Recorded in 1969

What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For?

Written by Joseph McCarthy • Howard Johnson • James V. Monaco • Unreleased song

Last updated on March 19, 2025

Timeline This song was recorded in 1969

Related session

This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:

The "Get Back / Let It Be" sessions • Day 2
Jan 03, 1969

Other songs covered during January 3, 1969 session

From Wikipedia:

“What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For?” is a song written by Joseph McCarthy, Howard Johnson and James V. Monaco in 1916 for the Broadway production Follow Me, in which it was performed by Henry Lewis.

Early recordings

Lewis’ version was released as a single on Emerson Records in early 1917. Around the same time, a version by Sam Ash was released in February on Columbia Records, having been recorded on 11 December 1916. It was first a hit when released in March that year by Ada Jones and Billy Murray on Victor Records, peaking at number 3 on the US Billboard chart.

Emile Ford and the Checkmates version

The song became a UK hit in 1959 when a doo-wop version was recorded by Emile Ford and the Checkmates as the B-side of their single “Don’t Tell Me Your Trouble”. This B-side became more popular and it topped the charts for six weeks over the Christmas and New Year of 1959/60. It retained the number one position for the first three weeks of 1960. This earned Ford his first gold disc for sales of over a million, which was “an incredible feat for an unknown singer with his debut recording”. The song was co-produced by Ford and Joe Meek.

On January 3, 1969, during the “Get Back” sessions, The Beatles played a version of “What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For?.”

From tracks.co.uk – A photograph of Pete Best and Paul McCartney in 1961. The black & white image was developed in the 1980s from the original negative and shows the pair posing with singer Emile Ford. It was taken at the Tower Ballroom, New Brighton during the Operation Big Beat concert on 10^th November 1961. The Beatles performed at this event along with Rory Storm & The Hurricanes, Gerry & The Pacemakers, The Remo Four and Kingsize Taylor. There is a Dick Matthews copyright stamp on the reverse along with names and the date in blue pen. It measures 21.5cm x 16.5cm (8.5 inches x 6.5 inches). There are some patches of sticker residue on the front and some creasing to the corners and edges. The condition is very good minus.

From Peter Jackson’s film “The Beatles: Get Back“, 2021

Bootlegs

A/B Road Complete Get Back Sessions - Jan 3rd 1969 - 1 & 2
Unofficial album • Released in 2004
1:35 • Rehearsal • Jan.03 - D2-37 - What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For? 3.89
Performed by : Paul McCartney • Ringo Starr • John Lennon • George Harrison
Session Recording: Jan 03, 1969 • Studio Twickenham Film Studios, London, UK

Live performances

Paul McCartney has never played this song in concert.

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