Written by: Cason-Moon
Recorded: 2 July 1963
Released: 30 November 1994 (UK), 5 December 1994 (US)
John Lennon: vocals, rhythm guitar
Paul McCartney: backing vocals, bass
George Harrison: backing vocals, lead guitar
Ringo Starr: drums
Available on:
Live At The BBC
Soldier Of Love was taped for the Pop Go The Beatles programme at the BBC's radio studios in Maida Vale, London, and was first broadcast on 16 July 1963.
Soldier Of Love (Lay Down Your Arms) was first recorded by US soul singer Arthur Alexander, who released it as a single in 1962. The Beatles were big fans of Alexander's music; they recorded Anna (Go To Him) for their debut album, Please Please Me, and taped three versions of his A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues for the BBC.
Anna by Arthur Alexander was on the [first] album, too. I remember having several records by him, and John sang three or four of his songs. Soldier Of Love was one; it appears on the BBC recordings.
Anthology
Although not included on Live At The BBC, the original BBC broadcast was introduced by George Harrison and host Rodney Burke.
Burke: George is just coming up here with a letter in his hand. You're looking very serious about it. What is is, George?
Harrison: It's a letter from Cathy of Newport, Isle of Wight, who says: Paul's been to the Isle of Wight, and why haven't I? Well I haven't got the passport, ha ha. [laughter] And, and she says, 'Would you please sing a song for the fifth of St Theresa Convent of Ryde, Isle of Wight'. So we'd like to feature John shouting Soldiers [sic] Of Love.
Lyrics
Lay down your arms (soldier of love)
And surrender to me
Lay down your arms (soldier of love)
And love me peacefully, yeah
Use your arms for loving me
Baby that's the way it's got to be
There ain't no reason for you to declare
War on the one that loves you so
So forget the other boy
'Cause my love is real
Come off your battlefield
Lay down your arms (soldier of love)
And love me peacefully
Lay down your arms (soldier of love)
And love me tenderly, yeah
Use your arms to hold me tight
Baby, I don't want to fight no more
The weapons you're using are hurting me bad
And some day you're gonna see
'Cause my love for you, baby
Is the truest you've ever had
A soldier of love at heart to be
Lay down your arms (soldier of love)
And love me peacefully
Lay down your arms (soldier of love)
And surrender to me, yeah
Use your arms to squeeze and please
'Cause I'm the one that loves you so
Yeah, soldier of love
Baby, lay down your arms
Yeah, soldier of love
Baby, lay down your arms
Yeah, soldier of love
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- George and Pattie Harrison travel to the Isle of Wight to see Bob Dylan
- George Harrison meets Bob Dylan in Portsmouth
- Bob Dylan visits John Lennon at Tittenhurst Park
- Radio: Pop Go The Beatles
- Clarabella
