Hold Me Tight: Introduction
“Hold Me Tight” is a Fab Four song from their 1963 album, “With The Beatles.”
In Detail
- Release Date: November 22, 1963
- Recorded: February 11, September 12, 1963
- Genre: Rock and roll
- Track Duration: 2:32
- Record Label: Parlophone
- Songwriters: Lennon-McCartney
- Producer: George Martin
- Engineer: Norman Smith
Performers And Instruments
- Paul McCartney: vocal, bass, handclaps
- John Lennon: harmony vocal, rhythm guitar, handclaps
- George Harrison: backing vocals, lead guitar, handclaps
- Ringo Starr: drums, handclaps
Where To Find “Hold Me Tight”
You can still buy this song on the following album:
Hold Me Tight: Background
Written mostly by Paul McCartney in 1961, the credits go to Lennon-McCartney, of course. Although the band was not too keen on this song, it was part of their live stage act until 1963.
“That was Paul’s. Maybe I stuck some bits in there—I don’t remember. It was a pretty poor song, and I was never really interested in it either way.”
John Lennon
All We Are Saying, David Sheff
“When we first started, it was all singles, and we were always trying to write singles. That’s why you get lots of these two-minute, 30-second songs; they all came out the same length. Hold Me Tight was a failed attempt at a single, which then became an acceptable album filler.”
Paul McCartney
Many Years From Now, Barry Miles
On the actual recording, there is a hint of Paul McCartney being out of tune, while it is evident there is also a lack of bass. If they valued the song and put in a little more effort, this track would have been more than just a filler song. It’s tuneful and certainly catchy, so well worth its place on the “With The Beatles” album from 1963.
Recording Studio
On February 11, 1963, The Beatles recorded “Hold Me Tight” as well as 10 tracks for their debut album, “Please Please Me.” Although they recorded 13 takes that day, none of those survived that recording session.
This is because they didn’t need the song, not as a result of destroying the takes after creating a final mix. Besides, by now they had stopped those practices, which were the norm the year before.
On September 12, the band was looking for material for their second album, “With The Beatles.” This is when the band recorded “Hold Me Tight” for a second time during the 2.30 pm–6.30 pm session. They recorded nine takes (numbered 20–29), with the master take being a blend of takes 26 and 29. They then varispeeded it up a semitone to F major.
Take A Listen
Finally, leave us your thoughts below about this song.
