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Released in 1964

Honey Don't

Written by Carl Perkins

Last updated on March 12, 2016

Album This song officially appears on the Beatles For Sale (Mono) LP.

Timeline This song was officially released in 1964

Master album

Related sessions

This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:

Other Carl Perkins songs by The Beatles

From Wikipedia:

“Honey Don’t” is a song written by Carl Perkins, originally released on January 1, 1956 as the B-side of the “Blue Suede Shoes” single, Sun 234. Both songs became rockabilly classics. Bill Dahl of Allmusic praised the song saying, “‘Honey Don’t’ actually outclasses its more celebrated platter-mate in some ways.” It has been covered by more than 20 other artists, including The Beatles, Ronnie Hawkins and Johnny Rivers. The song also appeared in the movies Prince of Tides, Diner, and Perfect Sisters.

Background

According to David McGee, author of Go, Cat, Go! The Life and Times of Carl Perkins, the King of Rockabilly, Carl Perkins first brought the song to a rehearsal with his band which at the time comprised the Perkins brothers and W.S. Holland.

When Carl first played the song to Jay, Jay protested what sounded to him like an odd chord choice, going to a C7 chord after the E instead of the natural blues progression choice of A. At first, Jay refused to go along, but Carl convinced him it was something different, and today the chord choice is one of the most interesting aspects of the song.

Perkins and his band performed the song, along with “Blue Suede Shoes“, during their television debut on ABC-TV’s Ozark Jubilee on March 17, 1956.

The Beatles’ version

The Beatles recorded their version on October 26, 1964 one of the last songs recorded for Beatles for Sale, which was released in the United Kingdom on December 4, 1964. The North American release was on December 15 on Beatles ’65.

Although John Lennon had previously sung the song live, Ringo Starr performed it for the album, his requisite one lead vocal per album. During the song, he makes self-referential remarks leading into Harrison’s guitar riffs, saying, “Rock on George, one time for me!” and then “Rock on, George, for Ringo one time!”

The Beatles performed the song twice for the BBC for the From Us To You and Top Gear programs. A version sung by Lennon is available on Live at the BBC. and a version sung by Starr was released on On Air – Live at the BBC Volume 2.

Paul McCartney’s publishing company MPL Communications administers the rights to the song, originally published by Hi Lo Music, Inc., BMI.

Along with “Matchbox“, “Honey Don’t” is one of the rare songs that all four Beatles have recorded or performed on stage.

From The Usenet Guide to Beatles Recording Variations:

  • [a] mono [27 Oct 1964 – edit]
    UK: Parlophone PMC 1240 For Sale 1964.
    US: Capitol T 2228 Beatles ’65 1964.
    CD: EMI CDP 7 46438 2 For Sale 1987.
  • [b] stereo [27 Oct 1964 – edit]
    UK: Parlophone PCS 3062 For Sale 1964.
    US: Capitol ST 2228 Beatles ’65 1964.

“Honey Don’t” has become one of Paul’s favorites to play during sounchecks.

Lyrics

Well how come you say you will when you won't?

Say you do, baby, when you don't?

Let me know, honey, how you feel

Tell the truth now, is love real?

But uh uh, well honey don't

Well honey don't, honey don't

Honey don't, honey don't

Say you will when you won't, uh uh, honey don't

Well I love you baby and you oughta know

I like the way that you wear your clothes

Everything about you is so doggone sweet

You got that sand all over your feet

But uh uh, well honey don't

Honey don't, honey don't

Honey don't, honey don't

Say you will when you won't, uh uh, honey don't

Oh rock on George, one time for me

I feel fine, I'm sad

Well sometimes I'll love you on a Saturday night

Sunday morning you don't look right

You been out painting the town

Uh uh, baby been steppin' around

But uh huh, well honey don't

I said honey don't, honey don't

Honey don't, honey don't

Say you will when you won't, uh uh, honey don't

Oh, rock on George for Ringo one time

Well honey don't, well honey don't

A little little honey don't

Say you will when you won't, uh uh, honey don't

Officially appears on

See all official recordings containing “Honey Don't”

Bootlegs

See all bootlegs containing “Honey Don't”

Live performances

“Honey Don't” has been played in 44 concerts and 146 soundchecks.

Latest concerts where “Honey Don't” has been played

See all concerts where “Honey Don't” has been played

Going further

Paul McCartney writing

Talk more talk, chat more chat

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