Boys: Introduction
“Boys” is a Beatles’ song on their 1963 album, “Please Please Me,” but there are also two other versions available.
In Detail
- Release Date: March 22, 1963
- Recorded: February 11, 1963
- Genre: Rock and roll
- Track Duration: 2:24
- Record Label: Parlophone
- Songwriters: Luther Dixon and Wes Farrell
- Producer: George Martin
- Engineer: Norman Smith
Performers And Instruments
- Ringo Starr: vocals, drums
- John Lennon: rhythm guitar, backing vocals
- Paul McCartney: bass guitar, backing vocals
- George Harrison: lead guitar, backing vocals
Where To Find This Track
You can still buy the song on the following releases:
The original song is on the 1963 album, of course. Click on the albums above to see what other songs are on them.
Boys: Background
The Shirelles recorded “Boys” as the B-side to their “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” single in 1960. Indeed, their single was a massive success, going to number one in America and number four in the UK.
The Beatles, just like many other bands, would often perform cover songs in order to establish themselves. Indeed, the Fab Four would often sing this song live at their gigs, including at the famous Cavern Club.
In fact, the band were big fans of The Shirelles. So much so that they even recorded another of their songs for the same album, “Baby It’s You.”
Not only that, but John Lennon says that “PS I Love You” was McCartney’s attempt to emulate The Shirelles’ “Soldier Boy” too.
Obscure Songs And B-sides
Fans of The Beatles know that in their early days, they were masters at covering obscure songs as well as the lesser-known B-sides. They were able to gain access to different material because manager Brian Epstein had his own record shop in Liverpool. Furthermore, Epstein’s policy was to buy at least one copy of every record release. Of course, many were not hits in the UK or even in the US!
Their live repertoire also included a wide variety of those songs, which gave them a lot of experience. Obviously, over time, they would develop their own style. The Fab Four were undoubtedly unique musicians, and with the help of Brian Epstein, they were able to channel their energies into becoming the best band on Earth.
Boys: Lyrical Content
The album version has drummer Ringo Starr on lead vocal, of course. This marks the first time that Starr had the lead vocal on any recorded song. However, prior to Starr joining the band in August 1962, Pete Best was the drummer. But Starr was already performing the song with his old group, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. So, the song came naturally to him upon joining The Beatles.
Perhaps in hindsight, The Beatles should have changed the lyrics; after all, The Shirelles were a girl group singing about the opposite sex!
“Ringo always used to do a song in the show. Back then he had Boys. It was a little embarrassing because it went, ‘I’m talking about boys – yeah, yeah – boys’. It was a Shirelles’ hit and they were girls singing it, but we never thought we should call it Girls, just because Ringo was a boy. We just sang it the way they’d sung it and never considered any implications.”
Paul McCartney
Anthology
In their later years, there were so many conspiracy theorists who read too much into The Beatles’ songs. However, most of the time, the lyrics were innocent enough. In fact, some of the conspiracies, such as the “Paul is dead” theory, were way off the mark. In this case, it’s clear that The Beatles were just making music to please their fans; it’s as simple as that!
Recording Studio: Boys
The Beatles began recording “Boys” on February 11, 1963, in Studio Two of the EMI Studios, London, during their marathon 10 a.m.–10.45 p.m. session. On this day, they practically recorded the whole of the “Please Please Me” album!
The band only needed one take of the song because all band members were so familiar with it. Then there were the time constraints. This song sits on side 1 of the album after track 4, “Chains,” and before “Ask Me Why.”
In order to please their fans even more, the Fab Four recorded many programmes for BBC Radio. Indeed, they recorded “Boys” seven times for various BBC Radio shows, which proves it’s popularity with the band. Their 2013 album, “On Air: Live At The BBC, Volume 2,” includes a version of the song from the BBC’s “Pop Go the Beatles,” airing on June 25, 1963.
Meanwhile, on their 1995 album, “Anthology 1,” is a version of their one-off TV special, “Around The Beatles.” They recorded this show on April 28th, 1964, for airing on May 6th, 1964, in the UK. However, American viewers had to wait until November 15 to see it. On this album, “Boys” sits on disc 2 after track 14, “Long Tall Sally” and before “Shout.”
Take A Listen
Try the song out, then leave us a comment below.
