THE BEATLES - THIS BOY Reaction - First time hearing

[@tedmohr6353]

John did write this song, Paul may have added his opinions but the harmonies were second to none

[@laural.enright4780]

I think people some times forget just how incredible the Beatles harmonies were. They were so incredibly tight as a group and the harmonies were glorious.

[@juanita6479]

Yep, this is all a Beatles song, written by John, and his solo part is able to shake any heart, simply beautiful!!! Also the harmonies are mind blowing,!!!

[@barrycohen311]

Written by John Lennon (credited to Lennon-McCartney). It was released in November 1963 as the B-side of the band's Parlophone single "I Want to Hold Your Hand"

[@coocoocachooglin]

I remember my young aunt baby sitting me and she would play both sides over and over on the big zenith console singing and dancing with me around the living room, great memories.

[@ahmosok]

Sleep Walker By Santo & Jhonny. 😅

[@sarahfullerton6894]

Harri, late to the reaction: If you haven't already, check out "Because ", for more beautiful Beatles 3-part harmonies (actually 9-part harmonies, as each harmony line was recorded 3 times by John, George and Paul.) Gorgeous song, diamonds in our ears!

[@d.j.starling3559]

Great choice!! Always loved this song! NOTE TO HARRI - You should take the time one day to start listening to The Beatles in chronological order. Their early stuff was so, soooo good, & soooo much fun, and to actually hear their musical progression as it happens, to hear their talent grow & blossom in a VERY short time (1962-1970) is a listening experience you should definitely let yourself enjoy! One of their earliest songs that I love is I'll Get You. Good old rock-n-roll, Lennon/McCartney style!

[@patticrichton1135]

YES, HARRI, please do that!

[@southernwanderer7912]

"I'll Get You" is a fabulous song.

[@mikeguerrero72]

You got it just right D.J. The Beatles came to the U.S. just at the right time to sing the songs that needed to be heard. We welcomed them with open arms. It was a great time to be alive.

[@JohnWhite-xc3md]

The Beatles were really into, and were influenced by the girl bands like the Supremes. Thats how they got their harmonies together. So great. ❤

[@PickleBoot_Arts]

Among the many outstanding things about the Beatles was how their voices blended.

[@RobertSmith-iw2kb]

As they say in those stupid,monotonous TV commercials, I love it. They wrote it Lennon McCartney. I think.

[@RobertSmith-iw2kb]

Everly bros.a big influence, good call harri.

[@RobertSmith-iw2kb]

Who else could write this. 2 geniuses. They learned melodies from brothers. 😊

[@matthewsmith-rm6qc]

Usually only groups who are related family members can blend like that, that's the Beatles for you.

[@lionheartroar3104]

Great doo wop driven beat from The Beatles

[@jakewayrewa5201]

One of my favorite, underrated early Beatles tunes.

[@NZLatic]

Paul McCartney told of how his dad, Jim, taught Paul, John and George how to sing in three part harmonies which is something they had over most of the other Liverpool bands at the time. This is one of my favourite Beatle songs from their early days, especially with John’s bit in the middle.

[@ed.z.]

And, Peter Asher’s mom showed them some harmony techniques and John and Paul wrote a famous song on her piano.

[@raecoyote]

They were perfection … the best band that ever was or will be ❤

[@gregfagan199]

Such a beautiful three-part harmony, and then Lennon's solo vocal is so impassioned. The Beatles were huge fans of the Everly Brothers and were heavily influenced by them; so good call.

[@ricknbacker5626]

John Lennon loved the 1950's Doo-wop artists as well as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. This was his attempt at emulating his heroes in style and vibe. This Boy with its maj7's and 6's notes woven into a pretty complex 3 part harmony show the bands rapid growth as songwriters and harmony arrangers. Hope all is well Hari. Cheers, RNB

[@Bassman2353]

The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show for three weeks in a row in 1964. During the third show, the three singers gathered around one microphone and sang it live. To see a band rearranging itself song by song and pulling it off so beautifully was just one more facet of their charm and charisma. No live band ever did what they did before - they were totally unique.

[@mc76]

The first night of the three, I was at a CYO roller skating party. At 7:55 PM, the floor emptied, and all the skaters crammed into the rink's snack bar to watch The Beatles on a 13-inch black and white TV. The lady running the concessions protested at first, but finally just threw up her hands and watched along with everyone else. They were truly a phenomenon.

[@oldiesgeek454]

Thomas Richard If I'm not mistaken, it was the second Sullivan show from Miami when they performed This Boy. 😊

[@pam1574]

I've got the boxed set of the Ed Sullivan show featuring the Beatles' first appearances. I watched them on an old floor model black n white TV set on Feb 9, 1964...... I was 9 yrs old and totally mesmerized! I'm now 67 and am still afflicted with Beatlemania! 😃

[@oldiesgeek454]

@@pam1574 Wouldn't it be fun if you still owned that same TV you originally watched them on? Then, you could hook your DVD player up to it, and watch them again in order to re-create the night of 2-9-64. 😉

[@pam1574]

@@oldiesgeek454 That would be FABulous! 😃. Better yet, I'd like to have a time machine to take me back to that exact time and date... Omg, to experience it with my parents again!! Btw, loved reading your experience at the roller rink!!! 😃

[@TheToscanaMan]

Yeah incredible harmony, touching lyrics... what's not to love. They have perhaps written better, but this is still one of my all time favorite Beatle songs. It always gets me. And John's solo, damn that boy could sing. 😎

[@partypete007]

John’s voice is amazing in this one! Also George Harrison as a harmoniser is shown… If there were three Everly Brothers…!

[@annepinkerton7735]

This is their song and it was one of their early ones. This song was my favorite of all the Beatles' songs!!!! Remember when they sang it on The Ed Sullivan Show!!!

[@photographerjonathan]

Such a great classic song. Lennons voice was never better. his voice was so strong in these early days because the Beatles were performing eight hours a day before they made it. his voice was way stronger than in his later work. Sean Lennon actually does pretty good cover of this live.

[@Jamthecoolerator]

His voice was plenty strong in his later work, too.

[@southernwanderer7912]

Oh, wow, I thought you would never cover this Lennon song. I requested it several times. It's one of my favorites. Lennon's voice is simply amazing, the way John goes from low voice to that soaring, raw voice and quickly back down to a low voice And nobody does a better raw scream than John Lennon! Lennon's voice is what actually drew me to the Beatles in the first place and eventually made me a life-long Beatles fan.

[@darost]

It's fun to go back and watch earlier versions. The first high note ("but oh MY") is actually higher than John's solo note ("till she sees you CRY"). They tried several configurations before they nailed it. And listen to John's rhythm guitar! Amazing! How did they happen?

[@jnagarya519]

Written by John. Top-notch R&B.

[@dougsusie2319]

John wrote this one and was the B-Side of their single "I Want To Hold Your Hand" released on November 29, 1963. How many young artists today would kill for a song like this to release as an A-Side? The Beatles were that great, many of their B-Sides and deep album cuts are far superior to many big artists best material back then and up through today. ☮️✌️💕👌

[@mikeanton9125]

Yes the Beatles were influenced by the Everly Brothers. In fact when John and Paul were sharing a mic quite often it was their tribute to the Everly’s. By the way there is a KZbin video of John Paul and George singing This Boy sharing one mic.

[@MsCloudrider]

But it is also the case that the Beatles in Hamburg had to play and sing on the Reeperbahn until 8 a.m. at night. That would have strained their voices so much that they sang together more and more. It was also a necessity that elevated them to art.

[@oldermusiclover]

there is also one of George watching this video

[@Lu-MingPan-b5w]

Every musician is influenced by one or more musicians.

[@lynnwest2882]

It is my fav Beatles song. I was in ninth grade in 1964 when I first saw them on the Ed Sullivan show. {I am now 73 in 2022 and love them even more) I think my life would have been much different without them. There is three-part harmony going on and to find three singers in one band well it is just incredible. I could go on and on but I would just be singing (sic) to the choir.

[@dannygriffith6185]

Written by John AND Paul. In those days they knocked out their songs together still. Everly Bros. were one of their favorite acts so you heard that influence in a lot of their early material. Good ears Harri!

[@cathyortiz1280]

I adore this song! The harmonies & even the solo just pierces my heart. John wrote this one.

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

Alison Hammer with another winner! This is one of my favorite Beatles songs, and one of my favorite lead vocals by John. Great reaction, Harri!

[@Joestudly]

You're right it's the harmonies and the chemistry

[@hansvandijk1487]

One of many masterpieces by John & Paul. Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱.

[@alan1james]

My favorite song from my favorite band... ❤

[@moodyblues108]

Of all Beatles songs, I return to this one because it is so simple and quintessential Beatles.

[@markthomas2577]

Yes, it's a Lennon-McCartney song !

[@johngiovine8792]

This is one of my favorite Beatles songs, I love the quick, loving, and supportive side-eye from Paul to John @ 2:02!

[@janeenbarker4851]

Hi Harri, My favorite Beatles song. I love the do-op feel to it. The only thing wrong is it's way to short. So glad you got to discover this great song. They all looked so young and handsome. RIP John Lennon.

[@patticrichton1135]

AND RIP George Harrison too.

[@janeenbarker4851]

@@patticrichton1135 Yes, we can't forget George Harrison. Thanks for the reminder.

[@thegman8968]

Such a great song! Had this "MEET THE BEATLES" album as a youngster and still love it some 50+ years later. Thanks much !!☮

[@briandonovan1584]

Me too. Born in Berkeley, California 1964. Cheers!

[@oldermusiclover]

had it for years still have my Beatles 2nd LP

[@donw804]

This is one of their best songs that genuinely highlights a brilliant 3 part harmony. Another great early example of this is on a very underrated Yes It Is.

[@beholdmessiah6526]

Awesome Harri, stunning harmonies. Be sure to listen to Yes It Is from 1965

[@Jody525252]

Just Beautiful!!! Grew up listening to the Beatles....

[@tonyx2802]

Shows how John, george and Pauls voices blended. Johns baby I think🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎

[@susieq9801]

Amazing three part harmonies. Yes, a L&M original song. They were big fans of The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Little Richard and a lot of 50's performers so the influences show through. They were also big fans of Lonnie Donegan. His style was called skiffle. He took all kinds of music and added his own unique rockabilly touch. I always loved his song "Does your chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight".

[@saboteur1001]

This is John's song and it is amazing! One of the Beatles' best!

[@lisajames3359]

It was a Lennon and McCartney composition. The Beatles are legendary, it’s one of my favourite early songs of theirs. Their harmonies are something else, moves me to tears. The only other performance that affects me this way is Bobby Hatfield’s performance of ‘Unchained Melody’. Such talent in the sixties.

[@jennifursun3303]

Harri this is the first Beatles song I ever heard as a kid that guitar George is playing he gave it away

[@librasun996]

Thank you Alison Hammer for requesting this song. Thank you to Harri for doing the request. This is my favorite beatles song, ever since I bought the album that it is on, "Meet The Beatles". Beautiful song.

[@debbiechang5781]

Wow! I am so excited! I knew you would eventually get to this amazing song as I have seen it requested many times. Such a gorgeous song and John’s voice is other worldly in this song. Thanks Alison and Harri🌺✌️

[@alisonhammer5662]

Debbie, I’m so glad he was able to upload this one! These last 2 Beatles requests were from last month. Worth the wait!

[@southernwanderer7912]

I'm one of the people that requested it many times in the past because it's one of my favorite Beatles songs. I'm glad he finally reviewed it. Is there a club you have to be in for your request for him to review a song be granted?

[@alisonhammer5662]

@@southernwanderer7912 he has a “patreon-like” program in the community tab of his channel that he started at listener request. I decided to join and a few months ago because I enjoy Harri’s thoughtful reactions so much that I wanted to contribute to his efforts since he is working so hard and brings so much joy to his listeners. Patrons can make requests on that platform each month. I’m sure he pulls from general comments too. I don’t know how he keeps up!

[@t.r.1708]

Wow! Talk about time travel! I was a little 6 year old munchkin when this came out! Even the children were Beatles fans!

[@kenchristie9214]

This Boy is the B side to the first Beatles #` hit in the U.S "I Want To Hold Your Hand". It is also referred to as "Ringo's Theme" in the movie "A Hard Day's Night" but is not included on the studio album. The biggest influence on John and Paul vocals was Little Richard. Buddy Holly & The Crickets was their biggest influence on their harmonies.

[@kb9788]

Ken Christie, maybe overall Buddy Holly and Little Richard, but this was pure Everly Brothers was a little Smokey mixed in.

[@kenchristie9214]

@@kb9788 Saying Smokey Robinson was an influence on The Beatles is the same as saying The Isley Brothers and The Cookies were an influence on them. Every Smokey Robinson cover was better than the original.

[@rickc661]

Don't know why but this has always ( half a century ) been my fave ' Early ' Beatles tune.

[@lindakinninger5500]

Another 3 part harmony song of theirs is “Yes It Is”. A little more obscure (if a Beatles son can be obscure). And of course “Sun King”

[@JUSTBEYOURSELF75]

TOTALLY AGREE! What a wonderful time it was!!!!!

[@patticrichton1135]

HARRI, the instrumental version of THIS BOY was played in their first MOVIE "A HARD DAY'S NIGHT" but then it was called "RINGO'S THEME" as it is played over the scene of RINGO leaving the group, getting a disguise and wandering around (due to Paul's grandfather in the movie TELLING Ringo to go "parading" (get out there and do some living). It's a hilarious segment in the movie.

[@AliasMark69]

John Lennon is my Favorite Male Vocalist. John Lennon…. Most Important Person In Modern Music History. “The Beatles…. Greatest Musical Group In History. Nobody else even comes close.

[@nogunnofear6703]

I still miss those boys. My entire teenage years where the beatle years and I got to see them in Atlanta on August 18th 65 and it's still one of the favorite best memories of my entire life. And I have had an amazing life. So far. They were so fresh and exciting in the beginning and then they turned out to be absolutely brilliant. So kind of hard to top.

[@cojaysea]

Always loved that number

[@lindygreg6805]

It'd a beautiful song Harri Lobe this particular rendition Paul's little smile before John's brilliant solo

[@MediaAceStar]

My neighbor had the album “Meet The Beatles” and we would listen to it in his basement. His mom would often come downstairs and say this was her favorite song. RIP Mrs. Warrington. Fantastic video done by a 1963 English TV show…that three shot is phenomenal.

[@MySherry10]

Just beautiful , I love this song, they are so cute I can see why they drove women wild with looks and voices

[@JayKFilmz]

You should listen and compare it to ‘Yes It Is ‘ . Another well sung John song in the same vein as This Boy .

[@pauljones9061]

Of all the Beatles song's this has their harmonies at their best, done in one take apparently.

[@1967PONTIACGTO]

My mother's favourite Beatles song.

[@meldonbrindley7093]

One of my favorite Beatles song. Kind of hidden on the early albums but beautiful.

[@gregoryclayton8287]

One of the BEST songs ever, EVER!!!!!!!!!! . Love ya Harri! You have been move to the head of the class!!!!!!

[@SuperCowboyblue]

This was played as a interview on itv north west news with Ken Dodd the Beatles and Ken Dodd were just breaking nationwide beautiful song

[@heatherfoster4098]

Short of begging Harri, please try Love Me Do & Anna!!! Killer harmonies on Love ME Do. Thank you!!!😁

[@222wylie]

Anna is a cover but they kill it! Wonderful song and harmonies.

[@heatherfoster4098]

@@222wylie my parents were very young and we had an 8 track and we had every Beatle tape, in 1971. I was 5 and knew every word to every song. Good Times! 😁

[@sandimartin824]

It's my favorite Beatles song, if not my favorite song period.

[@bengaljam4550]

Nice 3 part harmony. It was actually my favorite song off there first album released in America.

[@tombigelow8905]

So young!

[@AP-gb3eh]

Old enough to have their albums in the house new. Playing them cover to cover. ☮️

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

Love this song; haven't heard it in ages.

[@ArniePorter]

My older sister’s favourite song when we were kids. I love it too.

[@dagmar.6954]

This is from the early music of the Beatles. John wrote this beautiful ballad & recorded it in 1963. "This Boy" was the B-side of the band's single "I Want To Hold Your Hand". They recorded fifteen takes of "This Boy" followed by two overdubs.

[@paulroberts1000]

Thank you Harry for another great gentle and thoughtful reaction/review. The Beatles (even in the early days) wrote most of the songs they sang, including this one. I was 8 years old when in 1963 my mum and dad bought a red Dansette record player for my older sisters. The two records they bought with it were... I Want To Hold Your Hand with the 'b' side being This Boy... and She Loves You with "b" side I'll Get You. This Boy was my favourite. My life long love of the Beatles started there and then. Keep the great reactions rolling...... Paul

[@aBeatleFan4ever]

John & Paul would be very happy to hear you say - it sounds like the Everly Brothers. That is exactly what they wanted to sound like. John & Paul... (and Simon & Garfunkel as well) hoped they could one day sound even close to the way the Everly Brothers sounded. They were totally inspired by their vocal harmony abilities.

[@sitbone3]

One of my favorite Beatles songs.

[@timholt9948]

Simple song .but what a charmer

[@russelbarnes7235]

One of my all time favorite songs by The Beatles. Thank you for this reaction to this simply beautiful song from the preschool days of this Beatles fan. Try the song Do You Want to Know a Secret?. Another underrated song. Harri, I appreciate your appreciation of good music.( is there any other kind?). Peace

[@marilyndurham738]

Love it. I was just thinking of this song last night. Been a fan since 1964

[@pattya796]

Omg this brought back memories of high school 😉 10th grade. John’s voice…

[@mrburns1203]

Great song. Always one of My favorites.

[@DJBilodeau]

Wow-you picked that one out, Harri! The Everly Brothers were a HUGE influence on the early Beatles!

[@danielvolk237]

Gosh Alison, you sure know how to pick them. Marvelous Choice. Harri, this is definitely a Lennon/McCartney masterpiece, John wrote this , he was trying to sound like Smoky Robinson. Beautiful harmonies. 👍🔥😎🙃💟🕊️

[@alisonhammer5662]

Thanks Daniel, hard to pick a bad one from the Fab 4!

[@danielvolk237]

@@alisonhammer5662 So true 😉

[@markwilliams5606]

The Beatles enough said 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇨🇦✌️

[@laurateall8847]

I scolled down a bit to see if anyone mentioned it---this song was on the album as This Boy (Ringo's Theme). I still think of it that way. I can't understand why that's not still part of the title. Anyway, I've always had a real soft spot for this one--and I agree with you, Harri, the harmonies are too good! Nice reaction. Thanks.

[@jimmeltonbradley1497]

My favourite Beatles middle eight. Stupendous!

[@johnnyrebski]

Beautiful in it's simplicity

[@kimmi6151]

This is my favorite Beatles song ❤️

[@karenwalker3770]

There's a sweet clip of this in "All Things Must Pass" ( the incredible documentary about George). He laughs, hums along with it a bit, & then says " it was a good song though.!! I must have watched my Blu-ray a thousand times! Oh!! So George also mentioned how John was blind as a bat because he didn't wear his glasses all the time!

[@tedmohr6353]

Perfect harmony

[@hollywoodjoe123]

HARRI BEST THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE OF MUSIC !

[@cherylmcguire2972]

You’re right !!! When you said it sounded a bit like the Everly Brothers… I knew immediately what you were thinking I wasn’t able to make the connection and place the sound. Insightful...I always enjoy listening to your comments… Thank you

[@mitchmitchell80]

The 3-part harmony I wished they would have done more of that. Great tune! Thanks

[@thomastimlin1724]

1964 - They sang this live on the Ed Sullivan Show, the second one in Miami, L-I-V-E and it sounded just as good as the recording, minus the double tracking of John's voice.,

[@gpxo11]

Another nice harmony ballad of 1965 Yes It Is has a similar sound. You should also check out the rocker I'm down by the Beatles-rarely heard as it was only issued as a B side to Help.

[@patticrichton1135]

Their song "YES IT IS" in virtually unknown to many people except avid Beatles fans, it is such a BEAUTIFUL SONG with this same 3 part harmony. It is one of my favorites.

[@elizabethsteele4633]

Good song . Makes me think of early Wailers , who took things to another equally beautiful level . I have an LP of Marley when he was very young . The same magic !

[@WendyJoJohnston]

I have a fondness for the early Beatles. Those harmonies are so sweet, mmm.

[@susanelkins3068]

love your reactions- MORE BEATLES

[@The5thGen]

Really love this song.

[@suzie4417]

I remember singing to this song when it came out with I want to hold your hand, which was a blockbuster- I loved listening to both sides of the 45 💓😻🇨🇦☮️

[@cathyortiz1280]

Early Beatles. Great one by John. Always picture the Hard Days Night movie when I hear it.

[@lolawaara9132]

Those harmonies! First generation Beatle fan here❤️

[@brianalmeida1964]

The next like after mine will be One After 909😉. Great reaction. There's a great clip of them performing this live on The Morecombe And Wise show! Stay safe 🤘 ✌️