Tell Me Why

Unlike most Beatles songs of the period, Tell Me Why deals with a problem in a relationship rather than with the ecstasies of being in love. John Lennon wrote the song hurriedly in February of 1964, composing "to spec" for an up-beat rock song with a "New York, girls-band" sound he so admired. (Lennon mentioned New York, rather than Detroit, as it was probably written in New York during their visit to appear on Ed Sullivan.) The harmonies in this song are complex. Some were overdubbed, as the background vocals also include Lennon, who was also singing lead. The structure is refrain/verse, repeated, with refrain/bridge/refrain at the end. There is no solo guitar section.