Don't Pass Me By

Don't Pass Me By was written by Ringo Starr as early as 1963, and was eventually recorded and released for the White Album in 1968. It is Ringo's first solo composition, and he sings lead vocals on the recording. The song has the standard blues structure (I-IV-V) and a Country-Western feel. The lead vocal track was recorded on June 6, 1968. Neither George nor John participated in the recording. Ringo plays drums, sleigh bells and piano; Paul plays piano and bass. A violin was added (played by Jack Fallon). George Martin wrote an orchestral part for an intro, but it was not used. Martin later said it was too bizarre for the song. Instead, that segment was inserted as a cue in Yellow Submarine, and is known as A Beginning in the Anthology 3 album. Don't Pass Me By had a working title of Ringo's Song, and fans still refer to it by that name sometimes.