Like Dreamers Do: Introduction
“Like Dreamers Do” is one of The Beatles’ recordings for their unsuccessful Decca auditions in 1962. However, we can all hear this track now on their Anthology 1 album from 1995. Of course, at this stage, Ringo Starr was not a member of The Beatles. So, Pete Best was on the drums.
In Detail
- Release Date: November 20, 1995
- Recorded: January 1, 1962
- Studio: Decca Studios (mono)
- Genre: Rock, Merseybeat
- Track Duration: 2:36
- Record Label: Decca
- Songwriters: Lennon-McCartney
- Producer: Mike Smith
Performers And Instruments
- Paul McCartney: vocals and bass guitar
- John Lennon: guitar
- George Harrison: guitar
- Pete Best: drums
Where To Find “Like Dreamers Do”
You can still buy this track on the following album:
Like Dreamers Do: Background
This is another early Beatles’ composition from Paul McCartney around 1959, or possibly a little earlier. We certainly know that The Quarrymen sang “Like Dreamers Do,” so this gives an indication of the year. They also sang the song at the Cavern Club and at various other gigs.
“Like Dreamers Do was one of the very first songs I wrote and tried out at the Cavern [Club]. We did a weak arrangement, but certain of the kids liked it because it was unique; none of the other groups did it. It was actually a bit of a joke to try your own songs.
For you to write it yourself was a bit plonky, and the songs obviously weren’t that great, but I felt we really had to break through that barrier because if we never tried our own songs, we’d just never have the confidence to continue writing.”
Paul McCartney
Many Years From Now, Barry Miles
On New Year’s Day 1962, The Beatles recorded this song for their failed Decca Records audition tape. Decca rejected The Beatles for Brian Poole and the Tremeloes, a decision that would be one of the worst blunders in recording history. That is not to detract anything from Brian Poole and the Tremeloes; on the contrary, they are responsible for some of the better songs from the 1960s.
The Beatles’ Decca audition version, complete with Pete Best on drums, is now available on their 1995 album, “Anthology 1.” Just how Decca could reject such talent is a mystery; obviously, in hindsight, it’s easy to say this. However, even if you are not too much of a Beatles fan, you can hear the talent-in-waiting here.
The Applejacks’ Version
Although The Beatles would use “Like Dreamers Do” as part of their live repertoire, it soon faded. However, another British group from Birmingham took up the offer to record it commercially. Indeed, The Applejacks released a single version of it on June 5, 1964, and it got to number 20 in the UK charts. They had a hit a few months earlier with “Tell Me When,” of course.
This is one of those songs that The Fab Four “gave away,” but there are many others.
Take A Listen
Finally, here is the song. Have a listen to it, and then leave your thoughts below. For example, do you think the Decca audition frightened them off this one? Indeed, should they have gone on to develop the song further?
