You Can't Do That

The Beatles

About You Can't Do That

"You Can't Do That" is a song written by John Lennon (credited to Lennon–McCartney) and released by the English rock band the Beatles as the B-side of their sixth British single "Can't Buy Me Love". It was later released on their third UK album A Hard Day's Night (1964).


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I got something to say that might cause you pain,
If I catch you talking to that boy again,
I'm gonna let you down,
And leave you flat,
Because I told you before, oh,
You can't do that.

Well, it's the second time, I've caught you talking to him,
Do I have to tell you one more time, I think it's a sin,
I think I'll let you down.
Let you down and leave you flat,
Gonna let you down and leave you flat,
Because I've told you before, oh,
You can't do that.

Everybody's green,
'Cause I'm the one, who won your love,
But if they'd seen,
You're talking that way they'd laugh in my face.

So please listen to me, if you wanna stay mine,
I can't help my feelings, I'll go out of my mind.
I'm gonna let you down,
And leave you flat,
Gonna let you down and leave you flat,
Because I've told you before, oh,
You can't do that. You can't do that.
You can't do that. You can't do that.
You can't do that. You can't do that.

Everybody's green,
'Cause I'm the one, who won your love,
But if they'd seen,
You're talking that way they'd laugh in my face.

So please listen to me, if you wanna stay mine,
I can't help my feelings, I'll go out of my mind.
I'm gonna let you down,
And leave you flat,
Gonna let you down and leave you flat,
Because I've told you before, oh,
You can't do that.

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The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They became the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed act in the history of popular music. Their best-known lineup consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, they later utilised several genres, ranging from pop ballads to psychedelic rock, often incorporating classical and other elements in innovative ways. In the early 1960s, their enormous popularity first emerged as "Beatlemania", but as their songwriting grew in sophistication, they came to be perceived by many fans and cultural observers as an embodiment of the ideals shared by the era's sociocultural revolutions. more »

57 fans

Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Composition
"You Can't Do That" is a song written by John Lennon and originally performed by the Beatles. Lennon has been quoted as crediting himself as the song's sole writer.
Album Placement
The song first appeared on the album, "A Hard Day's Night," which was released in 1964. It is the eighth track on the United Kingdom release of the album.
Single Release
"You Can't Do That" was also released as the B-side to the single "Can't Buy Me Love," another hit song by the Beatles.
Song Theme
The song showcases a more assertive and possessive side of love, which was a slight departure from The Beatles' typical early "love songs". Its lyrics talk about a protagonist telling his woman what she can and can't do.
Unique Instrumentation
"You Can't Do That" is noteworthy for its use of multi-tracking on George Harrison's lead guitar part, a relatively new recording technique at the time. It also features a solo on 12-string guitar played by George Harrison, his first recorded solo on the instrument.
Screen Appearance
The Beatles performed "You Can't Do That" during their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. The performance was later included in a documentary about the band.
Withdrawn from Performance List
Despite its initial popularity, "You Can't Do That" was one of the few Beatles songs to be dropped from the band's live set early on. It was last performed in concert in May 1964.
Special Recognition
Beatles historian Ian MacDonald described the track as a "magnetic tape opus" because Lennon's rhythm track was overdubbed twice, Harrison's solo was re-recorded, and 'technical accidents' were left in.
Cover Versions
Other artists such as Harry Nilsson and the Supremes have covered "You Can't Do That". Nilsson's 1967 rendition hit the Top 20 in Canada.
Music Video
Although there wasn't a traditional music video for the song, a performance of the band playing "You Can't Do That" was included in The Beatles' first movie "A Hard Day's Night".

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    "You Can't Do That Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/14698318/The+Beatles/You+Can%27t+Do+That>.

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    You Can't Do That

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1964

    Billboard #48


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