I Just Don’t Understand: Introduction
“I Just Don’t Understand” is a Fab Four song from one of The Beatles’ BBC Radio recordings. Therefore, the song is on their 1994 album, “Live At The BBC.”
In Detail
- Release Date: November 30, 1994
- Recorded: July 16, 1963
- BBC Radio Show: Pop Go the Beatles
- Genre: Rock
- Track Duration: 2:47
- Label: Apple
- Songwriters: Marijohn Wilkin and Kent Westberry
- Producer: Terry Henebery
Performers And Instruments
- John Lennon: vocals and rhythm guitar
- Paul McCartney: backing vocals and bass guitar
- George Harrison: backing vocals and lead guitar
- Ringo Starr: drums
Where To Find “I Just Don’t Understand”
You can still buy this track on the following album:
I Just Don’t Understand: Background
In 1961, Ann-Margret released her first single, “I Just Don’t Understand,” which reached number 17 on the American Billboard Hot 100 charts. Born in 1941, Ann-Margret Olsson is a successful Swedish-born American actress, singer, and dancer who has continued with her career right up to this day.
Her bluesy rock song is also one of the first to feature a fuzz-tone guitar. Together with her provocative tones, the lyrics are very seductive. Since the song features a prominent harmonica throughout, perhaps this drew the attention of John Lennon. However, when The Beatles sang it, they didn’t make use of a mouth organ. How bizarre, considering the time period!
During the late 1950s and early 1960s, The Beatles would cover many songs from various artists. Indeed, they were masters at covering the more obscure songs too. This obviously allowed them to find their way in their chosen career and develop a style of their own.
Recording Studio
During the early 1960s, The Beatles would often appear on BBC Radio, singing songs they never actually released themselves.
The Fab Four recorded “I Just Don’t Understand” on July 16, 1963, at the BBC Paris Studio in London. This was for their “Pop Go The Beatles” radio show airing on August 20 that year. With John Lennon singing, Paul McCartney and George Harrison join in with the backing vocals, “Ooooh.” Ringo Starr is on the drums, of course.
This song appears on The Beatles’ 1994 album, “Live At The BBC,” where it sits between “Glad All Over” and “So How Come (No One Loves Me).” It is a clear recording, and certainly one that they put their heart into.
Take A Listen
Finally, have a listen and leave a thought below after you hear the recording.
