Written by: Lennon-McCartney
Recorded: 16 February 1965
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Norman Smith
Released: 9 April 1965 (UK), 19 April 1965 (US)
John Lennon: vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar
Paul McCartney: harmony vocals, bass
George Harrison: harmony vocals, lead guitar
Ringo Starr: drums, tambourine
Available on:
Past Masters
Anthology 2
The b-side of Ticket To Ride was written mainly by John Lennon, and displayed the romantic side at odds with his often edgier public persona.
Yes It Is was later described by Lennon as a failed rewrite of This Boy. Certainly both songs share characteristics, notably the 12/8 time signature, three-part vocal harmonies and 1950s doo wop-style chord sequences.
That's me trying a rewrite of This Boy, but it didn't work.
All We Are Saying, David Sheff
The song was written at John Lennon's house at Kenwood, Surrey.
I was there writing it with John, but it was his inspiration that I helped him finish off. Yes It Is is a very fine song of John's, a ballad, unusual for John. He wrote some beautiful ballads but I'm known generally as the balladeer.
Many Years From Now, Barry Miles
In the studio
Yes It Is was recorded on 16 February 1965. On the same day The Beatles also completed I Need You, with both songs featuring George Harrison's distinctive volume-pedal guitar work.
The group recorded the rhythm track in 14 takes between 5 and 7pm. Lennon, McCartney and Harrison then spent three hours perfecting their vocal harmonies, all singing live together.
A version of Yes It Is appeared on Anthology 2 in 1996. It begins with the unfinished take two, which contained the rhythm track and Lennon's guide vocals, edited together with a remix of the final take 14.
One of my favorite Beatles songs because of the harmonies on it.
the words and melody are haunting...it hits me right in the heart