I'll Cry Instead by The Beatles

Album: A Hard Day's Night (1964)

Charted: 25

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Songfacts®:

An early and lesser-known Beatles song, the group recorded "I'll Cry Instead" in two sections that were then edited together. Don't let the upbeat rockabilly tune fool you - the song is quite sad, with John Lennon beating himself up because he lost his girl. He'd like to lock himself up, but since he can't do that, he settles for a good cry.

Lennon wrote the song, but as was standard practice, Paul McCartney also is credited as a writer.
The song was intended for the Beatles film A Hard Day's Night, but it was replaced by "Can't Buy Me Love." It appears on the A Hard Day's Night album, and in America it also shows up on the album Something New. The mono version of that album has an extended version with the first verse repeated at the end.
John Lennon commented on this song to the author David Sheff, telling him, "I like the middle eight," before adding, "That's about all I can say about it."
Joe Cocker covered "I'll Cry Instead" in 1964 and released it as his first single. His version features Jimmy Page, later of The Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin, on guitar. Cocker went on to cover several other Beatles songs, most famously "With A Little Help From My Friends."

Comments: 22

Jennifur Sun from RamonaHave read this was from his influenced by Dylan period, although I must admit I have felt like a few of these lyrics myself.
Dan from Louisville, KyThis song was another of Capitol's slice and dicing the Beatles finished albums for additional marketing and money in the U.S. It was only released as a single in the states and not in England. It was released again on the American made "Something New" album which really gouged customers having German versions of "She Loves You" and " I Want to Hold Your Hand". So American fans had to buy two albums to get all the great songs of the originally produced "A Hard Days Night" soundtrack. And even a third album, "Beatles65" which held over one of John's greatest tunes "I'll Be Back". The United Artists of AHDN and the Capitol "Help" soundtracks were such ripoffs featuring filler from George Martin instead of Beatles music.
Zero from The Abyss, NjWhat does he mean when he says, "If I had my way, I'd get myself locked up today"? Locked up? Does he mean institutionalized?
Guillermo from Buenos Aires, ArgentinaAnother Beatles' song that was highly influenced by Dylan's work was You've Got Hide Your Love Away. The polished lyrics, the strumming of the guitar, John's nasal voice, only changing the harmonica for a flute, etc.
Joe from Grants Pass, OrOne of the only Beatles songs W/O harmony ??
Breanna from Henderson, NvYou know I think that this is a very sad song, again sort of upbeat tempo to cover the fact that it's a very sad song. Man the Beatles were masters of that weren't they? Huh, one legasy for them of the numerous others.
Tim from Salem, VaI like this one a lot. A good fast rocker from John. Notice the line "I've got a chip on my shoulder that's bigger than my feet",this was true of John then. It is also one of the few Beatles songs that does not have a middle jam in it,no guitar solo or licks.It starts,goes through the process and ends. A very good early song from the boys yes,with that country and western sound about it.
John from Cranston, RiThey should have hid all those girls because they Beatle did indeed break their hearts all around the world.
Jeffrey from Lumberton, NjThis song was written by John and was considered for the film but didn't make the final cut. On the Hard Days Night VCR release, it is featured prior to the opening segment of the film.
Michael from Ponce, Puerto Rico, OtherBarry (Montreal, Canada):
I had the United Artist's version of, " A Hard Days Night " on CD, imported from Japan. You can get the long version from the Capitol Albums Vol. 1 ("Something New"). It has also the version of "And I Love Her" that appears on the movie. Any other question, let me know.
Sal from Bardonia , NyThe Beatles are one of the first major acts to champion Bob Dylan. This song is definitely influenced by country music and it shows the Beatles using it as a influence way before it became big 3 to 4 years later and also the Beatles were heavily influenced by Carl Perkins.
Sal, Bardonia, NY
Frank from Las Vegas, NvThis one of the first Beatle songs I learned on the guitar it's tricky in parts but has fantastic words and wonderful bridge
Barry from Montreal, CanadaIs the United Artist's version of, " A Hard Days Night " avaliable on cd? The American released, " I'll Cry Instead," where can I find it? Would love some advise...B.G.
Charlie from Cape Girardeau, MoThis was on the "Hard Day's Night" soundtrack album, but was never heard in the movie. Can't believe no country artist today has covered this. Sounds like it is more Carl Perkins influenced than Dylan.
Jerry from Portland, OrBack in the day . . . my college buddy and I used to play and sing a medley of early Beatles songs during study breaks. This song was part of it. We did it all in two-part harmony. Some of you young studs should try it!
Mike from Newark, NdGood tune. Love the lyrics and has a real "Rock-a-billy" feel. One of my fav's.
George from Itaberaba, BrazilI agree with Adrian, great lyrics. Fast great song.
Lee from Clearwater, FlThis is classic early Beatles. The verse, the chorus, and the guitar licks that make the personality of the song. I call them "mini-bridges."
Bob from Portland, OrBilly Joel covered this song Live on the B-Side of An Innocent Man in 1983
Adrian from Wilmington, DeThe Beatles got a copy of Bob Dylan's "Free Wheelin" shortly after it came out in January, 1964 and had it constantly playing for the next several weeks. I would argue this song was the first glimpse of Dylan's influence on the Beatles and John, imparticular. The other obvious early influence can be seen on "I'm a Loser."
Adrian from Wilmington, DeThe Beatles got a copy of Bob Dylan's "Free Wheelin" shortly after it came out in January, 1964. I would argue this song was the first glimpse of Dylan's influence on the Beatles and John, imparticular. The other obvious early influence can be seen on "I'm a Loser."
Adrian from Wilmington, DeAn awesome song with great lyrics.

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