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Main Writer: Lennon
Recorded: February 16, 1965
Released: April 19, 1965
4 weeks; No. 46 (B side)
As he was with much of his early work, Lennon was dismissive of “Yes It Is”; he said it was “me trying a rewrite of ‘This Boy,’ but it didn’t work.” But “Yes It Is” features some of the most intricate vocals of any Beatles song; like “This Boy,” it was an attempt to mimic the three-part harmonies of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. It took Lennon, McCartney and Harrison multiple takes to nail the song’s delicate mix of voices.
In the lyrics, Lennon showed the honesty that would mark his songwriting after 1965: His “pride” is the reason he can let go of a lost love. McCartney liked “Yes It Is”: “[It’s] a very fine song of John’s, a ballad, unusual for him,” he said. “I was there writing it with John, but it was his inspiration.” Harrison used an early effects pedal to add gentle sobs of pedal-steel-like guitar, giving it a subtle Nashville spin.
Video
Lyrics
If you wear red tonight
Remember what I said tonight
For red is the color that my baby wore
And what is more, it’s true
Yes it is
Scarlet were the clothes she wore
Everybody knows I’m sure
I would remember all the things we planned
Understand, it’s true
Yes it is, it’s true
Yes it is
I could be happy with you by my side
If I could forget her, but it’s my pride
Yes it is, yes it is
Oh, yes it is, yeah
Please don’t wear red tonight
This is what I said tonight
For red is the color that will make me blue
In spite of you, it’s true
Yes it is, it’s true
Yes it is
I could be happy with you by my side
If I could forget her, but it’s my pride
Yes it is, yes it is
Oh, yes it is, yeah
Please don’t wear red tonight
This is what I said tonight
For red is the color that will make me blue
In spite of you, it’s true
Yes it is, it’s true
Yes it is, it’s true