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Released in 1965

I'm Looking Through You

Written by Lennon - McCartney

Last updated on August 22, 2024

Album This song officially appears on the Rubber Soul (UK Mono) LP.

Timeline This song was officially released in 1965

Master album

Related sessions

This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:

Related articles

From Wikipedia:

“I’m Looking Through You” is song by The Beatles written by Paul McCartney (credited to Lennon-McCartney). The song first appeared on 1965 album Rubber Soul. It was written about Jane Asher, McCartney’s girlfriend for five years, “You don’t look different, but you have changed,” the lyrics declare, reflecting his dissatisfaction with her and their relationship. The lyrics also reference his changing emotional state, “Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight“.

Recordings

During October and November 1965, the Beatles recorded three versions of the song. The original version recorded on 24 October was slower than the released version, had a significantly different rhythm, and lacked the “Why, tell me why…” middle eight of the final version. It was eventually released in 1996 on the Anthology 2 compilation. The final version was recorded on 10 November with overdubs on 11 November and is the version included on Rubber Soul.

The North American stereo version of the song contains two false guitar starts.

At 1:18, feedback can be heard on both the mono and stereo remastered versions.

In the mono version of this song on the 2006 box set The Capitol Albums, Volume 2 has this false guitar start, it indicates that it is from the first pressing of this set which erroneously substituted incorrect mono mixes; they were simply the channels of the stereo versions combined, rather than the original mono mixes.

The album sleeve and other sources indicate that Ringo Starr played Hammond organ on this track, an unusual instrument for the Beatle drummer. Mark Lewisohn reported that he could not hear the organ and that Hammond organ was not listed on the session tape box. Starr plays quick two-note vamps in the choruses. Also, Starr created a percussive sound by tapping a box of matches with his fingers and slapping his lap for a drum beat as he did on “I’ll Follow the Sun“.

Personnel

MacDonald was unsure whether Harrison or McCartney played the electric guitar part.

I wrote quite a lot of stuff up in that room actually [in Jane Asher’s family home]. I’m Looking Through You I seem to remember after an argument with Jane. There were a few of those moments. […]

As is one’s wont in relationships, you will from time to time argue or not see eye to eye on things, and a couple of the songs around this period were that kind of thing. This one I remember particularly as me being disillusioned over her commitment. She went down to the Bristol Old Vic quite a lot around this time. Suffice to say that this one was probably related to that romantic episode and I was seeing through her façade. And realising that it wasn’t quite all that it seemed. I would write it out in a song and then I’ve got rid of the emotion. I don’t hold grudges so that gets rid of that little bit of emotional baggage. I remember specifically this one being about that, getting rid of some emotional baggage. ‘I’m looking through you, and you’re not there!’

Paul McCartney – From “Paul McCartney: Many Years from Now” by Barry Miles, 1997

‘Another problem,’ says Paul, ‘was that my whole existence for so long centred round a bachelor life. I didn’t treat women as most people do. I’ve always had a lot around, even when I’ve had a steady girl. My life generally has always been very lax, and not normal. I knew it was selfish. It caused a few rows. Jane left me once and went off to Bristol to act. I said OK then, leave, I’ll find someone else. It was shattering to be without her.’

This was when he wrote ‘I’m Looking Through You’. Jane has inspired several of his more beautiful songs, such as ‘And I Love Her’.

From “The Beatles: The Authorised Biography” by Hunter Davies, 1968

From The Usenet Guide to Beatles Recording Variations:

  • [a] mono 15 Nov 1965.
    UK: Parlophone PMC 1267 Rubber Soul 1965.
    US: Capitol T 2442 Rubber Soul 1965.
  • [b] stereo 15 Nov 1965.
    UK: Parlophone PCS 3075 Rubber Soul 1965.
  • [b1] stereo, untrimmed.
    US: Capitol ST 2442 Rubber Soul 1965.
  • [c] stereo 1987.
    CD: EMI CDP 7 46440 2 Rubber Soul 1987.

[b] fades earlier than [a]. [b1] begins with two false starts on guitar, evidently trimmed off [b].

The CD mix [c] moves Paul’s vocal closer to the center. At 1:34 the second note of the third “blat blat” (organ?) suddenly is mixed center instead of to the right like all its other notes, on CD [c] only.

I had a question about a percussion sound on Rubber Sould and thought this was a good opportunity to ask Ringo. “What’s that tapping sound on “I’m Looking Through You”? I asked. He said, “Oh, I just tapped on a pack of matches with my finder.” That’s great! Fantastic! I’m really happy to know that bit of inside information!

Barry Tashian – Leader of the Remains, one of the opening acts of the Beatles for the 1966 US Tour – From “Ticket To ride – The Extraordinary Diary of The Beatles’ Last Tour” by Barry Tashian

Lyrics

I'm looking through you

Where did you go?

I thought I knew you

What did I know?

You don't look different

But you have changed

I'm looking through you

You're not the same

Your lips are moving

I cannot hear

Your voice is soothing

But the words aren't clear

You don't sound different

I've learned the game

I'm looking through you

You're not the same

Why, tell me why

Did you not treat me right?

Love has a nasty habit

Of disappearing overnight

You're thinking of me

The same old way

You were above me

But not today

The only difference

Is you're down there

I'm looking through you

And you're nowhere

Why, tell me why

Did you not treat me right?

Love has a nasty habit

Of disappearing overnight

I'm looking through you

Where did you go?

I thought I knew you

What did I know?

You don't look different

But you have changed

I'm looking through you

You're not the same

Yeah, oh, baby you've changed

Aah, I'm a-looking through you

Yeah, I'm looking through you

You've changed, you've changed

You've changed, you've changed

Officially appears on

See all official recordings containing “I'm Looking Through You”

Bootlegs

See all bootlegs containing “I'm Looking Through You”

Videos

Concert Mar 28, 2010 in Phoenix

Concert Aug 18, 2010 in Pittsburgh

Live performances

“I'm Looking Through You” has been played in 36 concerts and 13 soundchecks.

Latest concerts where “I'm Looking Through You” has been played

See all concerts where “I'm Looking Through You” has been played

Going further

Paul McCartney writing

Talk more talk, chat more chat

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