From Me to You by The Beatles

Album: The Beatles' Hits (1963)

Charted: 1 41

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Songfacts®:

The title was taken from a letters column that ran in a popular British music newspaper called The New Musical Express (the NME). The column was called "From You to Us."

When this same newspaper refered to "From Me to You" as "Below-par Beatles," it upset John Lennon, who talked about it in his last print interview before his death when he told Rolling Stone: "Maybe it wasn't as good as 'Please Please Me,' but below par? I'll never forget that one. That's when I first realized you've got to keep it up, there's some sort of system where you get on the wheel and you've got to keep going around."
In the UK, this was The Beatles' third single and their first to hit #1; it was released there on April 11, 1963 and hit the top spot on May 8.

America took a while longer to embrace The Beatles. "From Me To You" was their second US single (following "Please Please Me"), released on the Vee Jay label on May 27, 1963. It rose to a lofty #116 in August at a time when the group dominated the chart in their homeland. When they finally broke through in America in early 1964, Vee Jay again released the single; it climbed to #41 in April.
This was the first song to feature The Beatles falsetto "whoooo," which became a big part of many of their hits, including "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and "Help!." Paul McCartney learned the "whoooo" from listening to Little Richard.
In 1963, Del Shannon became the first American to cover a Beatles song when he recorded a version of "From Me to You." The Beatles version was released first, but Shannon's version was the first to chart, when it entered on June 29, 1963 eventually peaking at #77.

Shannon's career waned when The Beatles and other British groups came to the US, and he was never able to regain the popularity he had in 1961, when he had a hit with "Runaway." Suffering from depression, he killed himself in 1990.
This was rewritten and used as a theme song for a radio program featuring the Beatles called "From Us to You." It ran in England from December 1963 to June 1965.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote this on a bus while The Beatles were touring with Helen Shapiro, a 16-year-old who was more popular in America at the time then they were. They wrote the song as a message to The Beatles' fans.
This song was released as an A-side single in the UK (the B-side was "Thank You Girl"). In the US, it was released as the B-side of "Please Please Me." The song didn't appear on an album until 1995, when it was included on their Anthology compilation.
This was one of the songs The Beatles performed on The Ed Sullivan Show when they came to America in February 1964. This was the start of Beatlemania in America, and it got a big boost from the show, which had an enormous audience. The Beatles played it on their second appearance, which came a week after their first.
Structurally, this is an unusual song as it is in a major chord (C), but ends on a minor (A minor). This was very rare in the world of pop music. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Bertrand - Paris, France

Comments: 46

Luna Loud from Royal Woods, MichiganYo, dudes, I'm 16 and The Beatles are my jam! I like all kinds of music, but most of the stuff I listen to is classic rock, from the '90's (the last great decade of music, as they say) and before. I do listen to some stuff after the 90's, but The Beatles are one of my favorite bands, second to only the 'Stones! I know I'm probably gonna get a lot of hate for that, but The Stones appeal to more of my personal taste, as I listen to a lot of other blues-based bands, like 'Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Hendrix, Cream, G'n'R, the grunge movement, etc. Though you can't deny that The Beatles were the most influential band of all time, influencing musicians from all different genres for decades to come, much more than the 'Stones, I will admit.

ROCK ON!
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn this day in 1964 {March 29th}, the Beatles' "From Me To You" peaked at #41 on Billboard's Top 100 chart, the record's A-side, "Please Please Me", was at #5, and the top four positions were also held by the Fab Four. At #4, "I Want To Hold Your Hand", at #3 was "She Loves You", occupying the #2 spot was "Twist and Shout", and in it's first of five weeks at #1 was "Can't Buy Me Love"...
In addition, the Beatles had six other records on the Top 100; "I Saw Her Standing There" {at #31}, "Do You Want To Know A Secret" {at #46}, "All My Loving" {at #58}, "You Can't Do That" {at #65}, "Roll Over Beethoven" {at #68}, and "Thank You Girl" {at #79}...
Plus at #42 was "We Love You Beatles" by the Carefrees and at #85 was "A Letter to the Beatles" by the Four Preps...
R.I.P. John and George...
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn August 3, 1963, the Beatles made their final appearance at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. They performed 274 concerts at the club following their debut there 2½ years earlier. Their first show earned them £5 and their last one paid them £300...
At the time the quartet's "From Me to You*" was at #17 on the United Kingdom's Singles chart, one position higher at #16 was Buddy Holly's covered version of "Bo Diddley", and at #1 was "(You're The) Devil In Disguise" by Elvis...
* The month before on July 14th Del Shannon's covered version of "From Me to You" peaked at #77 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart, it was the first Beatle song to chart in the U.S.A.
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn June 9th 1963, Roy Orbison played King George's Hall in Blackburn, Lancashire, England. On the bill was the Beatles; at the time "From Me to You" was #1 on the UK Singles chart.
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn June 4th 1963, the first episode of the radio program 'Pops Goes the Beatles' aired on the B.B.C. in the United Kingdom...
The program lasted for sixteen total episodes…
At the time the Beatles' "From Me, To You" was at #1 on the United Kingdom Singles chart, but they didn't perform the song on the program...
They did perform "Do You Want to Know a Secret", and at the time it was Billy J. Kramer & the Dakotas’ covered version that was at #2 on the U.K. chart.
Zero from The Abyss, NjAnyone else hear a similarity to Roy Orbison's "Anything You Want (You Got It)" when John sings, "If there's anything that you want."
Idk, this song's playing in my head and then I start to hear the Roy Orbison song...

-5 mins later-

Just did some research and found out the Roy Orbison song didn't come out until 1989.

Was gonna suggest that they might have subconsciously channeled Roy Orbison but I guess it more likely was the other way around!
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn June 23rd 1963, Del Shannon's covered version of "From Me to You" entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #96, it stayed on the chart for four weeks, peaking at #77...
Del Shannon had three other records make the Top 100 in 1963; "Little Town Flirt" (#12), "Two Kinds of Teardrops" (#50), and "Sue's Gotta Be Mine" (#71)...
R.I.P. Mr. Shannon, born Charles Weedon Westover, 1934 - 1990.
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn January 19th 1963, the Beatles performed (actually lip-synced) "From Me to You" on the U.K. TV program 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' (was their debut on British TV)...
Three months later on April 27th, 1963 it would peak at #1 (for 6 weeks) on the United Kingdom's NME (New Musical Express) Singles chart...
It entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart on February 2nd, 1964; eventually peaked at #41 and spent 6 weeks on the chart (the flip-side, "Please Please Me" reached #3 (for 2 weeks) on the Top 100; the both weeks it was at #3, the #2 record was "She Loves You" and #1 was "I Want To hold Your Hand")...
R.I.P. John and George.
Allyson from Waverly, NyI'm supposed to be researching my country I picked for History class. but I'm sitting here looking up Beatles song facts!! And this song is in my HEEEEEEEAD! ...On repeat!
Olivia from Philadelphia, PaI am secretly in love with Paul. I know everything about him. He was born Sir James Paul McCartney on June 18th, 1942. He had a dog named Martha and I LoVE HIM!
Olivia from Philadelphia, PaPAUL MCCARTNEY is my favorite. Followed close by George. John and Ringo are tied because I can't have a least favorite Beatle! I agree too I am 15 and HATE the crap on the radio! I love the Beatles, Wings, George Harrison's solo songs, and ELO. All GREAT!
Olivia from Philadelphia, PaI am 15 but this song has great memories for me! All of the Capitol Version has great songs and memories of my childhood!
Russell from Bridgnorth, United KingdomThe first Beatles single to be registered with their own music publishing company, Northern Songs Limited.
Linc from Beaumont, TxModern music is bad and getting worse in general...you can tell it's headed south when bands start trying to sound like the Beatles and butcher covers like that awful cat-calling remake of Come Together!
Amanda from Gretna, Vti know what you mean cloe. i mean this girl just walked up to me in the hallway and said "You know the beatles suck."

i was like "What?!"

i cant stand some of the s--t they put out today. yes she was a prep.
Claire from Miller's, MdI'm 14 and I can't stop loving The Beatles. I'll be 15 in September. Rock On Beatles:))))))))))))))
Chloe from St. Louis, Mothis is epic- seeing all of these people who share my obsession! im 13 and ive never understood how people can stand the crap they play now. i absolutely love the beatles, and im forever grateful to this site for helping me learn more!
Ken from Louisville, KyGeorge Martin said that after "Please Please Me", he was concerned that the Beatles could be one-hit wonders. He said it was this song that convinced him they would be consistent hit-makers.
Kelly from Liverpool, United KingdomI'm Kelly and i'm 14. lol My favorite is either john... paul.... or george... haha. one of those :P but trust me.. im a huge fan. i know almost everything there is to know about the beatles. ask me Anything. (i got most of it from this site and wiki xD)
Nady from Adelaide, AustraliaI've loved rock n roll (especially the Beatles) since I was in my Mum's tum. Seriously, her and Dad used to put the headphones on her tum; whenever Ma put on her weirdo symphany music i would start kicking and carrying on, but when Dad put on a bit of rock nnn roll I calmed down and stopped kicking!! I know! Beatles ROCK i had a dream that Yoko gave me a black wedding dress and John Lennon came to my wedding. So thts Elvis, Jim Morrison and John Lennon that have visited my dreams....spoooooky heh heh love it
Vincent Ferraro from Hesperia, CaI'm 15, and I don't really see why age matters, but I am also a huge Beatles fan and an aspiring Beatologist, soaking up all the Beatles information I can get my dirty little hands on, so I really appreciate songfacts.com.
Max from Nyc, Nyhey im 16 and a beatle fan.
Kevin from Albany, OrIt was so weird. I had my computer on random on all Beatles playlist and it played Thank You Girl, From Me To You and She Loves You all together. They fit together really well because of the harmonica.
Guy from Woodinville, WaThis is the quintessential early Beatles song for me. Pure pop perfection!
Krissy from Boston, MaI lOVE this song. I am only 14 and I absolute love The Beatles. They were such an amazing group.
Ian from Lethbridge, CanadaI'm 16 and I think The Beatles are TOTALLY AWESOME! I love them very, very much!
Bram from Zoetermeer, NetherlandsJohn's main idea, but written together
Fyodor from Denver, CoThey didn't just learn the "whooo" listening to Little Richard, they learned it from him directly, at his feet! They met Little Richard in Germany and Richard says McCartney got him to show him how to do it over and over again till he got it right! But Calum, you're right, I Saw Her Standing There featured it first, a few weeks before this one! This song was their first single written "eyeball to eyeball" by both John and Paul, as Love Me Do was mostly or entirely Paul and Please Please Me was entirely John. Their next two A-sides, She Loves You and I Want To Hold Your Hand, were written collaboratively as well--a key time!!
Michelle from Antigonish, CanadaI LOVE THE BEATLES!!!!!
Kelly from Woodstock, Canadai LOVE the beatles...my frind...anonymous Jones...got me into the beatles..i am 14...and Ringo is my favourite!! The beatles will live for many many centuries(their music)
John from Mountain Lakes, NjOops someone already said that
John from Mountain Lakes, NjWhen they are singing "just call on me", John actually sings "so call on me", while paul sticks to "just".
Ken from Louisville, KyPaul McCartney said he got the idea for the opening line from a Liverpool street merchant who would push his cart down neighborhood streets yelling "If there's anything that you want..."
Carolina from Valencia, South AmericaHi, I´m from Venezuela!!!! and I LOVE The Beatles, they were and always will be the BEST group on earth.

I'm just 23years old, but I'm in love of Ringo and... it's just like they never disapear or die... they live everyday in our heart.
BEATLES 4EVER
Lee from Clearwater, FlI think its great that so many teenagers like the Beatles. I was thirteen when they first came out. Now I am 56, I give my 26 year old daughter a Beatles album now and then, and now she likes them too.
I suggest the please please me album, with anna, misery etc. I also believe the help album might be one the younger people might enjoy. The generation before me was well represented by my mother, who was a Beatle fan. There are not many other groups that have captured fans encompassing three generations. Enjoy, wish you could go back in time with me to see them on the Ed Sullivan shoe. That was a night when the music world was knocked on its ear. It is one of those nights I am glad I can say I took part in. I almost feel sorry for the ones who were there in person, they were the outsiders. The majority of us watched on black and white TV. I remember it like it was yesterday. (another great song!)
Luna from London, EnglandI'm 12 and i LOVE the Beatles.... my favorite is Ringo!!!
Kams from Bszcz, Polandwhen they're singing "just call on me", john actually sing "so call on me", while paul stick to "just". listen carefully.
Calum from Edinburgh, ScotlandI Saw Her Standing There features the falsetto "whoooo" which was an older song than this, I believe. What about Twist and Shout? Like I Saw Her Standing There it was being performed well before From me To You. And where abouts does it occur in I Want To Hold Your Hand? Sheesh.
Melissa from Fairborn, OhThis is one of my favorite Beatles song Especially Lennon/McCartney.
Stefanie Magura from Rock Hill, ScI love this song too, Lili. It's a fun up-tempo song. I'm 16, and I'm a huge fan of The beatles. who's your favorite?
Nessie from Sapporo, JapanIt would have worked as a balled, but their recording captures that infectious energy of the early Beatles.
Kristen from Aurora, Ilalso Roll Over Beethoven on Meet the Beatles features a falsetto "whoooo".
Kristen from Aurora, IlIm 17 and I love the Beatles- George is my fav.
Ellen from Nashville, TnI'm 13 too and i love this song and the beatles in general
Marcos from Fort Worth, Txi'm 13, i'm a teen fan of the fab four. and there is no falsetto "whoooo" in I Want to Hold Your Hand. there's one in She Loves You, though.
Liliana from Huntley, Illili here, 15, wants to talk to another teen fan of the fab four....and this song is totally awesome =)

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