Songs > Day Tripper

Day Tripper

(Lennon/McCartney)

Song background
Inspired in part by John and George's first experience with acid, "Day Tripper" was written under pressure for use as a single for the Christmas season. John wrote most of the song, with Paul contributing to each of the verses.

Recording dates

• October 16, 1965 (3 takes; basic track, vocal overdubs)
• October 25, 1965 (mono mixing)
• November 10, 1966 (stereo mixing)

Release dates

• December 3, 1965 (UK) ("Day Tripper/We Can Work It Out" single)
• December 6, 1965 (US) ("We Can Work It Out/Day Tripper" single)
• December 10, 1966 (UK) (on A Collection of Beatles Oldies)
• April 2, 1973 (UK) (on 1962-66)
• April 19, 1973 (US) (on 1962-66)
• March 8, 1988 (UK & US) (on Past Masters Vol. 2)
• November 14, 2000 (UK & US) (on Beatles 1)

Recording notes

• Stereo mixes were done over a year after the song was released by balance engineer Peter Brown for the UK album A Collection of Beatles Oldies.

Chart performance

• #1, December 16, 1965 - January 19, 1966 (5 weeks), Record Retailer (UK)

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Notable covers

• James Taylor (from Flag, 1979)
• Jimi Hendrix (from Radio One, 1991)
• 10cc (from Alive, 1993)