Released 10 July 1964 Length 2:10 Writer(s) Lennon–McCartney | Genre Rock and roll Label Parlophone | |
Recorded 27 February 1964,
EMI Studios, London | ||
"Tell Me Why" is a song by English rock band the Beatles from their album A Hard Day's Night. In North America, it was released on both the American version of A Hard Day's Night and the album Something New. Credited to Lennon–McCartney, it was written by John Lennon in either Paris or New York City and recorded in eight takes on 27 February 1964.
Contents
Background
Paul McCartney said:
Lennon described the song as resembling "a black New York girl-group song". Its basic structure of simple doo-wop chord changes and block harmonies over a walking bass line "creates an illusion of sincerity through its sheer attack."
"Tell Me Why" was performed in the Beatles' debut feature film, A Hard Day's Night. The song was part of the 'studio performance' sequence, which was filmed at the Scala Theatre, London, on 31 March 1964.
The song is in the key of D major. John, Paul, and George sing a three-part harmony. Unusually, Paul sings a lower harmony to John's lead during the chorus.
Releases
Personnel
Lennon's vocal is double-tracked in the stereo version, but single-tracked in the mono mix.