘In my mind there’s no sorrow…’ It’s all in your mind.”

About “There’s A Place”

“There’s A Place” is the second track on the album Please Please Me, released in March 1963
It was primarily written by John Lennon but it is credited to McCartney and Lennon.

This song was released by the Beatles in the United States in the summer of 1963, on their first american LP “Introducing… The Beatles,” and was later reissued by the band in January 1964, as beatlemania swept the country. A non-album single version of this song was also issued in the US in March 1964 as the B-side to “Twist and Shout“, and reached number 74 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

According to Paul McCartney, the title of the track was derived from “There’s a Place for Us”, a song that can be found on the soundtrack album of the 1961 film West Side Story. In the lyrics of the song, the singer speaks of his ability to overcome his loneliness by retreating into his inner world.

“There’s a Place” has been well received by music critics. Reviewers have praised the harmonies in this song as well as recognizing the lyrics as holding a depth not commonly found in contemporary pop songs that were currently on the charts. Some have interpreted it as a precursor of the later introspective songs of the Beatles, and Lennon in particular, which can be heard in songs like “I’m Only Sleeping” and “Tomorrow Never Knows“.

Meaning of “There’s A Place”

The song’s lyrics express a comforting sentiment of finding solace and peace in a special place within one’s own mind. The lyrics of “There’s a Place” evoke the idea of an inner sanctuary or a mental refuge. It’s a place of personal retreat and tranquility, where one can go to find solace and escape from the challenges and complexities of the outside world.

The song touches on the importance of having a mental space where one can find emotional respite. It suggests that, even in moments of difficulty, there is a place within ourselves where we can seek comfort and reassurance. The song’s themes of inner contemplation and finding a mental refuge are characteristic of the introspective nature of many early Beatles songs.

“There’s a Place” celebrates the universal need for moments of emotional respite and reflection, and it showcases The Beatles’ early musical innovation and ability to convey deep emotions through their music.

Personnel

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

• Published on 1963
• Author: Scott/Marlow
• Track 12 on “Please Please Me“

About “A Taste of Honey”

“A Taste of Honey” is a pop standard written by Bobby Scott and Ric Marlow. It was first performed by Scott, and its title may have been inspired by the 1958 English play A Taste of Honey which reached Broadway in 1960.

The most famous version of this song was the instrumental cover by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass on their album Whipped Cream & Other Delights, becoming a top ten hit in 1965 and winning the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.

“A Taste of Honey” was covered by The Beatles on their debut album Please Please Me. It was a favourite of Paul McCartney’s, and was included in the Beatles’ repertoire in 1962. John Lennon sometimes played around with the title, calling it “A Waste of Money”. (Satirist Allan Sherman actually recorded a parody song called “A Waste of Money”) The Beatles performed “A Taste of Honey” on many BBC radio shows, including Here We Go, Side by Side and Easy Beat.

Meaning of “A Taste of Honey”

The lyrics of “A Taste of Honey” convey a bittersweet sentiment. The narrator reflects on a past love and the feelings that linger, even after the relationship has ended. The taste of honey is used metaphorically to represent the sweetness of love, but also implies that it can be fleeting and leave a lingering memory.

Lines like “A taste of honey…Tasting much sweeter than wine” evoke the idea of the initial sweetness and pleasure of being in love. However, the lyrics also suggest a sense of loss and nostalgia for the time when that love was present.

“A Taste of Honey” is a poignant reflection on the complexities of love and its lasting impact on our memories and emotions. It’s a song that captures the bittersweet nature of romantic experiences, reminding us that love, like the taste of honey, can leave a lasting impression even after it’s gone.

Personnel

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

How to play “A Taste of Honey” on guitar

In The Beatles’ version of “A Taste of Honey,” the guitar parts are relatively simple but integral to the overall sound of the song. The following video shows how to play the rhythm and arpeggiated guitar parts of “A Taste of Honey”:

How to play “A Taste of Honey” on bass

Paul McCartney’s bassline for “A Taste of Honey” is known for its melodic and walking style. It doesn’t simply follow the root notes of the chords, but incorporates passing tones and fills that add a melodic dimension to the song. In this video you have the bass tab of “A Taste of Honey”:

“A Taste of Honey” karaoke

If you want to practice singing “A Taste of Honey”, here’s the karaoke version of the song:

Lyrics of “A Taste of Honey”

• Published on 1963
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 6 on “Please Please Me“

About “Ask Me Why”

“Ask Me Why” was originally released in the United Kingdom as the B-side of their hit single “Please Please Me“. It was also included on their first UK album, Please Please Me.

The song was mainly a John Lennon composition, written in early 1962, but it was credited to Paul McCartney and John Lennon, as were all other Lennon/McCartney originals on the first pressings of Please Please Me album. It was part of their live act prior to their recording contract, and was one of the songs performed at their Parlophone audition in Abbey Road’s studio three on 6 June 1962.

Complex in arrangement, it emulates the style of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, whom Lennon was influenced by, and the guitar phrase is drawn from the Miracles’ What’s So Good About Goodbye” (1961).

“Ask Me Why” was recorded on 26 November 1962, the same day they attempted another Lennon and McCartney song called “Tip of My Tongue” which, along with “Ask Me Why” was also being considered for the B-side of the “Please Please Me” single. However, George Martin felt that “Tip of My Tongue” still needed some work, and it was eventually given to Tommy Quickly to record.

Meaning of “Ask Me Why”

The lyrics of “Ask Me Why” convey a sense of unconditional love. The narrator expresses a deep and abiding affection for his romantic partner. Lines like “I love you, oh, so much, can’t count all the ways” emphasize the profound and unwavering nature of his feelings. The narrator in the song is open and willing to share his emotions. He invites his partner to ask about his feelings, indicating a desire for honest and transparent communication in the relationship. This theme underscores the importance of mutual understanding and emotional honesty in love.

The song captures the simplicity and purity of romantic affection. It conveys the idea that love doesn’t always need grand gestures or extravagant expressions. Sometimes, the most powerful declarations of love come from sincere and straightforward expressions of one’s feelings. The narrator’s willingness to share his feelings and his invitation to “ask me why” also reflects a sense of vulnerability. He is putting himself out there, making himself emotionally available, and exposing his heart to the potential for joy or heartbreak. This theme resonates with the universal experience of being vulnerable in matters of the heart.

The sentiment expressed in “Ask Me Why” is timeless. The song’s message of profound love and willingness to share one’s feelings is something that transcends eras and continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. “Ask Me Why” is one of the songs from the early Beatles era, characterized by its melodic simplicity and heartfelt lyrics. It reflects the band’s ability to convey universal emotions, even in their early years, and showcases their talent for crafting memorable, emotionally resonant music.

“Ask Me Why” is a heartfelt love song that celebrates the enduring power of genuine affection. It captures the essence of being open, vulnerable, and deeply in love, and its message remains relevant and touching to this day.

Personnel

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

How to play “Ask Me Why” on guitar

“Ask Me Why” features George Harrison on lead guitar and John Lennon on rhythm guitar. George Harrison played the distinctive arpeggiated riff that is a prominent feature of the song’s melody. John Lennon played the rhythm guitar chords that provide the harmonic foundation for the song.

The guitar work in “Ask Me Why” is relatively simple compared to some of The Beatles’ later, more complex compositions. It features a clean, jangly sound that was characteristic of the early Beatles recordings. The song’s structure is built around a catchy melody and harmonies, with the guitars providing a supporting role to the vocals.

If you’re interested in playing the song on guitar, you’ll find that it’s accessible for players of various skill levels. The main riff and chord progression are relatively straightforward, making it a good choice for beginners looking to learn Beatles songs.

The following videos show you how to play the lead guitar and rhythm guitar parts of the song:

How to play “Ask Me Why” on bass

The bassline in “Ask Me Why”, like many early Beatles tracks, is fairly simple but effective. It provides a solid foundation for the melody and harmonies.

The bassline in “Ask Me Why” follows the chord progression of the song, providing a rhythmic and melodic backbone. It complements the guitars and vocals, contributing to the overall sound of the track. McCartney’s bass playing in this song, as in many Beatles songs, is characterized by its melodic and inventive approach, even within the confines of a relatively simple song structure.

If you’re a bass player interested in learning “Ask Me Why,” you’ll find it to be a good introduction to McCartney’s early bass playing style. The bassline is catchy and fits well within the context of the song, making it an enjoyable piece to learn and play.

The following video shows how to play the bassline part of the song:

“Ask Me Why” karaoke

For anyone who wants to try singing “Ask Me Why”, the following video features the karaoke version of the song: