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Overview
"Don't Pass Me By" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles from their 1968 double album The Beatles. It was the first solo composition written by drummer Ringo Starr. [Wikipedia]
Background
Don't Pass Me By is a song by The Beatles, written by Starkey and led on vocal by Ringo Starr. Ringo's first solo writing credit; country-fiddle from Jack Fallon. Within the catalogue, its ringo-original thread connects it to Octopus's Garden. Don't Pass Me By marked Ringo Starr's debut solo composition, a country and western-flavoured song that represented the first time a Beatle other than Lennon or McCartney contributed original material to an official Beatles album release. Starr's composition reflected his growing confidence as a creative contributor beyond his drumming role. (n trying to come up with a song of his own, and in published interviews Kozinn 1995, p.117)
What's distinctive
At 3:48 it sits in the top fifth by length. One of 11 songs led primarily by Ringo. A rare Ringo composition — only 2 song(s) credited solely to him. Recorded approximately 5 of 34 into the The White Album (1968) sessions. Carries the unique tag 'first-starkey-solo' — no other song shares it. Take count: 34 (highest take number documented in Lewisohn (1988)).Opening line — "I listen for your footsteps coming up the drive…" (brief identification excerpt; full lyrics © Sony Music Publishing — see Genius link in References.)
Pattern analysis
Recording
The session work falls within the band's The White Album (1968) period, recorded 5 Jun 1968 at EMI Studios + Trident Studios (Soho). George Martin (with Chris Thomas covering) produced; Ken Scott (early), Geoff Emerick walked off — replaced engineered. For session-by-session detail, see Mark Lewisohn's account on p.137 of The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions (excerpt below). Recorded 5 June 1968 with the working title Ringo's Tune (Untitled), then temporarily retitled This Is Some Friendly before settling on the eventual name. The session required multiple tape reductions and overdubbs to achieve the country-inflected arrangement suited to Starr's vocal qualities. George Martin's production supported Starr's vocal with appropriate instrumentation.
(ues boom’ itual roots and a 1 o the British, unwo i about culeural DON'T MacDonald 1994, p.122)
| Studio | EMI Studios + Trident Studios (Soho) — first Beatles 8-track sessions: 'Hey Jude' onward |
|---|---|
| Tape machine | Ampex AG-440 8-track (Trident); 3M M23 8-track at EMI from late 1968 (J37 four-track until then) |
| Console | REDD/TG12345 prototype; Sound Techniques 20/8 (Trident) |
| Microphones | U47/U48, AKG C12, U67 introduced |
| Outboard / effects | EMI RS124, EMT 140 & 250 (Trident), Fairchild 660, ADT, tape flanging, fuzz, wah (Vox/CryBaby) |
| Guitars | Epiphone Casino, Fender Strat (Rocky), Gibson J-200 acoustic, Martin D-28, Fender Telecaster Bass |
| Amplifiers | Fender Twin Reverb, Fender Bassman, Vox UL730 |
| Producer | George Martin (with Chris Thomas covering) |
| Engineer / 2nd | Ken Scott (early), Geoff Emerick walked off — replaced • John Smith, Mike Sheady, Barry Sheffield (Trident) |
| Estimated takes | 34 (highest take number documented in Lewisohn (1988)) |
Legacy & release history
In the canonical discography it appears on the LP The Beatles (White Album). Documented alternate versions include Mono Masters (2009 box), White Album 50th Anniversary (2018). Mono and stereo histories vary by era — see the dedicated section below. Ringo Starr vocals appear in only 2 canon songs (both in White era). The track marked Starr's emergence as composer and confirmed the Beatles' willingness to feature all four members' songwriting contributions.
Mono & stereo
- Both mono and stereo mixes were prepared; the UK mono White Album (PMC 7067/8) has many distinct edits, mixes and effects vs. the stereo (PCS 7067/8) — collectors prize the mono.
Documented alternate versions
- Mono Masters (2009 box) — Allan Rouse / Guy Massey remaster
- White Album 50th Anniversary (2018) — Giles Martin stereo remix
Released on
- The Beatles (White Album) — LP, 22 November 1968
Cross-references
Other songs sharing themes (ringo-original, first-starkey-solo, country-fiddle)
Other songs led by the same vocalist
Other songs from this era
ringo-originalfirst-starkey-solocountry-fiddle
References & external databases
Frequently asked
Who wrote Don't Pass Me By?
“Don't Pass Me By” was written by Richard Starkey (Ringo Starr).
Who sings lead on Don't Pass Me By?
The lead vocal on “Don't Pass Me By” is by Ringo Starr.
When was Don't Pass Me By recorded?
“Don't Pass Me By” was recorded 5 Jun 1968 at EMI Studios, Abbey Road.
How many takes did Don't Pass Me By require?
Mark Lewisohn's session log documents up to 34 numbered takes for “Don't Pass Me By”.