John Lennon’s sharp, country-tinged “I’ll Cry Instead” from A Hard Day’s Night packs more behind its brisk tempo than first meets the ear. We trace the song’s unusual recording. It was split into two sections for a planned film scene that never happened, and the sting of its rejection from the movie in favor of “Can’t Buy Me Love.” You’ll hear about Lennon’s doubled vocals, Ringo’s tambourine overdub, and the curious U.S. mono mix with an extra verse. We explore the Dylan-esque wordplay, flashes of bitterness, and the mix of bravado and vulnerability in Lennon’s lyrics. Plus, two standout contemporary covers show why this track marks an early step toward Lennon’s more mature, introspective songwriting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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LS060 - I'll Cry Instead - Lecture Series (bonus)
I’ll Cry Instead turns on one small word: instead. The verses stake out a simple, driving premise: “I want to do X, but I can’t, so I’ll cry instead”. And every section reinforces that core. The middle eight shifts the lens: the speaker is ashamed of public sadness, hides away, then promises a future return, which recontextualizes the final verse from immediate reaction to deferred bravado. Lyrically, the song balances ambiguity (“have myself locked up” as jail, isolation, or breakdown), a Dylan-like hyperbole (“chip on my shoulder that’s bigger than my feet”), and flashes of vindictive posturing that raise thornier questions about attitude and tone. Musically, it sits in G with a “seesaw” backbone and country-flavored guitar motion, buoyant bass, tambourine texture, and Lennon’s signature minor-over-major inflections, even clashing against a C7 to prioritize melody. The bridge sequences motives, briefly feels D-centered, then pivots back before a clean, unfussy ending that suits a fast studio date. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EP059 - Any Time At All
What happens when a Beatles deep cut reveals more than you ever expected? In this episode, we dive into "Any Time At All"—a song John Lennon once called a rewrite of “It Won’t Be Long,” but that reveals itself to be something far deeper. We unravel the mystery of a scrapped middle eight, dissect lost verses from a rare lyric sheet, and uncover what may be Lennon’s first true “friendship” song—an empathetic anthem as intimate as it is explosive. From studio experiments to emotional authenticity, from fight songs to friendship, this track becomes a turning point in how The Beatles connect with their audience. Plus: piano capos, White Elephants, and our theory that John meant every single word. Whether you love A Hard Day’s Night or are just discovering its hidden corners, this is a revealing ride into Beatles songwriting at a pivotal moment. As always, we end with our honest impressions and a surprising rating. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:49:30
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1:49:30
LS059 - Any Time At All - Lecture Series (bonus)
In this lecture, we dive deep into John Lennon’s Any Time At All, one of the standout tracks from A Hard Day’s Night. While the lyrics appear simple—a declaration of friendship, comfort, and unconditional presence—closer analysis reveals how Lennon builds meaning through reinforcement and musical setting. We explore how the song begins with an attention-grabbing snare hit, how its verses balance descending bass lines against rising vocal lines, and how subtle counterpoint gives the track a sophistication often overlooked in pop music. Along the way, we examine Lennon’s use of dropped verses and a missing middle eight, and how Paul’s piano part and George’s guitar suspensions shape the arrangement. From the function of the refrain to the bluesy touches in the coda, this lecture unpacks the technical and emotional details that make Any Time At All more than just another early Beatles love song. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EP058 - Tell Me Why ft. Lars (larsland)
Was “Tell Me Why” just a filler track—or something deeper? On this week’s episode of The Beatles: Note for Note, we welcome special guest Lars (of the YouTube channel larsland) to unpack the vocal layers, gender dynamics, and unspoken angst of this under-discussed Lennon rocker. We dig into the harmonies, that strange falsetto bridge, and the song’s girl-group inspiration, then detour into a storytime on Dave Dexter Jr.—the Capitol Records exec who almost kept the Beatles out of America. It's part musicology, part media critique, and full Beatles nerd-dom. And yes, we rate the song. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join former bandmates and lifelong friends Peter and Kenyon as they dive deep into the legendary discography of The Beatles in "The Beatles: Note by Note." With decades of friendship and a shared passion for music, these lifelong Beatles fans meticulously analyze each Beatles song in chronological order of release. Blending historical context with personal anecdotes and technical insights, Peter and Kenyon's discussions are enriched by their background as musicians. From their humble beginnings to their rise as music icons, explore how The Beatles' songs were crafted, recorded, and how they transformed the music industry. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to The Beatles' music, "The Beatles: Note by Note" offers a comprehensive and definitive journey through the catalog of one of the greatest bands of all time. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone seeking an in-depth, authoritative exploration of The Beatles' musical legacy.For more information, visit https://www.notebynoteseries.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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