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What Goes On

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By: 
The Beatles
Lead vocals: 
Ringo Starr
Songwriter(s): 
Lennon/McCartney, Ringo Starr (Richard Starkey)
First released on: 
Rubber Soul
U.S. release date: 
February 11, 1966
U.K. release date: 
December 3, 1965
Length (≈): 
2:44
Label: 
Capitol
Label: 
Parlophone
Produced by: 
George Martin
Recording date(s): 
November 4, 1965
Recorded at: 
Abbey Road Studios (EMI)
Musicians : 
  • Ringo Starr – vocal, drums
  • John Lennon – harmony vocal, rhythm guitar
  • Paul McCartney – harmony vocal, bass
  • George Harrison – lead guitar

Credited as "Lennon-McCartney-Starkey," What Goes On is mainly a Lennon composition from 1957, the Quarrymen days in Liverpool. Paul added new lyrics for verses two and three. The song was brought out to give Ringo a vocal lead on at least one track of the Rubber Soul album, particularly because he had become such a favorite of US audiences. Ringo added "about 5 words" to the lyrics, and for that received song credit under his real last name. The song is a strong rock-a-billy tune in the Carl Perkins tradition. Because the band knew the song so well, it was recorded in just one take.

What goes on in your heart

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Recording

November 4, 1965 in just one take.

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