The Beatles – Ooh! My Soul: A Raucous Rendition of Rock and Roll’s Roots
For those familiar with the later, more polished sound of The Beatles, the frenetic energy of “Ooh! My Soul” might come as a surprise. Released in 1994, this electrifying live recording offers a glimpse back to the band’s early days, a time when their music was heavily influenced by the raw power of American rock and roll.
“Ooh! My Soul” isn’t an original Beatles composition. It’s a cover of a 1958 single by Little Richard, a pioneering figure in the genre. Little Richard’s signature style, characterized by a flamboyant stage presence and powerful vocals, left a lasting impression on a young generation of musicians, including The Beatles.
Background
The Beatles’ recording of “Ooh! My Soul” was captured during a BBC radio broadcast in 1963. Unlike their studio recordings, which benefited from meticulous production techniques, this live performance is all about immediacy and unrestrained energy. John Lennon takes the lead vocals, channeling Little Richard’s raspy, soulful delivery with impressive gusto.
Clocking in at just under a minute and a half, “Ooh! My Soul” is a whirlwind of sound. The driving rhythm section, anchored by Ringo Starr’s pounding drums and Paul McCartney’s pulsating bass line, lays the foundation for George Harrison’s searing guitar riffs. The overall sound is raw and unpolished, a stark contrast to the more sophisticated arrangements that would define The Beatles’ later work.
Despite its brevity, “Ooh! My Soul” packs a powerful punch. It’s a testament to The Beatles’ early mastery of rock and roll’s core elements: infectious melodies, driving rhythms, and a touch of youthful rebellion.
The song also showcases the band’s ability to connect with their audience on a visceral level, generating excitement and energy through sheer musical force.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Oh, my soul!Well, babe, babe, babe, babe, babyDon’t you know my love is true?Honey, honey, honey, honey, honeyI said, get off of that moneyI love, love, love, love, loveOh, my soul!Well, gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme, gimmeGimme all the love you’ve gotBabe, babe, babe, babe, babyDon’t you know how lovers are?Yeah, I love, love, love, love, loveOh, my soul, ah!Well, now, babe, babe, babe, babe, babyDon’t you know my love is true?I said, honey, honey, honey, honey, honeyGet off of that moneyI love, love, love, love, loveOh, my soul, ah!Well, now, babe, babe, babe, babe, babyDon’t you know my love is true?Honey, honey, honey, honey, honeyI said, get off, get off of that moneyI love, love, love, love, loveOoh, my soul!