PART 1
In October, 1962 The Beatles gave their very first radio interview barely three weeks after the release of their first single, "Love Me Do/P.S. I Love You" on Parlaphone Records. While explaining to the interviewer that the lead guitarist is not the leader of the group, Paul McCartney says, "...John is in fact the leader of the group." In looking over the recorded output by the band it is clear that John Lennon was the leader of the group, writing a vast amount of the group's songs through 1966. Then, in 1967, his songwriting declined drastically as Paul took over the group with his songs until the following year when John began to reassert his dominance. This resulted in an uneasy alliance between Lennon-McCartney which could not be sustained, eventually leading to John leaving the group he had founded and was "in fact" the leader.
When The Beatles started out, the currency of their trade was records, specifically the coveted singles, the seven inch vinyl 45rpm discs that were the mainstay of the record industry. It was unusual at the time for a songwriting duo such as Lennon-McCartney to write a majority of their own output. It is no secret that Lennon and McCartney were very competitive and they actually co-wrote very few of the group's songs. The following is a chronological look at the rise of the leader of the group's songwriting output, it's sudden decline and eventual re-emergence.
1962 -
single:
LOVE ME DO - PAUL
P. S., I LOVE YOU - PAUL w/JOHN
Being neophytes to the big recording studio, John and Paul readily agreed with their new producer, George Martin's song choices for their first single. The A-side was a song Paul wrote back in 1957 and prominently features John's harmonica. The B-side was another Paul original with some help from John. The single peaked at #17 in the United Kingdom and #1 in America after the group made it big there in 1964.
1963 -
single:
PLEASE PLEASE ME - JOHN
ASK ME WHY - JOHN
The Beatles second single released ahead of their first album was John's successful attempt to prove to George Martin the group could produce number one singles. The A-side, too, is dominated by John's harmonica while the flip side shows an early ballad. It marks the first of three times John wrote both sides of a single. It went to #1 in the UK and #3 in America after their 1964 success.
album:
Please Please Me
The Beatles first album featured 4 songs from the previous singles and 10 new songs recorded in a memorable one day session. 4 of the new songs were originals. The album was #1 in UK but due to the eventual distribution contract for Capitol Records to release Beatles material in America, none of the Beatles original UK albums made it across the Atlantic intact until Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in the spring of 1967.
I SAW HER STANDING THERE - PAUL
Another old song by Paul was a great kick-off to their debut album.
MISERY - JOHN w/PAUL
A rather sad ballad written by John with some help from Paul, it begins an unprecedented run of Beatles songs written primarily by John.
DO YOU WANT TO KNOW A SECRET - JOHN w/PAUL
The notion that Paul wrote most of the group's melodic ballads must have originated as a public relations move to cater to the band's girl fan base. Here is a song primarily written by John for one of George Harrison's solo vocals on the album.
THERE IS A PLACE - JOHN
Another melancholy song from John may have influenced The Beach Boys "In My Room".
single:
FROM ME TO YOU - JOHN + PAUL
THANK YOU GIRL - JOHN + PAUL
The group's third single was the only true Lennon-McCartney single released. This was necessitated by the demands of releasing 4 singles in one year while simultaneously touring. Another #1 in the UK, it only reached #43 in America.
single:
SHE LOVES YOU - JOHN + PAUL
I'LL GET YOU - JOHN w/PAUL
The Beatles' fourth single cemented their reputation in the UK and Europe. The A-side was another true collaboration while the B-side was primarily written by John with the last use of the harmonica on a single.
single:
I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND - JOHN + PAUL
THIS BOY - JOHN
Their fifth single was their first worldwide smash as even America could no longer ignore them. It was the last true Lennon-McCartney A-side and huge seller going #1 on both sides of the Atlantic. The B-side again shows John writing a beautiful melodic ballad.
album:
With The Beatles
The Beatles' second album was another #1 seller in the UK and most of the songs were used for America's version Meet The Beatles, which also went to #1. As the constraints of touring increased, John became the band's go-to primary songwriter. There are 6 covers and 8 originals.
IT WON'T BE LONG - JOHN w/PAUL
A powerful opener for the album echoes the yeahs of "She Loves You".
ALL I'VE GOT TO DO - JOHN
Another great tune from John.
ALL MY LOVING - PAUL
One of Paul's true great rockers features John doing triplets on guitar.
DON'T BOTHER ME - GEORGE w/JOHN
George's first Beatles song (with a little help from an uncredited John).
LITTLE CHILD - JOHN w/PAUL
A fast number featuring some good harmonica work and some help from Paul.
HOLD ME TIGHT - PAUL
Paul's second solo of the album was tried out for the Please Please Me album but passed over. Paul is strangely off-key.
I WANNA BE YOUR MAN - JOHN + PAUL
The album's only Lennon-McCartney song was for Ringo Starr to sing but was also covered by an up and coming group named The Rolling Stones.
NOT A SECOND TIME - JOHN
A weaker entry in John's ballad output, but yet another ballad nonetheless.
1964 -
single:
CAN'T BUY ME LOVE - PAUL
YOU CAN'T DO THAT - JOHN
Before John goes on a year and half streak of writing The Beatles' currency, their singles, Paul shines with another early up-tempo song. John's flip side shows what would become an almost parodied mean-streak toward women, which was later revealed to be his way of communicating his violence toward women that he was unable to begin to come to terms with or seek help for until he began a relationship with Yoko Ono in 1968.
single:
A HARD DAY'S NIGHT - JOHN w/PAUL
THINGS WE SAID TODAY - PAUL
For the band's seventh single, John won the race again by coming up with title song for the band's first movie adventure. Paul wrote the melody for the middle featuring some suggestive lyrics by John. Another #1 with an under appreciated B-side by Paul based primarily around only two chords.
album:
A Hard Day's Night
John practically dominates this album which featured both sides of the previous two singles and 9 original songs. Their only album that consisted entirely of "Lennon-McCartney" compositions. Yet another #1 everywhere and the movie is pretty good, too.
I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER - JOHN
The penultimate time a harmonica appeared until 1967 and featuring another in a series of drawn out vocal notes that John was underrated for!
IF I FELL - JOHN
One of John's most beautiful love songs.
I'M HAPPY JUST TO DANCE WITH YOU - JOHN w/PAUL
A song written especially for George to sing.
AND I LOVE HER - PAUL
Not to be outdone, Paul comes up with a beautiful ballad.
TELL ME WHY - JOHN
John begins to experiment with more interesting lyrics.
ANYTIME AT ALL - JOHN
One of John's early "story" songs.
I'LL CRY INSTEAD - JOHN
Although written for the movie, it was passed over by the director. Some pretty biting lyrics.
WHEN I GET HOME - JOHN w/PAUL
An early example of John commenting on the touring situation with the girl groupies. He longs to always get back to his wife, but includes, "I'm gonna love her 'til the cows come home. I bet I'll love her more, 'til I walk out that door, again."
I'LL BE BACK - JOHN
Not much can be said about this amazing run of songwriting by John except Paul's competitive juices must have been boiling.
single:
I FEEL FINE - JOHN
SHE'S A WOMAN - PAUL
John scores another #1 with one of the first uses of feedback on record and plays an impeccable riff with a middle solo supplied by George. The B-side features another great rocker from Paul with John's great rhythm work. Paul also sneaks in an oblique reference to marijuana with the line "turns me on when I get lonely".
album:
Beatles For Sale
An ironic title indeed. As the hectic year of 1964 came to a close, The Beatles' original songwriting onus continued to fall squarely on John's shoulders. This #1 album has 6 cover songs and 8 originals.
NO REPLY - JOHN
Jealous angst runs amok in a song that was in the running for the single release.
I'M A LOSER - JOHN
The last time a harmonica is played by John as a featured instrument in this interesting story song influenced by Bob Dylan.
BABY'S IN BLACK - JOHN w/PAUL
A brooding song written by John with help from Paul that may have also inspired the songs "Paint It Black" and "Black Is Black".
I'LL FOLLOW THE SUN - PAUL w/JOHN
A Paul original with unusual help from John and a stunning short guitar solo by George.
EIGHT DAYS A WEEK - JOHN + PAUL
Paul tried so hard to make this the next single; it was released as such in America. One of last Lennon-McCartney collaborations.
EVERY LITTLE THING - PAUL w/JOHN
A rare song primarily written by Paul in which John sang the lead. Ringo makes his debut playing timpani.
I DON'T WANT TO SPOIL THE PARTY - JOHN
Another sad song entry from John which features some fine country-like guitar picking from George.
WHAT YOU'RE DOING - PAUL
Paul tries to keep up with John, but it is still a year away from the recording of "Yesterday" which begins the gradual dominance of Paul as a songwriter. The bean counters would also take notice how much better Paul's songs performed on the charts, too.
1965 -
single:
TICKET TO RIDE - JOHN
YES IT IS - JOHN
The Beatles' ninth single see the band entering uncharted waters with John's song of hard rock. The incredible riff is benefited by Paul's guitar solos at the end of the middle eight. The second single written entirely by John has a B-side remake of "This Boy" featuring some volume/tone pedal work from George.
single:
HELP - JOHN
I'M DOWN - PAUL
For the group's tenth single, John once again wins the race for the title song of The Beatles' second movie adventure. An early heartfelt song that he always wanted to remake in a slower tempo.
The B-side has Paul doing his best Little Richard vocal and a nod to the sound of The Beach Boys.
album:
Help
The touring and the filming of this movie found the songwriters at a low ebb with a few notable exceptions. Although not as dominant as he was on A Hard Day's Night, John wrote the majority of the songs for the fifth album and was the first to bring in a session musician. Another #1, there were 2 cover songs, 2 songs from singles and 10 originals.
THE NIGHT BEFORE - PAUL
There is sort of hazy, marijuana tinged atmosphere throughout some of the album and is captured here in a minor song from Paul.
YOU'VE GOT TO HIDE YOUR LOVE AWAY - JOHN
There is a lot packed into this homage to Bob Dylan's songwriting style with a running time of only two minutes. John is first to bring in an outside musician for a brilliant use of flutes where one would expect to hear a harmonica.
I NEED YOU - GEORGE
George's first Beatles song since Don't Bother Me.
ANOTHER GIRL - PAUL
A rousing song from Paul which features him on guitar.
YOU'RE GONNA LOSE THAT GIRL - JOHN
Perhaps the second best of the ten original songs features some killer work by Ringo on the bongos.
IT'S ONLY LOVE - JOHN
John can barely keep a straight face while singing this minor number, notable for the first overt marijuana reference with the line, "I get high...".
YOU LIKE ME TOO MUCH - GEORGE
This is one of the best songs George ever wrote.
TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE - PAUL w/JOHN
Another rare example of John contributing to a Paul song. This one practically oozes the haze.
I'VE JUST SEEN A FACE - PAUL
Paul shows off his sometimes uncanny ability to write in different styles.
YESTERDAY - PAUL
Perhaps inspired by John, Paul brought a string quartet into the studio to back him for the song for which he will always be remembered.
single:
DAY TRIPPER - JOHN w/PAUL
WE CAN WORK IT OUT - PAUL w/JOHN
There is some debate about the A-side of this, The Beatles' eleventh single, because originally Day Tripper was the A-side. After a few days of release, Djs began playing the flip side more often and eventually it became regarded as a double A-side single. John's amazing riff (played with George) for Day Tripper continued his long dominance as a #1 singles songwriter with appropriate oblique drug references thrown in for good measure. Paul's B-side is also an amazing piece of songwriting helped in great measure by John's 3/4 time middle about "life is very short".
album:
Rubber Soul
The Beatles finished off 1965 with one of their landmark albums, their sixth in less than 2 and half years! By this time, the songwriting is spread out to include two from George and this album is the last time John wrote the majority of the songs. This was their first album to not have a composer sing more than one of his songs in a row. Yet another #1 it is their second album of all original material.
DRIVE MY CAR - PAUL w/JOHN
Great riffs propel one of Paul's great 1965 songs. John's help came in form of some lyrics.
NORWEGIAN WOOD (THIS BIRD HAS FLOWN) - JOHN
Welcome the sitar to western rock and roll music. Another great melody from John.
YOU WON'T SEE ME - PAUL
"When I call you up.." begins another of Paul's fine songs of the year with gorgeous backing vocals.
NOWHERE MAN - JOHN
Some fine guitar work adorns this should have been a single number.
THINK FOR YOURSELF - GEORGE w/JOHN
Paul plays the fuzz bass on this wonderful mid-period song from George who once again got some uncredited help from John.
THE WORD - JOHN
John's earliest overt peace and love song nearly serves as a blueprint for all his future offerings in this vein. Brilliant.
MICHELLE - PAUL
Always looking for new material, it was John who suggested to Paul to dust off this old number.
WHAT GOES ON - PAUL w/JOHN + RINGO
Ringo gets his first songwriting credit as he sings an old Paul song with additional lyrics by John and the lovable drummer himself.
GIRL - JOHN
A little Greek flavor to one of John's all time favorite songs. Also notable for the first mention of death in a Beatles song.
I'M LOOKING THROUGH YOU - PAUL
A rollicking good song that started out as a rather slow one.
IN MY LIFE - JOHN
A truly amazing song. However, there is some controversy regarding authorship with Paul claiming (after John's death) that he made a sizable contribution.
WAIT - PAUL w/JOHN
This start-stop song written primarily by Paul was a hold over from the Help sessions.
IF I NEEDED SOMEONE - GEORGE
Another great song from George with great backing harmonies.
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE - JOHN
Another anti-girl tune from John again mentions death in the lyric.
TO BE CONTINUED IN
PART 2
In October, 1962 The Beatles gave their very first radio interview barely three weeks after the release of their first single, "Love Me Do/P.S. I Love You" on Parlaphone Records. While explaining to the interviewer that the lead guitarist is not the leader of the group, Paul McCartney says, "...John is in fact the leader of the group." In looking over the recorded output by the band it is clear that John Lennon was the leader of the group, writing a vast amount of the group's songs through 1966. Then, in 1967, his songwriting declined drastically as Paul took over the group with his songs until the following year when John began to reassert his dominance. This resulted in an uneasy alliance between Lennon-McCartney which could not be sustained, eventually leading to John leaving the group he had founded and was "in fact" the leader.
When The Beatles started out, the currency of their trade was records, specifically the coveted singles, the seven inch vinyl 45rpm discs that were the mainstay of the record industry. It was unusual at the time for a songwriting duo such as Lennon-McCartney to write a majority of their own output. It is no secret that Lennon and McCartney were very competitive and they actually co-wrote very few of the group's songs. The following is a chronological look at the rise of the leader of the group's songwriting output, it's sudden decline and eventual re-emergence.
1962 -
single:
LOVE ME DO - PAUL
P. S., I LOVE YOU - PAUL w/JOHN
Being neophytes to the big recording studio, John and Paul readily agreed with their new producer, George Martin's song choices for their first single. The A-side was a song Paul wrote back in 1957 and prominently features John's harmonica. The B-side was another Paul original with some help from John. The single peaked at #17 in the United Kingdom and #1 in America after the group made it big there in 1964.
1963 -
single:
PLEASE PLEASE ME - JOHN
ASK ME WHY - JOHN
The Beatles second single released ahead of their first album was John's successful attempt to prove to George Martin the group could produce number one singles. The A-side, too, is dominated by John's harmonica while the flip side shows an early ballad. It marks the first of three times John wrote both sides of a single. It went to #1 in the UK and #3 in America after their 1964 success.
 |
| (cover photo by Angus McBean) |
Please Please Me
The Beatles first album featured 4 songs from the previous singles and 10 new songs recorded in a memorable one day session. 4 of the new songs were originals. The album was #1 in UK but due to the eventual distribution contract for Capitol Records to release Beatles material in America, none of the Beatles original UK albums made it across the Atlantic intact until Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in the spring of 1967.
I SAW HER STANDING THERE - PAUL
Another old song by Paul was a great kick-off to their debut album.
MISERY - JOHN w/PAUL
A rather sad ballad written by John with some help from Paul, it begins an unprecedented run of Beatles songs written primarily by John.
DO YOU WANT TO KNOW A SECRET - JOHN w/PAUL
The notion that Paul wrote most of the group's melodic ballads must have originated as a public relations move to cater to the band's girl fan base. Here is a song primarily written by John for one of George Harrison's solo vocals on the album.
THERE IS A PLACE - JOHN
Another melancholy song from John may have influenced The Beach Boys "In My Room".
single:
FROM ME TO YOU - JOHN + PAUL
THANK YOU GIRL - JOHN + PAUL
The group's third single was the only true Lennon-McCartney single released. This was necessitated by the demands of releasing 4 singles in one year while simultaneously touring. Another #1 in the UK, it only reached #43 in America.
single:
SHE LOVES YOU - JOHN + PAUL
I'LL GET YOU - JOHN w/PAUL
The Beatles' fourth single cemented their reputation in the UK and Europe. The A-side was another true collaboration while the B-side was primarily written by John with the last use of the harmonica on a single.
single:
I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND - JOHN + PAUL
THIS BOY - JOHN
Their fifth single was their first worldwide smash as even America could no longer ignore them. It was the last true Lennon-McCartney A-side and huge seller going #1 on both sides of the Atlantic. The B-side again shows John writing a beautiful melodic ballad.
 |
| (cover photo by Robert Freeman) |
With The Beatles
The Beatles' second album was another #1 seller in the UK and most of the songs were used for America's version Meet The Beatles, which also went to #1. As the constraints of touring increased, John became the band's go-to primary songwriter. There are 6 covers and 8 originals.
IT WON'T BE LONG - JOHN w/PAUL
A powerful opener for the album echoes the yeahs of "She Loves You".
ALL I'VE GOT TO DO - JOHN
Another great tune from John.
ALL MY LOVING - PAUL
One of Paul's true great rockers features John doing triplets on guitar.
DON'T BOTHER ME - GEORGE w/JOHN
George's first Beatles song (with a little help from an uncredited John).
LITTLE CHILD - JOHN w/PAUL
A fast number featuring some good harmonica work and some help from Paul.
HOLD ME TIGHT - PAUL
Paul's second solo of the album was tried out for the Please Please Me album but passed over. Paul is strangely off-key.
I WANNA BE YOUR MAN - JOHN + PAUL
The album's only Lennon-McCartney song was for Ringo Starr to sing but was also covered by an up and coming group named The Rolling Stones.
NOT A SECOND TIME - JOHN
A weaker entry in John's ballad output, but yet another ballad nonetheless.
1964 -
single:
CAN'T BUY ME LOVE - PAUL
YOU CAN'T DO THAT - JOHN
Before John goes on a year and half streak of writing The Beatles' currency, their singles, Paul shines with another early up-tempo song. John's flip side shows what would become an almost parodied mean-streak toward women, which was later revealed to be his way of communicating his violence toward women that he was unable to begin to come to terms with or seek help for until he began a relationship with Yoko Ono in 1968.
single:
A HARD DAY'S NIGHT - JOHN w/PAUL
THINGS WE SAID TODAY - PAUL
For the band's seventh single, John won the race again by coming up with title song for the band's first movie adventure. Paul wrote the melody for the middle featuring some suggestive lyrics by John. Another #1 with an under appreciated B-side by Paul based primarily around only two chords.
 |
| (cover photo by Robert Freeman) |
A Hard Day's Night
John practically dominates this album which featured both sides of the previous two singles and 9 original songs. Their only album that consisted entirely of "Lennon-McCartney" compositions. Yet another #1 everywhere and the movie is pretty good, too.
I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER - JOHN
The penultimate time a harmonica appeared until 1967 and featuring another in a series of drawn out vocal notes that John was underrated for!
IF I FELL - JOHN
One of John's most beautiful love songs.
I'M HAPPY JUST TO DANCE WITH YOU - JOHN w/PAUL
A song written especially for George to sing.
AND I LOVE HER - PAUL
Not to be outdone, Paul comes up with a beautiful ballad.
TELL ME WHY - JOHN
John begins to experiment with more interesting lyrics.
ANYTIME AT ALL - JOHN
One of John's early "story" songs.
I'LL CRY INSTEAD - JOHN
Although written for the movie, it was passed over by the director. Some pretty biting lyrics.
WHEN I GET HOME - JOHN w/PAUL
An early example of John commenting on the touring situation with the girl groupies. He longs to always get back to his wife, but includes, "I'm gonna love her 'til the cows come home. I bet I'll love her more, 'til I walk out that door, again."
I'LL BE BACK - JOHN
Not much can be said about this amazing run of songwriting by John except Paul's competitive juices must have been boiling.
single:
I FEEL FINE - JOHN
SHE'S A WOMAN - PAUL
John scores another #1 with one of the first uses of feedback on record and plays an impeccable riff with a middle solo supplied by George. The B-side features another great rocker from Paul with John's great rhythm work. Paul also sneaks in an oblique reference to marijuana with the line "turns me on when I get lonely".
 |
| (cover photo by Robert Freeman) |
Beatles For Sale
An ironic title indeed. As the hectic year of 1964 came to a close, The Beatles' original songwriting onus continued to fall squarely on John's shoulders. This #1 album has 6 cover songs and 8 originals.
NO REPLY - JOHN
Jealous angst runs amok in a song that was in the running for the single release.
I'M A LOSER - JOHN
The last time a harmonica is played by John as a featured instrument in this interesting story song influenced by Bob Dylan.
BABY'S IN BLACK - JOHN w/PAUL
A brooding song written by John with help from Paul that may have also inspired the songs "Paint It Black" and "Black Is Black".
I'LL FOLLOW THE SUN - PAUL w/JOHN
A Paul original with unusual help from John and a stunning short guitar solo by George.
EIGHT DAYS A WEEK - JOHN + PAUL
Paul tried so hard to make this the next single; it was released as such in America. One of last Lennon-McCartney collaborations.
EVERY LITTLE THING - PAUL w/JOHN
A rare song primarily written by Paul in which John sang the lead. Ringo makes his debut playing timpani.
I DON'T WANT TO SPOIL THE PARTY - JOHN
Another sad song entry from John which features some fine country-like guitar picking from George.
WHAT YOU'RE DOING - PAUL
Paul tries to keep up with John, but it is still a year away from the recording of "Yesterday" which begins the gradual dominance of Paul as a songwriter. The bean counters would also take notice how much better Paul's songs performed on the charts, too.
1965 -
single:
TICKET TO RIDE - JOHN
YES IT IS - JOHN
The Beatles' ninth single see the band entering uncharted waters with John's song of hard rock. The incredible riff is benefited by Paul's guitar solos at the end of the middle eight. The second single written entirely by John has a B-side remake of "This Boy" featuring some volume/tone pedal work from George.
single:
HELP - JOHN
I'M DOWN - PAUL
For the group's tenth single, John once again wins the race for the title song of The Beatles' second movie adventure. An early heartfelt song that he always wanted to remake in a slower tempo.
The B-side has Paul doing his best Little Richard vocal and a nod to the sound of The Beach Boys.
 |
| (cover photo by Robert Freeman) |
Help
The touring and the filming of this movie found the songwriters at a low ebb with a few notable exceptions. Although not as dominant as he was on A Hard Day's Night, John wrote the majority of the songs for the fifth album and was the first to bring in a session musician. Another #1, there were 2 cover songs, 2 songs from singles and 10 originals.
THE NIGHT BEFORE - PAUL
There is sort of hazy, marijuana tinged atmosphere throughout some of the album and is captured here in a minor song from Paul.
YOU'VE GOT TO HIDE YOUR LOVE AWAY - JOHN
There is a lot packed into this homage to Bob Dylan's songwriting style with a running time of only two minutes. John is first to bring in an outside musician for a brilliant use of flutes where one would expect to hear a harmonica.
I NEED YOU - GEORGE
George's first Beatles song since Don't Bother Me.
ANOTHER GIRL - PAUL
A rousing song from Paul which features him on guitar.
YOU'RE GONNA LOSE THAT GIRL - JOHN
Perhaps the second best of the ten original songs features some killer work by Ringo on the bongos.
IT'S ONLY LOVE - JOHN
John can barely keep a straight face while singing this minor number, notable for the first overt marijuana reference with the line, "I get high...".
YOU LIKE ME TOO MUCH - GEORGE
This is one of the best songs George ever wrote.
TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE - PAUL w/JOHN
Another rare example of John contributing to a Paul song. This one practically oozes the haze.
I'VE JUST SEEN A FACE - PAUL
Paul shows off his sometimes uncanny ability to write in different styles.
YESTERDAY - PAUL
Perhaps inspired by John, Paul brought a string quartet into the studio to back him for the song for which he will always be remembered.
single:
DAY TRIPPER - JOHN w/PAUL
WE CAN WORK IT OUT - PAUL w/JOHN
There is some debate about the A-side of this, The Beatles' eleventh single, because originally Day Tripper was the A-side. After a few days of release, Djs began playing the flip side more often and eventually it became regarded as a double A-side single. John's amazing riff (played with George) for Day Tripper continued his long dominance as a #1 singles songwriter with appropriate oblique drug references thrown in for good measure. Paul's B-side is also an amazing piece of songwriting helped in great measure by John's 3/4 time middle about "life is very short".
 |
| (cover photo by Robert Freeman) |
Rubber Soul
The Beatles finished off 1965 with one of their landmark albums, their sixth in less than 2 and half years! By this time, the songwriting is spread out to include two from George and this album is the last time John wrote the majority of the songs. This was their first album to not have a composer sing more than one of his songs in a row. Yet another #1 it is their second album of all original material.
DRIVE MY CAR - PAUL w/JOHN
Great riffs propel one of Paul's great 1965 songs. John's help came in form of some lyrics.
NORWEGIAN WOOD (THIS BIRD HAS FLOWN) - JOHN
Welcome the sitar to western rock and roll music. Another great melody from John.
YOU WON'T SEE ME - PAUL
"When I call you up.." begins another of Paul's fine songs of the year with gorgeous backing vocals.
NOWHERE MAN - JOHN
Some fine guitar work adorns this should have been a single number.
THINK FOR YOURSELF - GEORGE w/JOHN
Paul plays the fuzz bass on this wonderful mid-period song from George who once again got some uncredited help from John.
THE WORD - JOHN
John's earliest overt peace and love song nearly serves as a blueprint for all his future offerings in this vein. Brilliant.
MICHELLE - PAUL
Always looking for new material, it was John who suggested to Paul to dust off this old number.
WHAT GOES ON - PAUL w/JOHN + RINGO
Ringo gets his first songwriting credit as he sings an old Paul song with additional lyrics by John and the lovable drummer himself.
GIRL - JOHN
A little Greek flavor to one of John's all time favorite songs. Also notable for the first mention of death in a Beatles song.
I'M LOOKING THROUGH YOU - PAUL
A rollicking good song that started out as a rather slow one.
IN MY LIFE - JOHN
A truly amazing song. However, there is some controversy regarding authorship with Paul claiming (after John's death) that he made a sizable contribution.
WAIT - PAUL w/JOHN
This start-stop song written primarily by Paul was a hold over from the Help sessions.
IF I NEEDED SOMEONE - GEORGE
Another great song from George with great backing harmonies.
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE - JOHN
Another anti-girl tune from John again mentions death in the lyric.
TO BE CONTINUED IN
PART 2
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