- Album This song officially appears on the The Beatles (Mono) LP.
Related sessions
This song has been recorded during the following studio sessions
Jun 28, 1968
Jul 02, 1968
Recording "Don't Pass Me By", "Good Night"
Jul 22, 1968
First half of 2018 ?
Other Beatles songs with no contribution from McCartney
Officially appears on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Mono)
Officially appears on Revolver (UK Mono)
Officially appears on The Beatles (Mono)
Officially appears on The Beatles (Mono)
Officially appears on Anthology 3
Related interviews
Paul McCartney: "I have dreamed that the Beatles are back together"
Mar 17, 2019 • From Culto - La Tercera
Interview with Radio Luxembourg
Nov 21, 1968 • From Radio Luxembourg
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Song facts
From Wikipedia:
“Good Night” is a song by the English rock band the Beatles from their 1968 double album The Beatles (also known as the “White Album”). It was written by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney. The lead vocalist on the recording is Ringo Starr, who was the only Beatle to appear on the track. The music was provided by an orchestra arranged and conducted by George Martin. Written for Lennon’s five-year-old son Julian, “Good Night” is the final song on the White Album.
Composition and recording
John Lennon wrote the song as a lullaby for his five-year-old son Julian.
The original version of “Good Night” featured Starr on lead vocal, George Harrison and John Lennon playing the melody on guitars, and Paul McCartney singing a harmony. Take 10 with a guitar part from take 5 was released on the 2018 50th Anniversary box set of The Beatles.
During rehearsals for the song on 28 June, the band arrangement was reduced to Lennon on piano and Harrison playing percussion. A fragment from this rehearsal and take 22 of the song, along with an overdub of the orchestra from the close of the released version, is heard on the Beatles’ 1996 compilation album Anthology 3.
Lennon recalled asking George Martin to give the song a lush orchestral arrangement in the style of old Hollywood films and admitted, “Yeah, corny.” The orchestra consisted of 12 violins, three violas, three cellos, one harp, three flutes, one clarinet, one horn, one vibraphone, and one string bass, played by 26 musicians. Eight members of the Mike Sammes Singers also took part in the recording, providing backing vocals.
With “Good Night”, Starr became the third Beatle, after McCartney and Harrison, to record a song credited to the group without the other members performing (Lennon was the fourth with “Julia“). The song ends with Starr whispering: “Good night … Good night, everybody … Everybody, everywhere … Good night.”
Reception
In musicologist Walter Everett’s view, “Good Night” uses chords that are uncharacteristic of Lennon’s writing, and its countermelodies and musical interludes are more typical of Martin’s music, particularly the compositions that show the influence of Maurice Ravel, his favourite composer. Everett concludes: “I have difficulty settling into ‘Good Night’ after ‘Revolution 9‘ dies away, but most no doubt take it as a welcome bromide.” […]
Love
The song makes three appearances on the Beatles’ soundtrack to the Cirque du Soleil production of Love. It is used as a transition between “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and “Octopus’s Garden“. It can be heard a minor third lower than originally recorded. After the orchestral intro to the third verse of “Good Night“, the same orchestral accompaniment is played over a sample of Starr freely, slowly singing the opening words to “Octopus’s Garden“. Later, at the end of the show, after the strains of “All You Need Is Love” have faded out, the orchestral coda of “Good Night“, in its original key, G major (as well as the last bits of dialogue in the Beatles’ fan club-exclusive Christmas album) brings the album to a close.
The final track I suppose is a wrap-up to the LP, and to the show tonight. And I would imagine that alot of people are probably going to record this track.
Yes. Umm, it’s very much that kind of track, you know. John wrote it, mainly. It’s his tune, uhh, which is surprising for John– ‘cuz he doesn’t normally write this kind of tune. It’s a very sweet tune, and Ringo sings it great, I think. The arrangement was done by George Martin, uhh, ‘cuz he’s very good at that kind of arrangement, you know– very sort of lush, sweet arrangement. And that’s all I can say about it. It’s very sweet. And in fact, it’s ‘Good Night.’
Paul McCartney – from interview with Radio Luxembourg, 1968
Paul McCartney in "Many Years From Now", by Barry Miles:
I think John felt it might not be good for his image for him to sing it but it was fabulous to hear him do it, he sang it great. We heard him sing it in order to teach it to Ringo and he sang it very tenderly. John rarely showed his tender side, but my key memories of John are when he was tender, that’s what has remained with me; those moments where he showed himself to be a very generous, loving person. I always cite that song as an example of the John beneath the surface that we only saw occasionally… I don’t think John’s version was ever recorded.
From The Usenet Guide to Beatles Recording Variations:
[a] mono 11 Oct 1968.
UK: Apple PMC 7068 white album 1968.[b] stereo 11 Oct 1968.
UK: Apple PCS 7068 white album 1968.
US: Apple SWBO 101 white album 1968.
CD: EMI CDP 7 46443 2 white album 1987.Stereo [b] fades in; [a] does not.
From Anthology 3 liner notes:
Written by John as a lullaby for his five years old son Julian, and sung by Ringo, Good Night endowed the White Album with a lush finale. On the evidence of this eavesdrop into song’s first session, the transferral of composition to tape was very much a united effort, with all four Beatles and producer George Martin pitching in ideas and opinions. The performance was not numbered “take” but, rather, a rehearsal that happened to be recorded. Because it meandered to an indefinite close the piece has been suffixed here by a crossfade into the final master, Take 34, enhanced by a George Martin orchestral score played by a 26-piece ensemble the best part of a month later.
Last updated on September 11, 2021
Lyrics
Now it's time to say good night
Good night, sleep tight
Now the sun turns out his light
Good night, sleep tight
Dream sweet dreams for me
Dream sweet dreams for you
Close your eyes and I'll close mine
Good night, sleep tight
Now the moon begins to shine
Good night, sleep tight
Dream sweet dreams for me
Dream sweet dreams for you
Close your eyes and I'll close mine
Good night, sleep tight
Now the sun turns out his light
Good night, sleep tight
Dream sweet dreams for me
Dream sweet dreams for you
Good night
Good night everybody
Everybody everywhere good night
Variations
Officially appears on
LP • Released in 1968
3:14 • Studio version • A • Mono
- Ringo Starr :
- Vocals
- George Martin :
- Celesta, Producer
- Geoff Emerick :
- Recording engineer
- Ken Scott :
- Recording engineer
- Pat Whitmore :
- Backing vocals
- Irene King :
- Backing vocals
- Fred Lucas :
- Backing vocals
- Mike Redway :
- Backing vocals
- Peter Bown :
- Recording engineer
- Ingrid Thomas :
- Backing vocals
- Val Stockwell :
- Backing vocals
- Ross Gilmour :
- Backing vocals
- Ken Barrie :
- Backing vocals
- Unknown musician(s) :
- Clarinet, Double bass, French horn, Harp, Three cellos, Three flutes, Three violas, Twelve violins, Vibraphone
- The Mike Sammes Singers :
- Backing vocals
- Session Recording:
- Jul 22, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
- Session Overdubs:
- Jul 22, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
- Session Mixing:
- Oct 11, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
LP • Released in 1968
3:14 • Studio version • B • Stereo
- Ringo Starr :
- Vocals
- George Martin :
- Celesta, Producer
- Geoff Emerick :
- Recording engineer
- Ken Scott :
- Recording engineer
- Pat Whitmore :
- Backing vocals
- Irene King :
- Backing vocals
- Fred Lucas :
- Backing vocals
- Mike Redway :
- Backing vocals
- Peter Bown :
- Recording engineer
- Ingrid Thomas :
- Backing vocals
- Val Stockwell :
- Backing vocals
- Ross Gilmour :
- Backing vocals
- Ken Barrie :
- Backing vocals
- Unknown musician(s) :
- Clarinet, Double bass, French horn, Harp, Three cellos, Three flutes, Three violas, Twelve violins, Vibraphone
- The Mike Sammes Singers :
- Backing vocals
- Session Recording:
- Jul 22, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
- Session Overdubs:
- Jul 22, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
- Session Mixing:
- Oct 11, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
Official album • Released in 1996
2:38 • Outtake • C • Stereo • Rehearsal and take 34. [...] On the evidence of this eavesdrop into song's first session, the transferral of composition to tape was very much a united effort, with all four Beatles and producer George Martin pitching in ideas and opinions. The performance was not numbered "take" but, rather, a rehearsal that happened to be recorded. [...]
- Session Recording:
- Jun 28, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
- Session Recording:
- Jul 22, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
The Beatles (Mono - 2009 remaster)
Official album • Released in 2009
3:14 • Studio version • A2009 • Mono • 2009 mono remaster
- Ringo Starr :
- Vocals
- George Martin :
- Celesta, Producer
- Geoff Emerick :
- Recording engineer
- Ken Scott :
- Recording engineer
- Pat Whitmore :
- Backing vocals
- Irene King :
- Backing vocals
- Fred Lucas :
- Backing vocals
- Mike Redway :
- Backing vocals
- Peter Bown :
- Recording engineer
- Ingrid Thomas :
- Backing vocals
- Val Stockwell :
- Backing vocals
- Ross Gilmour :
- Backing vocals
- Ken Barrie :
- Backing vocals
- Paul Hicks :
- Remastering
- Guy Massey :
- Remastering
- Sean Magee :
- Remastering
- Allan Rouse :
- Project co-ordinator
- Unknown musician(s) :
- Clarinet, Double bass, French horn, Harp, Three cellos, Three flutes, Three violas, Twelve violins, Vibraphone
- The Mike Sammes Singers :
- Backing vocals
- Session Recording:
- Jul 22, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
- Session Overdubs:
- Jul 22, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
- Session Mixing:
- Oct 11, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
The Beatles (Stereo - 2009 remaster)
Official album • Released in 2009
3:14 • Studio version • B2009 • Stereo • 2009 stereo remaster
- Ringo Starr :
- Vocals
- George Martin :
- Celesta, Producer
- Geoff Emerick :
- Recording engineer
- Ken Scott :
- Recording engineer
- Pat Whitmore :
- Backing vocals
- Irene King :
- Backing vocals
- Fred Lucas :
- Backing vocals
- Mike Redway :
- Backing vocals
- Peter Bown :
- Recording engineer
- Ingrid Thomas :
- Backing vocals
- Val Stockwell :
- Backing vocals
- Ross Gilmour :
- Backing vocals
- Ken Barrie :
- Backing vocals
- Guy Massey :
- Remastering
- Steve Rooke :
- Remastering
- Allan Rouse :
- Project co-ordinator
- Unknown musician(s) :
- Clarinet, Double bass, French horn, Harp, Three cellos, Three flutes, Three violas, Twelve violins, Vibraphone
- The Mike Sammes Singers :
- Backing vocals
- Session Recording:
- Jul 22, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
- Session Overdubs:
- Jul 22, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
- Session Mixing:
- Oct 11, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
The Beatles (Mono - 2014 vinyl)
LP • Released in 2014
3:14 • Studio version • A2014 • Mono • 2014 remaster
- Ringo Starr :
- Vocals
- George Martin :
- Celesta, Producer
- Geoff Emerick :
- Recording engineer
- Ken Scott :
- Recording engineer
- Pat Whitmore :
- Backing vocals
- Irene King :
- Backing vocals
- Fred Lucas :
- Backing vocals
- Mike Redway :
- Backing vocals
- Peter Bown :
- Recording engineer
- Ingrid Thomas :
- Backing vocals
- Val Stockwell :
- Backing vocals
- Ross Gilmour :
- Backing vocals
- Ken Barrie :
- Backing vocals
- Sean Magee :
- Remastering
- Unknown musician(s) :
- Clarinet, Double bass, French horn, Harp, Three cellos, Three flutes, Three violas, Twelve violins, Vibraphone
- The Mike Sammes Singers :
- Backing vocals
- Steve Berkowitz :
- Remastering
- Session Recording:
- Jul 22, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
- Session Overdubs:
- Jul 22, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
- Session Mixing:
- Oct 11, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
Official album • Released in 2016
2:38 • Outtake • C2016 • Stereo • Rehearsal and take 34. [...] On the evidence of this eavesdrop into song's first session, the transferral of composition to tape was very much a united effort, with all four Beatles and producer George Martin pitching in ideas and opinions. The performance was not numbered "take" but, rather, a rehearsal that happened to be recorded. [...]
- Session Recording:
- Jun 28, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
- Session Recording:
- Jul 22, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
The Beatles (50th anniversary boxset)
Official album • Released in 2018
3:14 • Studio version • D • Stereo • 2018 stereo mix
- Ringo Starr :
- Vocals
- George Martin :
- Celesta, Producer
- Geoff Emerick :
- Recording engineer
- Giles Martin :
- Producer
- Ken Scott :
- Recording engineer
- Pat Whitmore :
- Backing vocals
- Irene King :
- Backing vocals
- Fred Lucas :
- Backing vocals
- Mike Redway :
- Backing vocals
- Peter Bown :
- Recording engineer
- Ingrid Thomas :
- Backing vocals
- Val Stockwell :
- Backing vocals
- Ross Gilmour :
- Backing vocals
- Ken Barrie :
- Backing vocals
- Sam Okell :
- Mixing engineer
- Unknown musician(s) :
- Clarinet, Double bass, French horn, Harp, Three cellos, Three flutes, Three violas, Twelve violins, Vibraphone
- The Mike Sammes Singers :
- Backing vocals
- Session Recording:
- Jul 22, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
- Session Overdubs:
- Jul 22, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
- Session Mixing:
- First half of 2018 ?
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Abbey Road
The Beatles (50th anniversary boxset)
Official album • Released in 2018
0:39 • Outtake • E • Unnumbered rehearsal. Try-outs of spoken introduction
- Ringo Starr :
- Vocals
- Session Recording:
- Jul 02, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
The Beatles (50th anniversary boxset)
Official album • Released in 2018
2:31 • Outtake • F • Take 10 with a guitar part from Take 5
- Paul McCartney :
- Backing vocals
- Ringo Starr :
- Lead vocals
- John Lennon :
- Backing vocals
- George Harrison :
- Backing vocals
- Session Recording:
- Jun 28, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
- Session Recording:
- Jul 02, 1968
- Studio :
- EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
Bootlegs
Unofficial album
2:38 • Studio version • Edit of rehearsal take and take 34 stereo
Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 4 (1968)
Unofficial album • Released in 1989
3:08 • Alternate take • tk 34 RM 6
Live performances
Paul McCartney has never played this song in concert.
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