Day Tripper: Introduction
“Day Tripper” is a Beatles’ single from 1965, which is also on their “Past Masters” album. However, the single became a massive chart hit around the world. In short, it is a double A-side, with the flip side of this song being “We Can Work It Out.” Obviously, with it being a number one single, both songs are on their 1 (One) album as well.
In Detail
- Release Date: December 3, 1965
- Format: 7-inch record (double A-side with “We Can Work It Out”) and albums
- Recorded: October 16, 1965
- Studio: EMI Studios, London
- Genre: Rock, pop rock
- Track Duration: 2:50
- Record Label: Parlophone (UK), Capitol (US)
- Songwriters: Lennon-McCartney
- Producer: George Martin
- Engineer: Norman Smith
Performers And Instruments
- John Lennon: double-tracked lead vocal, rhythm guitar, lead guitar (solo), also the harmonium
- Paul McCartney: double-tracked lead vocal, as well as the bass
- George Harrison: lead guitar, also the harmony vocal
- Ringo Starr: drums, as well as the tambourine
Where To Find “Day Tripper”
If you need this song, it is still possible to buy it on the following releases:
Day Tripper: Background
Written mostly by John Lennon but credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership, “Day Tripper” came about because the band was in need of a single to compliment their “Rubber Soul” album release.
This Beatles’ single became the first record in the world to feature double A-sides, so yet another “first” for the Fab Four!
“Based on an old folk song I wrote about a month previous. It was very hard going, that, and it sounds it. It wasn’t a serious message song; it was a drug song. In a way, it was a day tripper; I just liked the word.”
John Lennon
Anthology
“That was a co-written effort; we were both there making it all up, but I would give John the main credit. Probably the idea came from John because he sang the lead, but it was a close thing. We both put a lot of work in on it.”
Paul McCartney
Many Years From Now, Barry Miles
Obviously, the band needed to be clever with their references to drugs. This was specifically more so with their single releases; otherwise, radio stations might not play them.
Recording Studio
The Beatles began recording “Day Tripper” on October 16, 1965, in Studio Two of the EMI Studios, London, during the 2.30 p.m.–7 p.m. session. The band then recorded three takes, with the third one being suitable for overdubbing. They also recorded “If I Needed Someone” on that day too.
Chart Success
The single became a number-one hit in the UK and a few European countries but only reached number five in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
They released both “Rubber Soul” and “Day Tripper” on the same day. In the UK, the single managed to stay at the top for five weeks.
Originally, the stereo mixes had some noticeable errors, for example, the tambourine dropouts around the 1:50 mark. However, they corrected these errors for the 2000 compilation album, “1.”

In the 2006 album “Love,” there is a small section featuring the guitar riff from this track.
Take A Listen
Please listen to the song and consider leaving a comment below.