Wait: Introduction

“Wait” is a Beatles’ song from their 1965 album, “Rubber Soul.” The intention was to add this song to their album “Help!” But that idea came to nothing when they were compiling that soundtrack album because that album had enough tracks. However, space became available on their next album, which was “Rubber Soul,” and the song was ideal for that.

In Detail

Publisher: Northern Songs
Release Date: December 3, 1965 (UK), December 6, 1965 (US)
Recorded: June 17 and November 11, 1965
Studio: EMI Studios, London
Genre: Folk rock
Track Duration: 2:16
Record Label: Parlophone
Songwriters: Lennon-McCartney
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Norman Smith

Performers And Instruments

John Lennon: double-tracked vocal, rhythm guitar
Paul McCartney: double-tracked vocal, bass guitar
George Harrison: lead guitar
Ringo Starr: drums, maracas, tambourine

Where To Find “Wait”

You can still buy this song on this album. Click on the image to see the other songs it contains.

Rubber Soul (1965)

Wait: Background

Paul McCartney claims that the song “Wait” is entirely his, although, as ever, the songwriters credit Lennon-McCartney. In fact, Paul states this in his official biography, “Many Years from Now” (1997). John Lennon also says, in an interview with Ray Connolly in 1970, “That must be one of Paul’s.”

“Wait” is obviously a song about the anxieties of Paul being away from home and away from his girlfriend.

I feel as though you ought to know
That I've been good, as good as I can be
And if you do, I'll trust in you
And know that you will wait for me

Recording Studio

The Beatles recorded “Wait” at the famous EMI Studios in London on June 17, 1965. There were only four takes, but the first three were incomplete. Their original intention was to include the song on the latest album, Help! However, that album was full, and this track was deemed unsuitable anyway. So, they mothballed the track for a while.

On November 11, 1965, they dusted down the song in preparation for its inclusion on the “Rubber Soul” album. In order to allow some continuity and help it blend in with the new album, they overdubbed the track with more instruments and vocals. Indeed, by adding George Harrison’s tone pedal guitar, it gave the song a new dimension too.

Take A Listen

Now let us listen to the song again, but if you have never heard it, give it a go. Then, leave your thoughts about it below. You can also use the Beatles Forum (link above).