“Anna (Go To Him)” is one of The Beatles’ standout early cover versions from their 1963 debut album, “Please Please Me”. John Lennon takes the lead with a raw, soulful vocal that shows how deeply the band absorbed American R&B long before they had a full album of their own songs.
Key Facts
- Album release (UK): 22 March 1963 (“Please Please Me”)
- Recorded: 11 February 1963
- Remixed: 25 February 1963
- Track duration: 2:54
- Record label: Parlophone
- Songwriter: Arthur Alexander
- Original release: 17 September 1962 (Arthur Alexander single on Dot Records)
- Genre: R&B
- Producer: George Martin
- Engineer: Norman Smith
Performers And Instruments
- John Lennon: lead vocal, acoustic rhythm guitar
- Paul McCartney: bass, backing vocals
- George Harrison: lead guitar, backing vocals
- Ringo Starr: drums
Where To Find This Track
You can still hear the track on these releases:
In the United States, the song also appeared on “Introducing… The Beatles” (1964) and “The Early Beatles” (1965).
Original Version By Arthur Alexander
Arthur Alexander recorded “Anna (Go To Him)” in 1962 and released it as a single later that year. His performance sits right in the sweet spot between soul ballad and R&B groove, and it became the template for the way Lennon sings the song: wounded but controlled, as if he is trying to keep his pride intact while the lyric falls apart.
A detail many listeners miss: the title says “Go To Him”, but the lyric the singer repeats is “go with him”. Another useful detail: John Lennon later named Arthur Alexander among the singers he admired most, which helps explain why “Anna (Go To Him)” stayed in the Beatles’ early repertoire.
Anna (Go To Him): Why The Beatles Chose It
The Beatles built their early sets around songs they knew would land in a room, and “Anna” was a favourite because it gave Lennon a chance to go full soul singer without slowing the show to a crawl. It also suited the band’s strengths: tight backing vocals, a simple but effective groove, and a lead guitar line that answers the vocal like a second voice.
It is also notable for the name in the lyric. Early Beatles songs often keep the subject anonymous, but “Anna” turns the drama into a story by giving the listener a person to picture immediately.
Recording Anna (Go To Him)
The Beatles recorded “Anna (Go To Him)” on 11 February 1963 during the marathon session that produced most of the “Please Please Me” album. Furthermore, they completed the song in three takes, and take 3 became the master.
John Lennon sang lead while battling a bad cold, and you can hear it in the grain of his voice. Instead of weakening the performance, it adds urgency, especially when he pushes up into the higher notes. On “Please Please Me”, the track sits on side 1 as track 3 after “Misery” and before “Chains.”
BBC Versions And Live Reputation
The Beatles also recorded “Anna (Go To Him)” for BBC radio, which helps explain how popular it was in their early set. For the “Pop Go The Beatles” show, they recorded the song on 17 June 1963 for broadcast on 25 June 1963.
Their 2013 release of “On Air: Live At The BBC Volume 2” includes the later BBC version, listed on the official Beatles release page as the “Pop Go The Beatles” performance broadcast on 27 August 1963.
Listening Notes
Listen for the way the band balances polish and bite. The backing vocals stay controlled and supportive, while Lennon sings right on the edge of his range. George Harrison’s guitar phrases do not show off; they underline the heartbreak, dropping in like brief replies to the lead vocal.
Take A Listen
Have a listen to the song and tell us your thoughts in the Beatles Forum.
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Sources And References
- The Beatles – Official song page for “Anna (Go To Him)”.
- The Beatles – Official Please Please Me album page.
- The Beatles – Official On Air: Live At The BBC Volume 2 page.
- Wikipedia – Background, Arthur Alexander original, and Beatles recording details.
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