The Beatles recorded "I'll Be Back" in 16 takes on 1 June 1964. The first nine were of the rhythm track, and the last seven were overdubs of the lead and harmony vocals, and an acoustic guitar overdub.
I'll Be Back
The Beatles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I'll be back again
'Cause I told you once before, "goodbye"
But I came back again
I love you so, oh
I'm the one who wants you
Yes, I'm the one who wants you
Oh, ho, oh, ho, oh
You could find better things to do
Than to break my heart again
This time I will try to show that I'm
Not trying to pretend
I thought that you would realize
That if I run away from you
That you would want me to
But I got a big surprise
Oh, ho, oh, ho, oh
You could find better things to do
Than to break my heart again
This time I will try to show that I'm
Not trying to pretend
I wanna go
But I hate to leave you
You know I hate to leave
Oh, ho, oh, ho, oh
You, if you break my heart I'll go
But I'll be back again
"I'll Be Back" is a classic track from the album A Hard Day's Night by The Beatles. It seems to be a simple love song, but the lyrics offer a more nuanced depiction of a relationship that has gone through ups and downs.
The song begins with the singer declaring that if his heart is broken, he'll leave, but he'll return again. He has already said goodbye once before, but he came back, and he's making it clear that he'll do it again if necessary. In the next verse, the singer confesses his love and emphasizes that he's the only one who wants the other person. However, he acknowledges that they've been through some rough patches and pleads with the other person not to break his heart again.
Throughout the song, the singer vacillates between wanting to leave and wanting to stay. He urges the other person to find better things to do than break his heart, but he also admits that he hates to leave. In the end, he declares that he'll be back, no matter what happens.
One can interpret this song as the story of someone who cannot let go of a relationship. Despite knowing how toxic it can be, one never loses the hope of being together with the beloved again. It highlights the turmoil that people go through in their minds trying to let go of someone they love or move on from a past painful experience, and the conflict that arises between what they want and what they know to be good for them.
Line by Line Meaning
You know, if you break my heart I'll go
If you break my heart, I'll leave.
But I'll be back again
But I will return.
'Cause I told you once before, "goodbye"
I have already told you goodbye before.
But I came back again
But I returned after saying goodbye.
I love you so, oh
I love you so much.
I'm the one who wants you
I'm the one who wants to be with you.
Yes, I'm the one who wants you
Yes, I am the one who wants to be with you.
Oh, ho, oh, ho, oh
Repeated phrase signifying strong emotions.
You could find better things to do
You have better things to do than hurt me.
Than to break my heart again
Rather than hurt me again.
This time I will try to show that I'm
I will try to prove to you that I am.
Not trying to pretend
Not trying to deceive you.
I thought that you would realize
I assumed that you would understand.
That if I run away from you
That if I left you.
That you would want me to
That you would miss me.
But I got a big surprise
But I was wrong.
I wanna go
I want to leave.
But I hate to leave you
But I don't want to leave you.
You know I hate to leave
You know that I don't want to leave.
Oh, ho, oh, ho, oh
Repeated phrase signifying strong emotions.
You, if you break my heart I'll go
If you break my heart, I will leave.
But I'll be back again
But I will return.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Philip Kassabian
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A really great Beatles song.
Philip Kassabian
on The Night Before
A really splendid Beatles song.
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on P.S. I Love You
Now this is a really great Beatles song.
Philip Kassabian
on There's a Place
A seriously underrated Beatles song.
Philip Kassabian
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A fantastic song by The Beatles.
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on When I'm Sixty-Four
A very tuneful Beatles song.
Philip Kassabian
on Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds
An excellent Beatles song.
Philip Kassabian
on I'm Looking Through You
A beautiful Beatles song.
Philip Kassabian
on Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)
Honestly The Beatles can't stop producing good songs.
Philip Kassabian
on Michelle
A fantastic Beatles song and absolutely beautiful.