“I Want to Tell You” – A Harrison Composition (1966)
- Composition Credits: George Harrison
- Recording Dates: 20, 21, 22 April; 21 June 1966
- Producer: George Martin
- Recording Engineer: Geoff Emerick
- Release Dates: 5 August 1966 (UK), 8 August 1966 (US)
- Available on:
- Album: Revolver
- Compilation: Anthology 2
- Personnel:
- George Harrison: Vocals, Lead Guitar
- John Lennon: Backing Vocals
- Paul McCartney: Backing Vocals, Lead Guitar, Bass
- Ringo Starr: Drums, Tambourine, Cowbell
About The Song
“Paperback Writer” is a song by the English rock band the Beatles. Written primarily by Paul McCartney and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership, the song was released as the A-side of their eleventh single in May 1966. It topped singles charts in the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, West Germany, Australia, New Zealand and Norway. On the US Billboard Hot 100, the song was at number one for two non-consecutive weeks, being interrupted by Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night”.
The song was inspired by a challenge from McCartney’s Aunt Lil, who asked him to write a song about something other than love. McCartney based the lyrics on a newspaper article he had read about a struggling author. The song’s narrator is a “monster paperback writer” who can “make and change you”.
“Paperback Writer” is a rock song with a distorted guitar riff and a driving beat. It was one of the first songs to be recorded using a fuzzbox pedal, which gave the guitar a distorted sound. The song also features a prominent brass section and a catchy chorus.
The song was released as a single on 16 May 1966, with the B-side “Rain”. It reached number one in the UK Singles Chart on 26 May and stayed there for two weeks. In the US, the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on 11 June and stayed there for two weeks.
“Paperback Writer” was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative sound and its catchy lyrics. The song was also a hit with fans, and it remains one of the Beatles’ most popular songs.
The song was performed live by the Beatles during their final tour in 1966. It has also been covered by many other artists, including David Bowie, Elvis Costello, and the Ramones.
“Paperback Writer” is a classic example of the Beatles’ versatility and innovation. It is a song that is both catchy and meaningful, and it remains one of their most popular songs to this day.