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Mr. Moonlight

Your rating: None Average: 4.7 (3 votes)
By: 
The Beatles
Lyrics: 
Mr. Moonlight
Lead vocals: 
John Lennon
Songwriter(s): 
Roy Lee Johnson
First released on: 
Beatles for Sale
U.S. release date: 
December 15, 1964
U.K. release date: 
December 4, 1964
Length (≈): 
2:35
Label: 
Capitol
Label: 
Parlophone
Produced by: 
George Martin
Recording date(s): 
October 18, 1964
Recorded at: 
Abbey Road Studios (EMI)
Musicians : 
  • John Lennon – vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar
  • Paul McCartney – harmony vocals, bass, Hammond organ
  • George Harrison – harmony vocals, lead guitar, African drum
  • Ringo Starr – percussion

Blues idol Piano Red recorded this song in 1962 as a B-side (under the name "Dr. Feelgood and the Interns"), and the Beatles decided to cover it. Many fans think this was probably the Beatles' worst musical decision of their long history. The harmonies seem heavy, especially with the organ behind them. In memoirs of the participants it was explained that this curious production was included because of its appeal to the "beat generation," to which the Beatles had started to appeal. In spite of the disdain that many fans have expressed for Mr. Moonlight, they agree that John put in one of his best vocal performances, perhaps rescuing the number from being totally inconsequential in the Beatles' catalog. In the take that became the final release, Paul play bass and also Hammond organ. The percussion is Ringo on guitar case (erroneously credited as bongos)and George plays African drum as well as lead guitar.

Here I am on my knees

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Recording

October 18, 1964 in 8 takes (4 of them in August, 1964).

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