There's a Place

There's a Place

Written by: John Lennon (100%) (credited as Lennon-McCartney)
Recorded: February 11, 1963 (Studio 2, Abbey Road Studios, London, England)
Mixed: February 25, 1963
Length: 1:49
Takes: 13
Musicians: John Lennon: lead vocal, rhythm guitar (1958 Rickenbacker 325), harmonica (Hohner)
Paul McCartney: lead vocal, bass guitar (1961 Hofner 500/1)
George Harrison: backing vocal, lead guitar (Gretsch Duo Jet)
Ringo Starr: drums (Premier)
First released: March 2, 1964 (b-side of "Twist and Shout") (US: Tollie 9001)
Available on: (CDs in bold)

• Please Please Me, (UK: Parlophone PMC 1202, PCS 3042, Parlophone CDP7 46435-2p, US: Capitol CLJ 46435)
• Introducing The Beatles, (US: VeeJay VJLP 1062)
• Twist And Shout (EP), (UK: Parlophone GEP 8882}

History:

• This was one of John Lennon's first attempts to write a Motown girl-group homage.
• "There's a Place" holds the distinction of being the very first song recorded during their famous all-day session of 2/11/63.
• Although John provides an (overdubbed) harmonica intro, the original lead line was played by George on his guitar.
• Lyrically, this tune occupies a strange landmark in the history of pop: while John ostensibly appears to be singing about a girl, closer inspection reveals that this is a song about the places one retreats to in one's mind. The Beach Boys would later provide the next link in this development of the rock culture with "In My Room."

BBC radio versions: 3 (for the BBC radio programs Pop Goes The Beatles and Easy Beat)
Trivia:

• Used in the soundtrack for 1963's TV documentary Beat City, a look at the Liverpool music scene that aired on Britain's Associated-Rediffusion network.

Covered by: The Flamin' Groovies, The Dickies