On this episode of The Beatles: Note by Note, we dive deep into “I’ll Be Back,” John Lennon’s haunting closer to A Hard Day’s Night. We’re joined by Robert Rodriguez (Something About the Beatles), who helps us explore not just the song’s unusual chord shifts and time signature experiments, but also its emotional core—how Lennon weaves between longing, resignation, and determination. We trace its musical DNA back to Del Shannon’s “Runaway,” unpack the ambiguity of its lyrics, and debate the choice to end the album with such a subdued, intricate piece instead of a raucous rocker. Along the way, we follow the Beatles through the chaotic second half of their 1964 world tour—eggs, jelly babies, balcony appearances, and all.

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