Can You Take Me Back? Introduction
“Can You Take Me Back?” is a Beatles’ song that is at the end of “Cry Baby Cry” on the 1968 “White Album.” It is an unlisted track, possibly an early example of a “hidden track,” but it does compliment the main song.
In Detail
- Release Date: November 22, 1968
- Recorded: September 16, 1968
- Studio: EMI Studios, London
- Genre: Folk rock
- Track Duration: 2:22 (full version), 0:28 (White Album)
- Record Label: Apple Records
- Songwriter: Lennon-McCartney
- Producer: George Martin
- Engineers: Geoff Emerick, Ken Scott
Performers And Instruments**
- Paul McCartney: lead vocal, acoustic guitar
- John Lennon: percussion, maracas
- Ringo Starr: bongos
**George Harrison does not get a mention because, for some reason, he is missing from this recording.
Where To Find “Can You Take Me Back?”
If you need to buy this song, you will find it on the following albums:
White Album 50th Anniversary Edition (2018)
**If you want the original version of this song, buy the 1968 White Album.
Can You Take Me Back? Background
This ad-libbed track we are familiar with on the “White Album” only lasts for around 28 seconds, but a longer version is now commercially available. Although the song we are familiar with on the 1968 album seems as if it is part of the preceding song, it is actually an individual track. However, this came from a spur-of-the-moment jamming session where the band members had a little fun.
Whereas the recording of “Cry Baby Cry” comes from July 1968, this recording comes from September. But, with ample material for their new self-titled double album, “The Beatles,” aka the “White Album,” they never went on to further develop the song. In fact, there was only one take, and no other exists. Just to point out that George Harrison takes no part in this track.
Recording Studio
The Beatles began recording this song in Studio Two of the EMI Studios, London, during the 7.00pm–3.00am sessions. They first recorded 67 takes of “I Will” so it’s not surprising that they would need a break from that.
At the end of the recording session, McCartney, Lennon, and Starr began to ad-lib and create music. Apart from this track, they also recorded “Blue Moon” and “Step Inside Love,” as well as “Los Paranoias.” The band was just ad-libbing or warming down, but they were very spontaneous and in unison.
The song itself begins with Paul McCartney singing nonsense lyrics to a folk-style rhythm. However, after around 35 seconds, John Lennon says, “Are you happy here, honey?” and this changes the song somewhat. This is because, from then on, McCartney adjusts the song around that lyric. This lyric comes from Simon & Garfunkel’s recording of “Voices Of Old People” (February 1968).
On track 18 of their 2006 album, “Love” is track 19, “Come Together/Dear Prudence” (with “Cry Baby Cry” transition), but there is more of the “Can You Take Me Back?” song than “Cry Baby Cry”!
The full version is now available on “The Beatles (White Album) 50th Anniversary Edition” from 2018.
Take A Listen
Give us your opinions once you hear the song.