I'm Talking About You

“I’m Talking About You” is a song written and recorded by Chuck Berry in 1961. It was released as a single in February 1961 with “Little Star” as the B-side and later appeared on his 1962 album “New Juke Box Hits.” The song is a classic example of Berry’s signature rock and roll style, featuring an infectious guitar riff, catchy lyrics, and a strong backbeat.

According to Mark Lewisohn in “The Complete Beatles Chronicle“, The Beatles performed “I’m Talking About You” live in 1962, with John Lennon on lead vocals. A recording of their performance can be found on the bootleg “Live! At The Star-Club in Hamburg, Germany; 1962.”

The song’s bass line had a direct influence on Paul McCartney, who copied it for “I Saw Her Standing There.” In an October 1964 interview, Paul acknowledged borrowing the riff:

Here’s one example of a bit I pinched from someone: I used the bass riff from “Talkin’ About You” by Chuck Berry in “I Saw Her Standing There”. I played exactly the same notes as he did and it fitted our number perfectly. Even now, when I tell people, I find few of them believe me; therefore, I maintain that a bass riff hasn’t got to be original.

Paul McCartney – Interview with Beat Instrumental – October 1964

The Beatles also recorded a version of “I’m Talking About You” during a March 1963 edition of the BBC radio show “Saturday Club.” This version was officially released on the 2013 collection “On Air – Live At The BBC Volume 2.”

On January 10, 1969, during the Beatles’ “Get Back” sessions, “I’m Talking About You” was being played when George Harrison interrupted and told John Lennon he was leaving The Beatles.

Chess Records released Chuck Berry’s song in February 1961. It arrived on  a single in the UK seven months later and was then featured on the LP  Juke Box Hits in June 1962. This BBC version was performed live from the  Saturday Club on-air studio. Their songs for the show could not be pre- recorded as usual, because a heavy cold had made it impossible for John  to sing.

From the liner notes of On Air – Live At The BBC Volume 2

Lyrics

Officially appears on

Bootlegs

Live performances

“I'm Talking About You” has been played in 2 concerts.

Latest concerts where “I'm Talking About You” has been played

Cover versions played during the "Get Back" sessions

"I'm Talking About You" was covered during The Beatles' "Get Back" sessions in January 1969. Here is the complete list of covers recorded by Paul McCartney, either alone or with other Beatles, during these sessions:

Going further

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