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Released in 1965

Wait

Written by Lennon - McCartney

Last updated on March 25, 2016

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:

From Wikipedia:

“Wait” is a song recorded by the Beatles, from their 1965 album Rubber Soul. The songwriting credit is Lennon–McCartney, and the song is usually said to be a joint effort between the two, although in the 1997 book, Many Years from Now, McCartney recalls it as entirely his. This is supported by a 1970 interview with John Lennon by Ray Connolly. John could not remember writing it. “That must be one of Paul’s,” he said. The middle eight section is similar to Autumn Leaves (1945 song) (one example being the line “I know that you” matches “old winter’s song” from Autumn Leaves).

Origin and recording

The song was originally recorded for Help! in June 1965 but did not make the final pressing. When Rubber Soul fell one song short for a Christmas release, “Wait” was brought back. Overdubs were added to the initial recording so it would blend in better with the other, more recent songs on Rubber Soul.

The lyrics, describing the singer’s anxieties about his relationship with his girlfriend while he is away, are thematically similar to several other Lennon–McCartney songs, such as “When I Get Home” and “Things We Said Today,” written during the period of 1964 and 1965. The vocals on the verse are shared between Lennon and McCartney, and McCartney sings the two middle eight sections. Instrumentally, the most memorable feature of “Wait” is George Harrison’s tone pedal guitar.

Paul McCartney in Many Years From Now, by Barry Miles:

[Actor Brandon de Wilde] was a nice guy who was fascinated by what we did. A sort of Brat Pack actor. We chatted endlessly, and I seem to remember writing Wait in front of him, and him being interested to see it being written. I think it was my song. I don’t remember John collaborating too much on it, although he could have.

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.
    US: Capitol ST 2442 Rubber Soul 1965.
  • [c] stereo 1987.
    CD: EMI CDP 7 46440 2 Rubber Soul 1987.

Lyrics

It's been a long time

Now I'm coming back home

I've been away now

Oh how I've been alone

Wait till I come back to your side

We'll forget the tears we've cried

But if your heart breaks

Don't wait, turn me away

And if your heart's strong

Hold on, I won't delay

Wait till I come back to your side

We'll forget the tears we've cried

I feel as though

You ought to know

That I've been good

As good as I can be

And if you do

I'll trust in you

And know that you

Will wait for me

It's been a long time

Now I'm coming back home

I've been away now

Oh how I've been alone

Wait till I come back to your side

We'll forget the tears we've cried

I feel as though

You ought to know

That I've been good

As good as I can be

And if you do

I'll trust in you

And know that you

Will wait for me

But if your heart breaks

Don't wait, turn me away

And if your heart's strong

Hold on, I won't delay

Wait till I come back to your side

We'll forget the tears we've cried

It's been a long time

Now I'm coming back home

I've been away now

Oh, how I've been alone

Officially appears on

See all official recordings containing “Wait”

Bootlegs

Live performances

Paul McCartney has never played this song in concert.

Going further

Paul McCartney writing

Talk more talk, chat more chat

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