Can You Dig It?
“Can You Dig It?” is a track by The Beatles that originated during the “Get Back” sessions, later known as the “Let It Be” sessions. Here are some key details about the song, which now has a presence in the “Let It Be” 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition:
In Detail
- Songwriters: Lennon-McCartney
- Recorded: January 24, 1969
- Studio: Apple Studios
- Length: 2.02
- Released: October 15, 2021 (“Let It Be” 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)
- Producer: George Martin
Performers And Instruments
- John Lennon: vocals, guitar
- Paul McCartney: vocals, guitar
- George Harrison: guitar
- Ringo Starr: percussion
- Billy Preston: organ
Background and Origin
- Song Title and Authorship: The song is more commonly referred to as “Dig It” rather than “Can You Dig It?” It was primarily a jam session piece rather than a fully structured song. The credited authors are all four Beatles: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.
- Recording Sessions: The recording comes from the “Get Back” sessions in January 1969. Filming also took place for a documentary called “Let It Be” in 1970.
- Original Album Inclusion: “Dig It” appears on the “Let It Be” album, from May 8, 1970. It is one of the shorter tracks on the album, and it functions more as an interlude than a full song.
- Lyrics and Themes: The lyrics are mostly ad-libbed by John Lennon, who mentions various contemporary cultural references and figures, such as Bob Dylan, the FBI, and Doris Day. The refrain “Can you dig it?” is a common phrase from the 1960s, reflecting the slang and countercultural ethos of the time.
- Improvised Nature: “Can You Dig It?” is notable for its improvised nature. The Beatles were jamming in the studio, and the song captures a spontaneous, loose performance. This gives the track a raw and unpolished feel, reflective of the band’s state at that time.
- Alternate Takes: This deluxe edition features extended and alternate takes of the jam session, therefore showcasing more of the jam session from which the album version was edited.
Where To Find “Can You Dig It?”
Let It Be 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (2021)
These impromptu sessions date from 1969, but The Beatles humour still remains. Furthermore, towards the end of the track, you will hear John Lennon say in a falsetto, “That was ‘Can You Dig It?’ by Georgie Wood, and now we’d like to do ‘Hark, The Angels Come.'”
Can You Dig It? In Conclusion
Although we have a similar track, simply called “Dig It,” on the original “Let It Be” album, they managed to give us more of the jam session through this special edition release.
“Can You Dig It?” stands out as a quirky, freeform piece that captures a unique moment in The Beatles’ storied career. Its spontaneous, off-the-cuff nature provides a counterpoint to the more meticulously crafted songs in their catalogue.
So, what are your thoughts about this piece? Indeed, if you have both versions, let us know.
Finally, take a listen to this version:
