“Ask Me Why” is the 4th entry in my series on The Beatles Original Songs. It was originally released as the b-side to their second single (and first #1 hit), “Please Please Me,” and then included on the Please Please Me album.

This song has definitely never been among my favorites. In fact, to me it ranks down at the bottom of the Lennon/McCartney songbook. It sounds very “by the numbers” both lyrically and musically. And even at only 2 minutes and 29 seconds it seems pretty long. I’m admitting now, I don’t have much to say about this song, but I want to cover every Beatles original, so here it is!

Musical Analysis

The song is in E major and in 4/4 time. For a real musical analysis turn to page 136 of The Beatles as Musicians: The Quarry Men through Rubber Soul.

What The Beatles Said About It

McCartney: “It was John’s original idea and we both sat down and wrote it together, just did a job on it. It was mostly John’s.”

Mono Vs. Stereo

In stereo the vocals are almost entirely on the right (heavy reverb on the left) and the instrumentation is almost entirely on the left. This is an awkward listen on headphones, although I think it works fine on speakers. As with a lot of the earlier Beatles songs, this one probably works better in mono. Yeah; Buy The Beatles Mono Box Set.

Songwriting

John Lennon gets the credit (or the blame, depending on your perspective.) He was influenced by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, particularly by their 1961 song “What’s So Good About Goodbye.”

Who Played What?

Lennon: lead vocal, rhythm guitar
McCartney: backing vocal, bass guitar
Harrison: backing vocal, lead guitar
Starr: drums

Recording

It was recorded in six takes on November 26, 1962 (the same day that “Please Please Me” was recorded.)

Last.FM Ranking

#172. This is among the least listened to Beatles songs by Last.FM users.

Available On

Please Please Me, The Beatles Stereo Box Set, The Beatles Mono Box Set, The Beatles USB.

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