Why The Beatles Is Embarrassed Of ‘Twist And Shout’

The Beatles may have had a career that lasted just a decade, but in that short time, they became one of the most iconic musical groups of all time. One of their early hits, “Twist and Shout,” was a song that became a staple of their performances, often opening their sets at Liverpool’s Cavern Club and other local venues.

Originally written by Phil Medley and Bert Berns and popularized by the Isley Brothers in 1962, The Beatles’ version, recorded in 1963, added their signature style to the track, making it one of their most beloved covers.

How Lennon Really Felt about the Song

Despite the song’s success, it wasn’t without its issues for John Lennon. He expressed discomfort performing “Twist and Shout,” especially when they shared the stage with black artists. In 1963, Lennon openly stated that he felt uneasy performing the song, as it didn’t seem right to him, especially since he believed black artists could deliver a more authentic version. He even admitted to feeling a bit ashamed. Nevertheless, The Beatles continued to perform the song, and it became a defining moment in their live shows.

Cost of the Song’s Success

When the time came to record the track for their Please Please Me album, Lennon gave it everything he had, to the point of nearly damaging his voice. His raspy, raw vocals became one of the most unforgettable elements of the song. Lennon later revealed in a 1976 interview, “My voice wasn’t the same for a long time after; every time I swallowed, it was like sandpaper.” His powerful performance didn’t come without a cost.

Despite Lennon’s concerns and the strain on his voice, Paul McCartney always stood by the track. He believed that it was worth the effort and even referred to it as one of Lennon’s standout vocal moments with The Beatles. For many fans, “Twist and Shout” remains one of the Fab Four’s most energetic and passionate performances.