Every Little Thing: Introduction
“Every Little Thing” is a Fab Four song that is also on their 1964 album, “Beatles For Sale.”
In Detail
- Publisher: Northern Songs
- Release Date: December 4, 1964 (UK), June 14, 1965 (US)
- Recorded: September 29 & 30, 1964
- Studio: EMI Studios, London
- Genre: Rock
- Track Duration: 2:01
- Record Label: Parlophone
- Songwriters: Lennon-McCartney
- Producer: George Martin
Performers And Instruments
- John Lennon: double-tracked vocal, acoustic guitar
- Paul McCartney: harmony vocal, bass guitar, piano
- George Harrison: double-tracked lead guitar
- Ringo Starr: drums, timpani
Where To Find “Every Little Thing”
It is still possible to buy this song on the following album:
Every Little Thing: Background
Written by Paul McCartney, the credit for the song goes to the Lennon-McCartney partnership, of course. The song is unusual in that Lennon takes the lead vocal part while McCartney provides the backing vocal. Indeed, this is a rare example where one of the prolific songwriting team composed for the other to sing.
There’s been a little confusion as to where he wrote the song, but it’s more likely that he started writing it at Jane Asher’s parents’ house. However, there are suggestions that he finished it while on tour in America. The confusion came about because, in 1964, he says he wrote it at Jane Asher’s home. Then, in another interview, he says:
“John and I got this one written in Atlantic City during our last tour of the States. John does the guitar riff for this one, and George is on acoustic. Ringo bashes some timpani drums for the big noises you hear.”
Paul McCartney
The Beatles Off The Record, Keith Badman
Be that as it may, the Fab Four were about as busy as you could get in those days. So, it’s not surprising that some finer details disappear from the radar.
Generally speaking, this is a tender love song, possibly with his girlfriend in mind. However, as we know, John Lennon is the more dominant singer!
Recording Studio
The Beatles began recording “Every Little Thing” on September 29th, 1964, in Studio Two at the EMI Studios, London, during the 2.30pm–6.30pm session. They recorded 4 takes that day, but there were a further five takes the next day. The Fab Four obviously had a fun day then.
“Take six was aborted when Paul burped a vocal instead of singing it; take seven was complete but ended in uproarious laughter. And Ringo was having fun with an instrument new to Beatles recordings, [a] timpani. This appeared for the first time on take nine, along with the guitar intro and piano piece.”
Mark Lewisohn
The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions
On the 29th, they also recorded “I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party” (takes 1–19) and “What You’re Doing” (takes 1–7). Meanwhile, on the 30th, they recorded “What You’re Doing” (takes 8–12) and “No Reply” (takes 2–8).
“Every Little Thing” comes after track 3, “Honey Don’t” and before “I Don’t Want To Spoil The Party” on “Beatles For Sale.”
Take A Listen
Finally, leave a comment when you hear the song.