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

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

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

With the Beatles tracklist

SIDE A

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

SIDE B

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About “All My Loving”

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

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

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

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

Meaning of “All My Loving”

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

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

Personnel

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

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

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

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

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

How to play “All My Loving” on bass

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

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

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

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

“All My Loving” karaoke

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

Useful Links

• Wikipedia page of “All My Loving”

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

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

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

About “Don’t Bother Me”

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

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

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

Meaning of “Don’t Bother Me”

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

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

Personnel

The Beatles

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

Production

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

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

About “Roll Over Beethoven”

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

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

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

Meaning of “Roll Over Beethoven”

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

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

Personnel

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

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

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

About “All I’ve got to Do”

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

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

Meaning of “All I’ve got to Do”

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

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

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

Personnel

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

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

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

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

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

“All I’ve got to Do” karaoke

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

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

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

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

About “Not a Second Time”

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

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

Meaning of “Not a Second Time”

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

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

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

Personnel

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

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

About “Till There was You”

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

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

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

Meaning of “Till There was You”

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

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

Personnel

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

• Published on 1963
• Author: Radford/Cordy
• Track 14 on “With The Beatles“

About “Money (That’s What I Want)”

“Money (That’s What I Want)” is a 1959 hit single by Barrett Strong for the Tamla label, distributed by Anna Records. The song was written by Tamla founder Berry Gordy and Janie Bradford, and would become the first hit record for Gordy’s Motown flagship label.

The Beatles recorded “Money” in seven takes on July 18, 1963. A series of piano overdubs was later added by producer George Martin. The song was released in November 1963 as the final track on their second UK album, With the Beatles.

According to George Harrison, the group discovered Strong’s version in Brian Epstein’s NEMS record store (though not a hit in the UK, it had been issued on London Records in 1960). They had previously performed it during their audition at Decca Records on January 1, 1962, with Pete Best still on drums at the time. They also recorded it six times for BBC radio. A live version, taped at a concert date in Stockholm, Sweden, in October 1963, was included on Anthology 1.

In 2018, the music staff of Time Out London ranked “Money (That’s What I Want)” at number 24 on their list of the best Beatles songs.

Meaning of “Money (That’s What I Want)”

The Beatles’ rendition of “Money (That’s What I Want)” conveys a theme centered around materialism and the pursuit of financial prosperity. The lyrics express a desire for monetary wealth and emphasize its importance in achieving personal happiness and security. The author makes it clear that money is his primary goal and holds significant value in his life.

This theme reflects a common human aspiration for financial stability and comfort. It also highlights the societal emphasis on material success and the belief that wealth can lead to a more fulfilling life.

“Money (That’s What I Want)” addresses the universal desire for financial security and the belief that money can provide a sense of contentment and fulfillment. The Beatles’ energetic rendition of this classic track amplifies its message, making it a timeless anthem for the pursuit of wealth.

Personnel

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

• Published on 1963
• Author: Drapkin
• Track 12 on “With The Beatles“

About “Devil In Her Heart”

“Devil in Her Heart” is a song originally recorded by The Donays in 1962, but The Beatles later covered it for their album With the Beatles in 1963. The track showcases the band’s ability to infuse their own style into covers, transforming the original into something unique.

The song features George Harrison on lead vocals and guitar, and it’s notable for its blend of rock ‘n’ roll and R&B elements. Harrison’s emotive vocal delivery adds depth to the lyrics that describe a woman with a deceptive and captivating nature. The instrumentation, including Harrison’s guitar work, the harmonies, and the driving rhythm section, contributes to the song’s catchy and engaging quality.

The Beatles rushed through this cover needing only three takes plus overdubs to complete it for their second LP, With the Beatles. This haste that John Lennon and Paul McCartney adopted towards recording Harrison and Ringo Starr material would gradually become the norm over time, the exception being Lennon/McCartney compositions written specifically for them.

“Devil in Her Heart” highlights The Beatles’ versatility in interpreting and adapting different musical styles while still infusing their signature sound into the cover. It’s a lesser-known track in their catalog but nonetheless showcases their musical prowess and ability to put their stamp on diverse material.

Meaning of “Devil In Her Heart”

The lyrics of “Devil in Her Heart” convey a message of caution and concern. The author observes that the person the is interested in seems to have a hidden, mischievous side (“the devil in her heart“). He advises caution, suggesting that this hidden aspect might lead to heartbreak.

The song’s theme is one of romantic uncertainty and a warning about the potential complexities of the person’s character. The Beatles’ rendition of this song showcases their ability to bring their distinctive sound and harmonies to existing material.

Overall, “Devil in Her Heart” is a song that expresses a sense of caution and wariness in matters of the heart, highlighting the complexity and mystery that can be inherent in romantic relationships. The Beatles’ version of it adds their own musical flair to this cautionary love song.

Personnel

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

How to play “Devil In Her Heart” on guitar

The guitar tracks in “Devil In Her Heart”, played by John Lennon and George Harrison, add a haunting and melodic quality to the track. The song itself is driven by the interplay between the guitar, vocals, and rhythm section, creating a captivating and memorable sound. Harrison’s guitar playing style in this song showcases his ability to create emotive and evocative melodies that complement the overall feel of the music. It’s a wonderful example of the Beatles’ ability to craft compelling and diverse musical arrangements.

The following video features the guitar tracks with tab of “Devil In Her Heart”:

How to play “Devil In Her Heart” on bass

“Devil in Her Heart” has a fairly straightforward but effective bassline, played by Paul McCartney. The bass in this song follows the chord progression and provides a solid foundation for the melody and vocals. It’s not overly complex, but it’s crucial in driving the song forward and adding depth to the overall sound. McCartney’s bass playing in many Beatles songs, including “Devil in Her Heart,” is known for its melodic quality and ability to enhance the musical structure without overshadowing other elements. In this song, the bassline contributes to the song’s groove and complements the guitar, vocals, and rhythm section.

The following video features the bassline with tab of “Devil In Her Heart”:

“Devil In Her Heart” karaoke

For those who want to try singing “Devil In Her Heart” the following video offers a good karaoke version of the song:

• Lyrics of “Devil In Her Heart”

• Published on 1963
• Author: Lennon/McCartney
• Track 11 on “With The Beatles“

JOHN 1972: “Both of us wrote it, but mainly Paul. I helped him finish it.”

JOHN 1980: “‘I Wanna Be Your Man’ was a kind of lick Paul had– ‘I wanna be your lover, baby. I wanna be your man.’ I think we finished it off for the Stones. We were taken down to meet them at the club where they were playing in Richmond by Brian and some other guy. They wanted a song and we went to see what kind of stuff they did. Mick and Keith heard we had an unfinished song– Paul just had this bit and we needed another verse or something. We sort of played it roughly to them and they said, ‘Yeah, OK, that’s our style.’ But it was only really a lick, so Paul and I went off in the corner of the room and finished the song off while they were all still sitting there talking. We came back, and that’s how Mick and Keith got inspired to write… because, ‘Jesus, look at that. They just went in the corner and wrote it and came back!’ You know, right in front of their eyes we did it. So we gave it to them. It was a throw-away. The only two versions of the song were Ringo and the Rolling Stones. It shows how much importance we put on them. We weren’t going to give them anything great, right? I believe it was the Stones’ first record.”

PAUL 1984: “I wrote it for Ringo to do on one of the early albums. But we ended up giving it to the Stones. We met Mick and Keith in a taxi one day in Charing Cross Road and Mick said, ‘Have you got any songs?’ So we said, ‘Well, we just happen to have one with us!’ I think George had been instrumental in getting them their first record contract. We suggested them to Decca, ‘cuz Decca had blown it by refusing us, so they had tried to save face by asking George, ‘Know any other groups?’ He said, ‘Well, there is this group called the Stones.’ So that’s how they got their first contract. Anyway, John and I gave them maybe not their first record, but I think the first they got on the charts with. They don’t tell anybody about it these days; they prefer to be more ethnic. But you and I know the real truth.”

About “I Wanna Be Your Man”

“I Wanna Be Your Man” is a Lennon–McCartney-penned song first recorded and released as a single by the Rolling Stones, and then recorded by the Beatles. The song was primarily written by Paul McCartney, and finished by Lennon and McCartney in the corner of a Richmond club while Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were talking.

The Beatles’ version was sung by Ringo Starr and appeared on the group’s second UK album, With the Beatles, released 22 November 1963 and on the US release Meet the Beatles!, released on 20 January 1964. It was driven by a heavily tremoloed, open E-chord on a guitar played through a Vox AC30 amplifier.

The Beatles also recorded two versions of the song for the BBC. One version was for the Saturday Club, recorded on 7 January 1964 and first broadcast on 15 February. The second version was for the From Us to You show recorded on 28 February and broadcast on 30 March; this was released decades later on the Live at the BBC collection. The Beatles also recorded a version for the Around The Beatles TV show, recorded on 19 April 1964; this version was released on the Anthology 1 collection in 1995.

Meaning of “I Wanna Be Your Man”

The lyrics of “I Wanna Be Your Man” convey a straightforward message of romantic interest and a desire to be in a relationship. The singer expresses his eagerness to be the person his love interest turns to for companionship and support. The lyrics are simple and direct, emphasizing the singer’s longing to connect with his chosen partner.

“I Wanna Be Your Man” is a straightforward love song that conveys the singer’s earnest desire to be the romantic partner of his affection. The Beatles’ rendition of it exemplifies their early rock ‘n’ roll style.

Personnel

• Ringo Starr – double-tracked vocal, drums, maracas
• John Lennon – backing vocal, rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – backing vocal, bass
• George Harrison – lead guitar
• Uncredited (played by the Beatles) – tambourine
• George Martin – Hammond organ