JUNE 8

Good Day Sunshine

Written by: Lennon-McCartney
Recorded: 8, 9 June 1966
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Geoff Emerick

Released: 5 August 1966 (UK), 8 August 1966 (US)

Available on:
Revolver

Personnel

Paul McCartney: vocals, bass, piano, handclaps
John Lennon: backing vocals, handclaps
George Harrison: backing vocals, handclaps
Ringo Starr: drums, handclaps
George Martin: piano

Capturing the mood of the gloriously hot summer of 1966, ‘Good Day Sunshine’ kicked off side two of Revolver.

It was really very much a nod to The Lovin’ Spoonful’s ‘Daydream’, the same traditional, almost trad-jazz feel. That was our favourite record of theirs. ‘Good Day Sunshine’ was me trying to write something similar to ‘Daydream’. John and I wrote it together at Kenwood, but it was basically mine, and he helped me with it.

Paul McCartney
Many Years From Now, Barry Miles

In the studio

‘Good Day Sunshine’ was recorded over two days in June 1966, under the working title ‘A Good Day’s Sunshine’. On 8 June The Beatles rehearsed the track many times before recording the rhythm track – bass, piano and drums – three times.

The first of these takes was the best, and onto it Paul McCartney overdubbed his lead vocals, along with harmonies from John Lennon and George Harrison.

The next day Ringo Starr added more drums, George Martin played his piano solo, more harmonies were added to the ending, and all four Beatles taped handclaps.

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