Yes It Is
Written by: John Lennon (80%), Paul McCartney (20%) (credited as Lennon-McCartney)Recorded: February 16, 1965 (Studio 2, Abbey Road Studios, London, England)
Mixed: February 18, 1965; February 23, 1965
Length: 2:40
Takes: 14
Musicians: John Lennon: lead vocals, rhythm guitar (Gibson J160E)
Paul McCartney: harmony vocals, bass guitar (1961 Hofner 500/1)
George Harrison: harmony vocals, lead guitar (Gretsch 6119 "Tennessean")
Ringo Starr: drums (Ludwig), tambourine
First released: April 9, 1965 (UK: Parlophone R5265), April 19, 1965 (US: Capitol 5407) (b-side of "Ticket To Ride")
Available on: (CDs in bold)
- Beatles VI, (US: Capitol (S)T 2358, CDP 0946 3 57499 2 2)
- Past Masters Volume 1, (UK: Parlophone CDP 7 90043 2, US: Capitol CDP 7 90043 2)
- A doo-wop style ballad that John, its songwriter, would later shrug off as an attempt to re-write his earlier "This Boy," although many Beatles fans feel this song is actually superior to it.
- The lyrics have nevertheless fascinated Beatles fans, with John admitting for the first time that "it's my pride" which makes him so unhappy with his new love. The mere fact that she wears a red dress, like his ex did, is enough to make him sad! (Contrast this with the lyrics of "Baby's In Black," another important stylistic and lyrical predecessor to this song.)
- This was the second Beatles song to be sung in three-part lead harmony, a gimmick they wouldn't try again until 1969's "Because."
- George's use of the tone pedal represents one of the very first guitar effects on a Beatles record, giving the chords an appropriately eerie quality that matches the singer's reveries.
- The outtake of "Yes It Is" featured on Anthology, with its clearer harmonies, is often thought to be superior to the officially released version.
- As with its a-side, "Ticket To Ride," this song came out well in advance of the Help! movie, and so also incorrectly features these words on the Capitol 45: "From The United Artists Release 'Eight Arms To Hold You'." The difference is, "Yes It Is" was never featured in the film at all!
