Written by: Arthur Crudup
Recorded: 2 July 1963
Released: 30 November 1994 (UK), 5 December 1994 (US)
Paul McCartney: vocals, bass
John Lennon: rhythm guitar
George Harrison: lead guitar
Ringo Starr: drums
Available on:
Live At The BBC
The Beatles recorded That's All Right (Mama), Elvis Presley's debut single, for the fifth edition of the Pop Go The Beatles radio show.
It was recorded on 2 July 1963, and first broadcast on 16 July. The Beatles performed the song, along with five others, at Maida Vale Studios in London.
That's All Right (Mama) was written and first performed by blues singer Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup. Presley's version was recorded on 6 July 1954, and released in Memphis by Sun Records on 19 July.
The Beatles recorded none of Presley's songs at EMI's Abbey Road Studios. It is likely that they wanted to distance themselves from Presley, after they found fame, to establish themselves as fresh faces.
However, the BBC sessions gave them a chance to perform a number of cover versions which they wouldn't otherwise perform. The BBC version is mostly faithful to Presley's original, though with an additional guitar solo - George Harrison doing his best Scotty Moore impression.
I liked him best around 1956, when he was young and gorgeous and had a twinkle in his eye; when he had a sense of humour, plus that great voice. He was an incredible vocalist. Try and do it sometime - we all have - and he is still the guv'nor.
Anthology
Although The Beatles performed around 30 of Presley's songs between 1957 and 1962, only three were recorded.
The Live At The BBC collection contains all three: along with That's All Right (Mama), there are versions of I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You) and I Forgot To Remember To Forget.
Lyrics
Well that's all right mama
That's all right with you
Yeh that's all right mama
Just anyway you do
That's all right
That's all right
That's all right now mama
Anyway you do
Well mama she done told me
Papa done told me too
Said son, that gal you're fooling with
She ain't no girl for you
That's all right
That's all right
That's all right now mama
Anyway you do
Whoa!
I'm leaving town baby
I'm leaving town for sure
Then you won't be bothered with me
Hanging round your door
That's all right
That's all right
Yeah that's all right now mama
Anyway you do
Well that's all right mama
Yeah that's all right with you
That's all right mama
Just anyway you do
That's all right
That's all right
That's all right now mama
Anyway you do
Da da, dee dee dee dee dee
Da da, dee dee dee dee
Da da, dee dee dee
I need your loving
That's all right
Well that's all right now mama
Anyway you do
Yeah that's all right now mama
Anyway you do
Related articles:
- I Got A Woman
- I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You)
- Boys
- Kansas City/Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey!
- I Forgot To Remember To Forget
