The year was 1965 and the British had completely and utterly invaded the USA. Apart from being the third single in their record run of six consecutive singles to top the Billboard chart, this was the fourth British #1 single in a row. Sadly, the Beach Boys were #1 when this song fell off the top spot. Oh, this song also topped the UK charts.
According to Paul, it is a reference to buying a ticket on British Railways to Rhyde on the Isle of Wight. John’s version about it being about prostitutes in Hamburg seems more plausible. I think they’re both talking nonsense.John also called it the first heavy metal song.
The song was expertly covered by The Carpenters. It’s also apparently audible at the end of Pink Floyd “Dark Side of the Moon” album. This is the first single to feature Paul as lead guitarist.
It’s such a beautiful song. It’s songs like these that made me fall in love with The Beatles. Enjoy…
Oh sweet music 