A cover version of Arthur Alexander’s 1962 soul single, ‘Anna (Go To Him)’ was recorded by The Beatles during the 11 February 1963 session that yielded the majority of songs on the Please Please Me album.

The song had been a part of The Beatles’ live set since its release in 1962, and was a particular favourite of John Lennon, who sang lead.

The Beatles recorded ‘Anna (Go To Him)’ in three takes, the last of which was chosen for the album. Floyd Cramer’s piano lick on Alexander’s original was played on guitar by George Harrison.

Lennon’s passion-fuelled vocal reached a peak during the middle sixteen (“All of my life I’ve been searching for a girl, to love me like I love her…”); singing slightly above his normal range, it added an emotional depth to the song.

The Beatles recorded ‘Anna (Go To Him)’ on 17 June 1963 for the BBC radio show Pop Go The Beatles, broadcast on 25 June. The recording was issued on the 2013 digital album The Beatles Bootleg Recordings 1963.

They recorded it again for Pop Go The Beatles on 1 August 1963; the show was first heard on 25 August. That version was included on the 2013 collection On Air – Live At The BBC Volume 2.

Lyrics

Anna, you come and ask me girl
To set you free, girl
You say he loves you more than me
So I will set you free
Go with him (Anna)
Go with him (Anna)

Anna, girl, before go now
I want you to know, now
That I still love you so
But if he loves you more
Go with him

All of my life
I’ve been searching for a girl
To love me like I love you, oh now
But every girl I ever had breaks my heart
And leaves me sad
What am I, what am I supposed to do?
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Anna, just one more thing girl
You give back your ring to me
And I will set you free
Go with him

All of my life
I’ve been searching for a girl
To love me like I love you
But let me tell you now
But every girl I ever had breaks my heart
And leaves me sad
What am I, what am I supposed to do?
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Anna, just one more thing girl
You give back your ring to me
And I will set you free
Go with him (Anna)
Go with him (Anna)
You can go with him, girl (Anna)
Go with him

Previous song: ‘Misery’
Next song: ‘Chains’
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