Tell Me Why: Beatles song.

Tell Me Why: Introduction

“Tell Me Why” is a Beatles’ song that features on their album, “A Hard Day’s Night.” In the film, also called “A Hard Day’s Night,” this song is part of the concert sequence. Indeed, this takes place at the Scala Theatre, London, on March 31, 1964. There were around 350 fans, many in hysterics, watching the Fab Four sing this song as well as 3 other songs.

  • Release Date: July 10, 1964 (UK), June 26, 1964 (US)
  • Recorded: February 27, 1964
  • Studio: EMI Studios, London
  • Genre: Rock and roll
  • Track Duration: 2:10
  • Record Label: Parlophone
  • Songwriters: Lennon-McCartney
  • Producer: George Martin
  • Engineer: Norman Smith

**John Lennon’s vocal is double-tracked in the stereo mix but single-tracked in the mono version.

You can still buy this song because it is available on the following album:

Although “Tell Me Why” had an up-tempo beat, songwriter John Lennon brushes it aside:

“They needed another upbeat song, and I just knocked it off. It was like a black-New-York girl-group song.”

John Lennon
All We Are Saying, David Sheff

John Lennon once said that the lyrics were about children whose parents had split up. Indeed, Lennon’s parents separated for good when he was only 5 years old. However, there is much ambiguity that can come from the lyrics.

Well, I gave you everything I had
But you left me sitting on my own
Did you have to treat me oh so bad?
All I do is hang my head and moan

Lennon describes the song as a throwaway song in order to fill up the album. However, Paul McCartney thought a little differently.

“I think a lot of these songs like Tell Me Why may have been based in real experiences or affairs John was having or arguments with Cynthia [Lennon’s wife] or whatever, but it never occurred to us until later to put that slant on it all.”

Paul McCartney
Many Years From Now, Barry Miles

Recording Studio

The Beatles began to record “Tell Me Why” at EMI Studios on February 27, 1964. This was in Studio 2 during the 10.00 a.m.–1.00 p.m. sessions, where there were eight takes.

John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison all sing a three-part harmony. However, on the chorus, Lennon’s lead vocal is higher than that of the other two singers. This is unusual because normally, Paul McCartney’s harmonies sit higher than the other Beatles.

The Beatles recorded another two songs during these recording sessions: “If I Fell” and “And I Love Her.”

Finally, the staff at the Beatles Fan Club think this song is excellent. In other words, we don’t agree with John Lennon. Of course, being a perfectionist, he probably knew what he was saying.

So, listen to the song and see what you think. Do you think it was “just” an album filler, or do you agree with us that it is a great song? Let us know in the comments below, or use our Beatles message board (link above).

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