I’ll Cry Instead

“I’ll Cry Instead” is a Beatles’ song from their 1964 album, “A Hard Day’s Night”, of course.

A Hard Day’s Night Album (1964)

Track Source

A Hard Day’s Night

I’ll Cry Instead

Written by John Lennon but credits go to Lennon-McCartney, of course, this song was to be for the “break-out” sequence in the film, “A Hard Day’s Night“. This is the part of the film where The Beatles break free from their manager, and after Ringo Starr opens the fire doors, he shouts “we’re out”.

That (overdubbed) announcement from Starr sees the Fab Four leave through the fire escape and play on the adjoining sports field. Richard Lester, the film director, replaced “I’ll Cry Instead” for “Can’t Buy Me Love” which was a far better choice.

“I wrote that for A Hard Day’s Night, but Dick Lester didn’t even want it. He resurrected Can’t Buy Me Love for that sequence instead. I like the middle eight to that song, though – that’s about all I can say about it.”

John Lennon
All We Are Saying, David Sheff

On balance, it’s difficult to imagine The Beatles strutting their stuff on the sports ground to “I’ll Cry Instead”. So, the director got it right on this occasion. Indeed, this rock and roll/country song never actually appeared in the film at all.

Chip On Lennon’s Shoulder

Lennon explained later that the line in the song, “I’ve got a chip on my shoulder that’s bigger than my feet” was an accurate indication of his feelings at the time. His wife also confirms this:

“It reflects the frustration he [John Lennon] felt at that time. He was the idol of millions, but the freedom and fun of the early days had gone.”

Cynthia Lennon

Those frustrations that Lennon had at the time didn’t prevent him from being creative, on the contrary, he was able to put it all down in song.

Recording Studio

The Beatles began recording “I’ll Cry Instead” on the 1st June, 1964, in Studio Two of the EMI Studios, London, during the 2.30pm-5.30pm session. They recorded the song in two sections, A & B, takes 1-6 and 7-8 respectfully. They done this so that they could match the song to the film sequence.

The final mix took place on the 4th June in order to join the two takes together. As a result, “I’ll Cry Instead” sits between “Any Time At All” and “Things We Said Today” on the album.