I Want To Tell You: Introduction
“I Want To Tell You” is a Beatles’ song on the 1966 album “Revolver.” It is a George Harrison composition, and he is the singer on the recording as well.
In Detail
- Publisher: Northern Songs
- Release Date: August 5, 1966
- Recorded: June 2nd & 3rd, 1966
- Studio: EMI Studios, London
- Genre: Psychedelic rock
- Track Duration: 2:29
- Record Label: Parlophone
- Songwriter: George Harrison
- Producer: George Martin
- Engineer: Geoff Emerick
Performers And Instruments
- George Harrison: double-tracked vocal, lead guitar, handclaps
- John Lennon: harmony vocal, tambourine, handclaps
- Paul McCartney: harmony vocal, piano, bass guitar, handclaps
- Ringo Starr: drums, maracas, and handclaps
Where To Find “I Want To Tell You”
You can still buy this track on the following album:
I Want To Tell You: Background
Written and sung by George Harrison, “I Want To Tell You” was his third entry for the “Revolver” album from 1966. Obviously, Harrison was maturing as a songwriter. Because the album only contained 14 tracks, this was a huge effort from the lead guitarist. Of course, Harrison’s other two contributions to the album are “Taxman” and “Love You To.”
The inspiration for the song came from his experimentation with the hallucinogenic drug LSD in early 1966. Harrison claimed that the lyrics represent “the avalanche of thoughts that are so hard to write down, say, or transmit.” He also likened the drug-taking experience to that of “an astronaut on the moon, or in his spaceship, looking back at the Earth. I was looking back to the earth from my awareness.”
Be that as it may, the staff at the Beatles Fan Club don’t condone the taking of any form of drug. We certainly don’t recommend anyone trying any drugs, even if their heroes once did!
Recording Studio
The Beatles began recording “I Want To Tell You” on June 2, 1966, in Studio Two at the EMI Studios, London, during the 7.00 p.m.–3.30 a.m. session. There were two working titles for the song: “Laxton’s Superb” and “I Don’t Know.”
Indeed, John Lennon once jokingly named it “Granny Smith Part Friggin’ Two.” Granny Smith is a type of apple, and when Geoff Emerick heard Lennon say this, he came up with “Laxton’s Superb” (another variety of apple).
Whether this was also a reference to Paul McCartney’s Granny Songs is not clear. However, if it was, then we can only assume that he was having a dig at George Harrison!
The band recorded five tracks that day, with the better copy being take three. Indeed, that was suitable for the rhythm track and overdubs. Overdubbing included Harrison’s lead vocals together with backing vocals from Lennon and McCartney.
Then there were the percussion parts to add, such as the tambourine, the maracas, handclaps, and a little more piano. On the next day, they overdubbed McCartney’s bass guitar piece because on the rhythm track he played the piano.
“I Want To Tell You” sits between “Doctor Robert” and “Got To Get You Into My Life” on the 1966 album “Revolver.”
Take A Listen
Finally, listen to the song and leave a comment below.
