Money (That’s What I Want): Introduction
“Money (That’s What I Want)” is a cover song on the 1963 album “With The Beatles.” It’s a rock and roll track from the Fab Four in their early development. Indeed, they also recorded it for their BBC Radio appearances as well.
In Detail
- Release Date: November 22, 1963
- Recorded: July 18, 1963
- Genre: Rock and roll
- Record Label: Parlophone
- Songwriters: Janie Bradford, Berry Gordy
- Producer: George Martin
- Engineer: Norman Smith
Performers And Instruments
- John Lennon: lead vocals, rhythm guitar, screaming, handclapping
- Paul McCartney: bass guitar, backing vocals, also handclapping
- George Harrison: lead guitar, backing vocals, also handclapping
- Ringo Starr: drums and handclapping
- George Martin: double-tracked piano
Where To Find “Money (That’s What I Want)”
If you want the original version of this song, buy the 1963 album or the 1964 EP.
Money (That’s What I Want): Background
Berry Gordy co-wrote (with Janie Bradford) “Money (That’s What I Want),” which became the first hit record for the Tamla label that he founded. Although Barrett Strong recorded the song in August 1959, it didn’t hit the charts until June 1960. Then, it reached number 2 in the American R&B chart and number 23 in the Billboard Top 100 charts.
Since its first appearance in the charts for the new Tamla Motown enterprise, many other artists have covered the song, including The Beatles.
The title of the song is self-explanatory, with the singer insisting that money is what he needs more than anything else.
Beatles Version
The band began recording “Money (That’s What I Want)” for the “With The Beatles” album on July 18, 1963, in Studio Two of the EMI Studios, London, during the 7.00pm–10.45pm session
They recorded seven takes that day, with overdubbing taking place on July 30 and finally on September 30 in preparation for the album release.
The Beatles sang this song so many times in the early days and it was part of their live repertoire. Indeed, it was also part of their failed Decca Records demo tape, in which John Lennon warbled a little. There is no official release of this version available, although there are bootleg copies.
On the 1995 “Anthology 1” album, there is a live version from the Karlaplansstudion in Stockholm, Sweden, from October 24th, 1963.
In the early 1960s, The Beatles would record radio shows for BBC Radio shows such as “From Us to You.” Indeed, the version on their “On Air: Live At The BBC, Volume 2” album has one of these recordings from that show on December 26, 1963.
All in all, the Fab Four recorded “Money (That’s What I Want)” six times for BBC Radio shows, including “Pop Go The Beatles.” However, we are still awaiting further releases of those.
Take A Listen
Finally, please share your thoughts below after you listen to the song.