"You Can't Do That"

Song: “You Can’t Do That”

Album: A Hard Day’s Night (1964)

“You Can’t Do That” is a John tune through and through—he even recorded the guitar solo. It’s perhaps sexist and paranoid, but it’s also personal, and it reflects John’s love for R&B. Written for A Hard Day’s Night, the song was cut from the film but included on the album. It was also considered for A-side release until Paul wrote “Can’t Buy Me Love” (for which it ultimately became the B-side). 

The song was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in February 1964. It was the first recording released in which George used his Rickenbacker 360 Deluxe electric 12-string guitar (only the second one ever made), which had been presented to him in New York while the band was there for The Ed Sullivan Show. The guitar was his go-to instrument on A Hard Day’s Night, and its signature chiming sound influenced musicians like Roger McGuinn, who would later form The Byrds.