I'll Be Back
In April 1961, Del Shannon had a hit in the UK with his song Runaway...
John Lennon was inspired by Runaway and while on vacation in Tahiti wrote I'll Be Back based on the chords Del Shannon used. Bill Harry wrote: "He just reworked the chords of the Shannon number and came up with a completely different song."
The Beatles recorded I'll Be Back in 16 takes at EMI Studios on 1 June 1964. Although John wrote the song in 4/4 time, George Martin suggested that they record it in 6/8 waltz time...
The vocals were difficult for them to sing in 6/8 time and Ringo was having a difficult time drumming. They went back and did the final takes in 4/4 time which is how the song was released.
The Beatles never performed I'll Be Back in any of their concert tours.
Personnel:
John Lennon – double-tracked vocal, acoustic rhythm guitar (Gibson J-160E)
Paul McCartney – harmony vocal, Hofner 500/1 bass guitar
George Harrison – harmony vocal, Ramirez classical acoustic guitar, Gibson J-160E acoustic guitar
Ringo Starr – drums