She’s A Woman: Introduction

“She’s A Woman” is not on any of the original 12 Beatles’ albums. This is because it was the B-side to the 1964 single “I Feel Fine.” However, it does appear on some compilation albums. The song also features in their 1965 film, Help!

In Detail

• Release Date: November 23, 1964
• Format: 7-inch single (B-side) (A-side being “I Feel Fine”), later on compilation albums, of course
• Recorded: October 8, 1964
• Studio: EMI Studios, London
• Genre: Rock and roll, pop rock, rhythm and blues
• Track Duration: 3:03 (single)
• Label: Parlophone (UK)
• Songwriters: Lennon-McCartney
• Producer: George Martin
• Engineer: Norman Smith

Performers And Instruments

• Paul McCartney: vocal, also the bass guitar
• John Lennon: rhythm guitar
• George Harrison: double-tracked lead/rhythm guitar
• Ringo Starr: drums, chocalho
• George Martin: piano

Where To Find “She’s A Woman”

You can easily still buy this song because it features on the following releases:

**If you wish to purchase the original version of the song, go for the single or the Past Masters album.

She’s A Woman: Background

Paul McCartney wrote most of the song, but obviously credit goes to Lennon-McCartney. This song was Paul’s attempt to sing in the style of Little Richard. However, this gave the song a unique feel to it. Indeed, Paul McCartney provides the melody vocals, supported by a countermelody through his bass and backing piano. Also driving the song are the backbeat chords coming from John Lennon’s guitar.

The song is almost lacking Ringo Starr’s bass kick due to the compression in the final mix, possibly partly due to the oversaturation of Paul’s bass guitar work. But, even though the drum beat on this one is slightly shallow due to the mixing process, this is a fine song that could easily have been the A-side.

The song was on the last Beatles’ single in 1964, but it may have received a ban had the censors picked up the reference to drugs.

During a meeting with Bob Dylan in August 1964, they had their first introduction to cannabis. The 1960s had so many songs with a reference to drugs, of course. However, this might just be the first hint of drugs in a Beatles’ song.

“That’s Paul with some contribution from me on lines, probably. We put in the words ‘turns me on’. We were so excited to say ‘turn me on’—you know, about marijuana and all that, using it as an expression.”

John Lennon, 1980
All We Are Saying, David Sheff

In 1965, The Beatles would use this song as part of their live gigs.

Help! Movie

We also get to hear “She’s A Woman” in the 1965 Beatles’ film Help! However, the song comes from a tape machine underground. This is while the cult members attempt to create an explosion to try to get back the sacrificial ring. Above ground, The Beatles are recording “The Night Before” under the protection of the British Army.

Recording Studio

The Beatles began recording “She’s A Woman” on October 8, 1964. This was in Studio Two at the EMI Studios in London (2.30pm–6.00pm session), where the band recorded 7 takes. From those, take 7 was suitable to become the main track for overdubbing.

She’s A Woman: Chart Success

Although this was a B-side, it was part of a single that went to number one in the UK with “I Feel Fine” as the A-side. In fact, it reached number one in most countries where it was released.

In America, this song became the band’s 11th top-ten hit in 1964. This was a record (most top ten hits in a calendar year) that would last until 2018, when “Drake” broke that record.

Take A Listen

Finally, give the track another spin and see if you can pick up some other features of the song. Then, take a little time to leave us your thoughts below.