On This Day in 1965: “Eight Days A Week” Hits No. 1 – Paul McCartney Explains Its Origin
via The Beatles / YouTube
On March 13, 1965, The Beatles achieved their seventh number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Eight Days a Week.” This song, primarily crafted by Paul McCartney with contributions from John Lennon, became a standout track in their illustrious career. Notably, it was among the first songs to feature a fade-in introduction, a technique that added a unique touch to its sound.
The inspiration behind “Eight Days a Week” has been recounted by McCartney in various interviews. In one account, he credits the phrase to a chauffeur who drove him to Lennon’s house in Weybridge. McCartney recalled asking the driver how he had been, to which the chauffeur replied, “Oh working hard,” adding, “working eight days a week.” This expression struck McCartney, leading him to share the idea with Lennon, and together they developed it into a song.
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The Story Behind the Song and Its Recording
However, in a 1984 interview with Playboy magazine, McCartney attributed the phrase to Ringo Starr, known for his quirky expressions that inspired other Beatles’ song titles. McCartney recounted that Ringo said it as though he were an overworked chauffeur: “Eight days a week.” Upon hearing it, McCartney thought, “Bing! Got it!”
The recording sessions for “Eight Days a Week” took place in October 1964 at EMI Studios in London. The Beatles experimented with different arrangements during these sessions, ultimately deciding on the distinctive fade-in introduction. This creative choice was unconventional at the time and showcased the band’s willingness to innovate within the pop music landscape. Upon its release in the United States on February 15, 1965, “Eight Days a Week” quickly climbed the charts, reaching the number-one spot on March 13. This achievement marked The Beatles’ seventh song to top the Billboard Hot 100 within a span of just over a year, underscoring their immense popularity and the cultural impact they had during the 1960s.
Mixed Reception and Lasting Legacy
Despite its commercial success, John Lennon later expressed a lack of enthusiasm for the song. In a 1980 interview, he remarked, “Eight Days A Week was never a good song. We struggled to record it and struggled to make it into a song. It was his [McCartney’s] initial effort, but I think we both worked on it. I’m not sure. But it was lousy anyway.” “Eight Days a Week” has since been included in several Beatles compilations, such as the 1973 “1962–1966” (commonly known as the “Red Album”) and the 2000 release “1,” which features many of the band’s chart-topping hits. The song’s enduring appeal is also evident in its use as the title for the 2016 documentary “The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years,” directed by Ron Howard, which chronicles the band’s years on the road.
The phrase “eight days a week” has since entered common parlance, symbolizing relentless work or devotion. Its origin, whether from a casual conversation with a chauffeur or a quip by Ringo Starr, showcases The Beatles’ ability to transform everyday expressions into memorable music that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
