Song Of The Week - I'm Looking Through You

[nimrod]

I'm looking through you, where did you go
I thought I knew you, what did I know
You don't look different, but you have changed
I'm looking through you, you're not the same

Your lips are moving, I cannot hear
Your voice is soothing, but the words aren't clear
You don't sound different, I've learned the game.
I'm looking through you, you're not the same

Why, tell me why, did you not treat me right?
Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight

You're thinking of me, the same old way
You were above me, but not today
The only difference is you're down there
I'm looking through you, and you're nowhere

Why, tell me why, did you not treat me right?
Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight

I'm looking through you, where did you go
I thought I knew you, what did I know
You don't look different, but you have changed
I'm looking through you, you're not the same

Yeah! Oh baby you changed!
Aah! I'm looking through you!
Yeah! I'm looking through you!
You've changed, you've changed, you've changed, you've changed, yes you've changed!



"I'm Looking Through You" is a Lennon–McCartney song, written by Paul McCartney, that first appeared on the Beatles' 1965 album Rubber Soul.
It was written about Jane Asher, McCartney's girlfriend for five years, "You don't look different, but you have changed," the lyrics declare, reflecting his dissatisfaction with her and their relationship. The lyrics also reference his changing emotional state, "Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight".

A number of McCartney's songs of this time, including We Can Work It Out and You Won't See Me, were based upon his relationship with Asher.

'As is one's wont in relationships, you will from time to time argue or not see eye to eye on things, and a couple of the songs around this period were that kind of thing. This one I remember particularly as me being disillusioned over her commitment. She went down to the Bristol Old Vic quite a lot around this time. Suffice to say that this one was probably related to that romantic episode and I was seeing through her façade. And realising that it wasn't quite all that it seemed. I would write it out in a song and then I've got rid of the emotion. I don't hold grudges so that gets rid of that little bit of emotional baggage. I remember specifically this one being about that, getting rid of some emotional baggage. 'I'm looking through you, and you're not there!'
Paul McCartney
Many Years From Now, Barry Miles

In his 1968 authorised biography of The Beatles, Hunter Davies recorded McCartney's thoughts while he and Asher were still together. McCartney alluded to the fact that he found it hard to commit to one person, though acknowledged that his harsh words in song were inspired by hurt.

'My whole existence for so long centred around a bachelor life. I didn't treat women as most people do. I've always had a lot around, even when I've had a steady girl. My life generally has always been very lax, and not normal.

I knew it was selfish. It caused a few rows. Jane left me once and went off to Bristol to act. I said OK then, leave, I'll find someone else. It was shattering to be without her.'

Paul McCartney
The Beatles, Hunter Davies


Personnel

Paul McCartney – double-tracked vocal, bass guitar
John Lennon – harmony vocal, acoustic rhythm guitar
George Harrison – electric guitar
Ringo Starr – drums, tambourine, Hammond organ

Personnel per Ian MacDonald

[Hombre_de_ningun_lugar]

One of the first anti-love songs by the Beatles along with "You Won't See Me", after previous works by the Zombies ("She's Not There"; "Leave Me Be"; "Tell Her No") and the Byrds ("I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better"). It's a very enjoyable song, I remember loving it the first time I listened to Rubber Soul; other songs from the album with higher merits required a little more time to reach me.

[Normandie]

I wasn't aware that Paul authored this song; if I had to guess, I would've guessed John.

I love this song and, in my extreme bitterness, have listened to it a lot in the past 18 months. Love the line "Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight."

[Bobber]

Even stronger: it's a Paul solo effort.
Sorry Barry, couldn't resist that.

[Hombre_de_ningun_lugar]

Even stronger: it's a Paul solo effort.

With Ringo on Hammond organ... (I can hear it!)

[Hello Goodbye]

Even stronger: it's a Paul solo effort.
Sorry Barry, couldn't resist that.

You and I have felt this way for quite a while, Cor.

[Hello Goodbye]

With Ringo on Hammond organ... (I can hear it!)

Paul on Hammond organ...

[Hello Goodbye]

I love this song and, in my extreme bitterness, have listened to it a lot in the past 18 months. Love the line "Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight."

Forget the "why, tell me whys," Kathy.  This is the stronger version...


I'm Looking Through You // Anthology 2 // Disc 1 // Track 15 (Stereo)

[Hello Goodbye]

^

I wonder if Jane heard that version!

Here in the United States, we heard this song on the Capitol Rubber Soul LP with Paul's acoustic guitar count-in...


The Beatles - I'm Looking Through You - False Start (Vinyl)

[KelMar]

Love the line "Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight."

Indeed it does. "I thought I knew you; what did I know?" is sadly true too.

[tkitna]

I just listened to this song again to see what I thought, and I really enjoyed it. I sometimes get sick of it or tire of it easily, but it was refreshing to hear it again. I havent listened to the Beatles in a long time. Pauls voice is awesome on this tune. I really like it.

[Hello Goodbye]

I just listened to this song again to see what I thought, and I really enjoyed it. I sometimes get sick of it or tire of it easily, but it was refreshing to hear it again. I havent listened to the Beatles in a long time. Pauls voice is awesome on this tune. I really like it.

He does sound good, doesn't he?  Double-tracked and all.

Have a good Thanksgiving, Todd.

[Hello Goodbye]

Personnel

Paul McCartney – double-tracked vocal, bass guitar
John Lennon – harmony vocal, acoustic rhythm guitar
George Harrison – electric guitar
Ringo Starr – drums, tambourine, Hammond organ

Personnel per Ian MacDonald

What did he know?!

[Hello Goodbye]

Live...


Paul McCartney - I'm Looking Through You - Philadelphia 2010 .MP4

[nimrod]

I like th Anthology version Baz, Paul seems to sing better on it, Im not keen however on the bits that turn into a Blues progression with the  pretty horrible guitar solo's, I guess they were just playing this until a middle 8 was written.............I must say the verses with the different beat emphasis (than the LP version) are interesting........... but I prefer the 'finished' version