I’ll Cry Instead: Introduction
“I’ll Cry Instead” is a Beatles’ song from their 1964 album, “A Hard Day’s Night.”
In Detail
- Release Date: July 10, 1964 (UK), July 20, 1964 (US (single))
- Recorded: June 1, 1964
- Studio: EMI Studios, London
- Genre: Rock and roll, country
- Track Duration: 2:09
- Record Label: Parlophone (UK), Capitol (US)
- Songwriters: Lennon-McCartney
- Producer: George Martin
- Engineer: Norman Smith
Performers And Instruments
- John Lennon: double-tracked vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar
- Paul McCartney: bass guitar
- George Harrison: lead guitar
- Ringo Starr: drums, tambourine
Where To Find “I’ll Cry Instead”
You can still buy this track on the following album:
I’ll Cry Instead: Background
John Lennon wrote the song, but credits go to Lennon-McCartney, of course. This song was to be for the “break-out” sequence in the film “A Hard Day’s Night.” This is the part of the film where The Beatles break free from their manager, and after Ringo Starr opens the fire doors, he shouts “we’re out”.
That (overdubbed) announcement from Starr sees the Fab Four leave through the fire escape and play on the adjoining sports field. Richard Lester, the film director, replaced “I’ll Cry Instead” for “Can’t Buy Me Love” which was a far better choice.
“I wrote that for A Hard Day’s Night, but Dick Lester didn’t even want it. He resurrected Can’t Buy Me Love for that sequence instead. I like the middle eight to that song, though—that’s about all I can say about it.”
John Lennon
All We Are Saying, David Sheff
On balance, it’s difficult to imagine The Beatles strutting their stuff on the sports field to “I’ll Cry Instead.” So, the director got it right on this occasion. Indeed, this rock and roll/country song never actually appeared in the film at all.
Chip On John Lennon’s Shoulder
Lennon explained later that the line in the song, “I’ve got a chip on my shoulder that’s bigger than my feet,” was an accurate indication of his feelings at the time. His wife also confirms this:
“It reflects the frustration he [John Lennon] felt at that time. He was the idol of millions, but the freedom and fun of the early days had gone.”
Cynthia Lennon
Those frustrations that Lennon had at the time didn’t prevent him from being creative; on the contrary, he was able to put it all down in song.
Recording Studio
The Beatles began recording “I’ll Cry Instead” on June 1, 1964, in Studio Two of the EMI Studios, London, during the 2.30 p.m.–5.30 p.m. session. They recorded the song in two sections, A & B, taking 1-6 and 7-8 respectfully. They did this so that they could match the song to the film sequence.
The final mix took place on June 4 in order to join the two takes together. As a result, “I’ll Cry Instead” sits between “Any Time At All” and “Things We Said Today” on the album.
Take A Listen
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