Lonesome Tears In My Eyes

“Lonesome Tears In My Eyes” is a cover song from The Beatles’ 1994 album, “Live At The BBC”. Indeed, the Fab Four sang this song for their “Pop Go The Beatles” radio show in 1963.

Live At The BBC Album (1994)

Track Source

Live At The BBC

Lonesome Tears In My Eyes

In 1956, Johnny Burnette And The Rock ‘N’ Roll Trio first recorded “Lonesome Tears In My Eyes”. Indeed, this became an unofficial single in the UK during 1957 with the B-side being, “Your Baby Blue Eyes”. That rockabilly record never got into the charts.

While The Beatles were developing, whether it be The Quarrymen or The Beat Brothers, they regularly sang cover songs. Although they didn’t sing it in the Cavern Club, they may have somewhere along the line. This is because they recorded it for BBC Radio and their version is a polished rendition. So, the band must have rehearsed or played it somewhere.

The Beatles’ singer gave an explanation with a touch of humour prior to singing the song:

“This is a Dorsey Burnette number, brother of Johnny Burnette, called Lonesome Tears In My Eyes, recorded on their very first LP in 1822!”

John Lennon
Live At The BBC

Recording Studio

As far as we can tell, The Beatles only recorded the song once. This was in the Aeoloan Hall in London, a building which the BBC took over many years beforehand for recording and broadcasting purposes. Although they recorded the song on 10th July, 1963, listeners had to wait until the 23rd July for it to get air time on the “Pop Go The Beatles” programme.

While it’s true the Johnny Burnette And The Rock ‘N’ Roll Trio sung the song in a fast rockabilly style, The Beatles’ version was a little slower. Obviously with it being a BBC recording, it is available on their 1994 album, “Live At The BBC”.