You Really Got A Hold On Me
Written by: Smokey RobinsonRecorded: July 18 and October 17, 1963 (Studio 2, Abbey Road Studios, London, England)
Mixed: September 30 and October 29, 1963
Length: 2:52
Takes: 11
Musicians: John Lennon: lead vocal, rhythm guitar (1958 Rickenbacker 325)
Paul McCartney: bass guitar (1961 Hofner 500/1)
George Harrison: harmony vocal, lead guitar (1962 Gretsch 6122 "Country Gentleman")
Ringo Starr: drums (1963 Black Oyster Pearl Ludwig kit)
Released on: (CDs in bold)
- With The Beatles, (UK: Parlophone PMC 1206; PCS 3045, Parlophone CDP 7 46436 2, US: Capitol CLJ 46436)
- The Beatles' Second Album, (US: Capitol (S)T 2080, Capitol CDP 7243 8 66877 2 2)
- Although this song was originally recorded by the Miracles (as "You've Really Got A Hold On Me" on Tamla 54073), and was a US Top Ten hit for them in 1962, the Beatles' introduction to this R&B classic was through bootleg copies that circulated into the UK around that time, and immediately became part of the group's live set in early 1963. Sung by John, the most vocal of Smokey Robinson fans in the group, this version is arguably more raw and anguished than the original.
- This song was the first one recorded for the With The Beatles sessions, but was extensively overdubbed on October 17, with John singing backup along with George and a new instrumental ending tacked on. The released version is a composite of takes 7, 10, and 11.
BBC versions: 4 (for the BBC radio programs Pop Go The Beatles and Saturday Club
Trivia:
- John and George sing "oh, oh, oh" in the last line of each verse instead of the original's "though," a pivotal word which links the horrible situation the singer feels trapped in with his seeming helplessness to continue: "Though you treat me badly, I love you madly" being one example.
- The Beatles broke into "You Really Got A Hold On Me" during the sessions for what would become Let It Be, an event captured in the film of the same name.
