Tell Me What You See

To begin with, “Tell Me What You See” is a Beatles’ song on their 1965 album, Help! It’s a soulful song but it didn’t help when Paul McCartney said it is “Not awfully memorable”. Be that as it may, Beatlemaniacs love the song. In fact, it is still a great inspiration to many.

Help! Album (1965)

Paul McCartney: lead vocal, bass, electric piano
John Lennon: lead vocal, rhythm guitar, tambourine
George Harrison: güiro
Ringo Starr: drums, claves

Track Source

Help!

Tell Me What You See

According to Wikipedia, the verse, “Big and black the clouds may be” comes from a religious inscription that had hung in John Lennon’s childhood home in Liverpool. In short, that inscription is here:

However black the clouds may be
In time they’ll pass away
Have faith and trust and you will see
God’s light make bright your day

Paul McCartney treat this song as a filler track and must not rate it too highly despite most Beatlemaniacs loving it.

“I seem to remember it as mine. I would claim it as a 60-40 but it might have been totally me. Not awfully memorable. Not one of the better songs but they did a job, they were very handy for albums or B-sides. You need those kind of sides.”

Paul McCartney
Many Years From Now, Barry Miles

“Tell Me What You See was written completely by McCartney.”

John Lennon
Hit Parader (music magazine) (1972)

Recording Studio

In brief, The Beatles began recording “Tell Me What You See” on the 18th February, 1965. This was in Studio Two at the EMI Studios, London (6.00pm-10.30pm session) where they recorded four takes.

During the song, you can hear the distinctive Hohner Pianet electric piano. The same one which also features in the songs, “The Night Before” and “You Like Me Too Much“. Both of these tracks were also for inclusion on the same album, Help!

Obviously these recently recorded songs prove that The Beatles were exploring different avenues.