TheBeatlesOnline

You Can’t Do That

John Lennon: Vocals, electric guitar
Paul McCartney: Bass guitar, cowbell, vocals
George Harrison: 12-string electric guitar
Ringo Starr: Drums, congas

Recorded February 25 1964.

Available on:
A Hard Days Night
Anthology 1

John Lennon was probably inspired by Marvin Gaye’s Hitch Hike from 1963 when he wrote You Can’t Do That. He later said the song was inspired by Wilson Pickett’s Midnight Hour, but that record wasn’t released until 1965.

Lennon played the guitar solo on the song, partly in collaboration with Harrison. You Can’t Do That was also recorded on George Harrison’s birthday. Perhaps that’s why he turned up in the studio with a brand new 12-string Rickenbacker guitar?

Nevertheless, the song ended up on the B-side of the single Can’t Buy Me Love, which was a number 1 hit both in the US and the UK in March/April 1964, staying at the top spot for five weeks in the US and three weeks in the UK.

An alternative version is available on Anthology 1.

You Can’t Do That

Well it's the second time I've caught you talking to him
Do I have to tell you one more time I think it's a sin
I think I'll let you down
and leave you flat
Because I told you before
oh, you can't do that

Everybody's green
'cause I'm the one who won your love
But if they'd seen
you talking that way
they'd laugh in my face

So please listen to me if you want to stay mine
I can't help this feeling I'll go out of my mind
You know I'll let you down
and leave you flat
Because I told you before
oh, you can't do that, wah

Everybody's green
'cause I'm the one who won your love
But if they'd seen
you talking that way
they'd laugh in my face

So please listen to me if you want to stay mine
I can't help this feeling I'll go out of my mind
You know I'll let you down
and leave you flat
Because I told you before
oh, you can't do that