Timeline Albums, EPs & singles Songs Films Concerts Sessions People Interviews Articles

Recorded in 1960

I Don't Know

Written by Lennon - McCartney • Unreleased song

Last updated on December 24, 2020

Timeline This song was recorded in 1960

Related session

This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:

Other songs from the Kirchherr Tape

From Early Beatles Songs:

This track is only known through the Forthlin Road tapes, where it sits with the series of instrumental jams. This one is a somewhat better structured blues number, with Lennon and McCartney vocalising together and separately, although a full lyric is impossible to decipher. It is presumed to be a co-write, and the lack of proper words suggests it was of recent creation, although probably not made up on the spot. The title is derived from something Lennon seems to sing – possibly referencing himself not knowing any words.

Lyrics

[...] Time don't wait when I'm callin' you, Johnny boy...

Please Johnny, won't you tell me?

I'm gonna see my sister Sue.

If she don't want to see me I don't know really what I'm gonna do...

I don't know, I don't know.

Bootlegs

Live performances

Paul McCartney has never played this song in concert.

Paul McCartney writing

Talk more talk, chat more chat

Notice any inaccuracies on this page? Have additional insights or ideas for new content? Or just want to share your thoughts? We value your feedback! Please use the form below to get in touch with us.

james warren • 6 years ago

The first of the song sounds like a bereft, melancholy and wistful Paul.

But his lyrics in the “middle 8” reverts back to the Paul of unbounded optimism and dare I say--Love.

I wonder if Paul included some actual written lyrics of John and then finished up with his good-natured love ballad words?

Gretchen Nelson • 4 years ago

Can I just say I LOVE it when Paul wears Johnny’s glasses!

hanka • 3 years ago

thats mclennon the song

alexander • 3 years ago

i'm surprised at how obscure this song is in the beatles community and how little its talked about because it really does sound like a love song written for each other. i don't really know how else to interpret it. i've read a bunch of different versions of the lyrics and they all come across like p and j are planning to run away together somewhere (and it doesn't really sound like they're planning on taking anyone else with them either)

Sam • 3 years ago

The "I Don't Know" from the Soundcheck 2018 Original In-Ear Monitor Recording and probably the other Japanese release as well is the song from Egypt Station, not the Lennon/McCartney.

The PaulMcCartney Project • 3 years ago

Thanks Sam, I'm fixing that !!

Alexandra James • 2 years ago

I agree with Alexander. I've listened to it multiple times and it's hard to see another credible interpretation, especially given it's improv-d, meaning it's "say whatever comes to mind without thinking."

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

2024 • Please note this site is strictly non-commercial. All pictures, videos & quoted texts remain the property of the respective copyright owner, and no implication of ownership by us is intended or should be inferred. Any copyright owner who wants something removed should contact us and we will do so immediately. Alternatively, we would be delighted to provide credits.