The Beatles – Ask Me Why

The Beatles – Ask Me Why (Copyright 1963 EMI Records) “Ask Me Why” is a song by The Beatles originally released in the United Kingdom as the B-side of their hit single “Please Please Me”. It was also included on their first UK album, Please Please Me. Written in early 1962, “Ask Me Why” is principally a John Lennon composition but was credited to Paul McCartney and John Lennon, as were all other Lennon/McCartney originals on the first pressings of Please Please Me album. It was part of their live act prior to their recording contract, and was one of the songs performed at their Parlophone audition in Abbey Road’s studio three on 6 June 1962. The song emulates in style that of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, by whom Lennon was influenced, and draws its opening guitar phrase from the Miracles’ “What’s So Good About Goodbye” (1961) “Ask Me Why” was originally recorded at Abbey Road studios on 6 June 1962 with an unknown number of takes as part of The Beatles’ EMI audition. The two quarter-inch tape reels from that session were later destroyed by EMI. It was recorded again on 26 November 1962, the same day The Beatles rehearsed “Tip of My Tongue”, another Lennon and McCartney song which, along with “Ask Me Why”, was also being considered for the B-side of the “Please Please Me” single. However, George Martin felt that “Tip of My Tongue” still needed some work, and it was eventually given to Tommy Quickly to record. * John Lennon — vocal, rhythm guitar * Paul McCartney …