Ask Me Why

Album: Please Please Me (1963)
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Songfacts®:

  • "Ask Me Why" is a very formulaic love song, but it's one of the first songs John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote together, and the first of their compositions that they recorded. According to McCartney, the very first song they wrote together was a song called "Just Fun," which McCartney played for the first time on October 2, 2021 for the BBC.
  • This was released as the B-side to "Please Please Me," which was the Beatles first US single.
  • The Beatles performed at one of their early auditions for Parlophone Records when Pete Best was still their drummer. No copy of this recording exists.
  • A copy of the promotional single given to disk jockeys in 1964 is now a collector's item worth at least $10,000.

Comments: 16

  • Tommy from Cedar Hill, TxFormulaic? No way, this song is one of the most creative early love songs in the Beatles catalogue. The harmony is very dreamy, and the way they weave in and out behind John’s lead vocal, sometimes harmonizing on the lead line and sometimes singing background oohs, is brilliant. This is one of my favorite melodies from John, the E augmented leading into the bridge is such a magical chord that grabbed me from the first time I ever heard this song. This is one of my favorites of the entire Beatles catalog honestly
  • Mike from Cincinnat, OhI love this song. Probably my favorite Beatles song, and there are tons of great ones...
  • John from Des Moines , IaMy Favorite Beatles Song!
  • Sam from Hipsville, Ca-nn,Atlanta-------I agree, the song is not only underrated, but maybe hugely overlooked as well. When most people think of Beatles, the major hits come to mind right away. This one's a great little number and shows their creativity in song writing very early on.
  • Linc from Beaumont, TxThere is a certain almost Flamenco/Spanish guitar sound to several of the early Beatles' songs. I think this is responsible for the dreamy element along with the tritone chord structure at third and seven.
  • Michael from Ponce, Puerto Rico, OtherNice love song from the early years... I love it!
  • George from Belleville, NjA beautiful gem from the early years,this song has a strong melody with a dreamy sound to it.A great love song
  • Lucyinthesky from Philadelphia, PaThis song was recorded a few years before I was even born but I love it like I love all of The Beatles songs and albums! The melody is so beautiful and John's singing and voice is beautiful as usual as well!
  • Brian from Sydney, CanadaThis song is in the format of "There's A Place". Many of these early songs were written when Lennon and McCartney were still learning their craft. Besides the fact that in 1963 their was tour pressure, radio etc. Furthermore, at some points in the calendar new albums and singles were on demand from John and Paul. They found out the secret of all the great songwriters (Spector, Dylan, Goffin & King, Brian Wilson, Neil Diamond etc)-the "formula" song. In other words, the art of writing a song as if it is like 'painting by numbers', which is how they (at least Lennon did, and McCartney did discuss a pattern) described it.
  • Michelle from Antigonish, CanadaSylvia, You seem to be really interested in the Beatles, I've noticed you've commented on quiet of few songs, we should talk ;) Beatle Fans Forever!!
  • Sylvia from London, EnglandLike the guitar. Nice song.
  • Gussy from New Delhi , IndiaThis song has great chord changes --inspiring many a guitar player.
  • Jordan from Wimette, IlI always get this song and 'There's A Place' mixed up.
  • Barry from New York, NcThis is one of the few Beatles originals that can be found on the infamous LP: THE BEATLES LIVE AT THE STAR CLUB IN HAMBURG GERMANY 1962.
  • Nessie from Sapporo, JapanNN, I agree. A good one with a fine 50's feel. That augmented E gets me every time.
  • Nn from Atlanta , GaThis song is underrated.
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