Both German versions were released on "The Beatles Rarities," circa 1980. I owned it and used it in a great prank, if I do say so. An acquaintance of mine whose family immigrated from Germany but lived in Indiana told me by phone he was selling his stereo. I went from my home in Louisville, Ky. the 30 miles to his home to check it out, telling him, repeatedly "'l'll bet it only plays songs in German!" He grew tired of me saying this, right up until I said I'd play "She Loves You" (actually "Sie Liebt Dich" from my Rarities album) on his stereo to test it. He did not know of the existence of Beatles songs in German, so his jaw dropped to the floor when -- sure enough -- his stereo _spielt auf Deutsch!_
Some more obscure moments: At the end of "Get Back", after Johns "I hope we passed the audition" remark you can hear someone ask him "Haben Sie ...haben Sie einen Sohn?" ("Do you have a son?") Also in that noisy part in the middle of "Yellow Submarine" John says something that sounds like "Husch über die Wiesen" - a weird sentence that can be translated to "hurry away secretly" - he probably heard that in Hamburg a few times.
Being a new generation fan of The Beatles as well as each solo artists of the band myself, I found their songs which they sang in German are as adorable as the English one.
Brings a great Sideshow Bob line to mind when his tattoo is shown in court, "Die, Bart. Die" and he says that it is German and it means he actually loves Bart and wishes him a long life. #Simpsons
I bursted with joy when the song started. I started singing along at the top of my lungs. Butchering the pronunciation, straining my vocal cords. Oh, so pitchy. Clapping along. The cats looking at me, worried and confused by the outburst... What a moment. Great song and great movie.
In 1964 I was in high school in Germany. I remember these 2 songs coming out in English, and they were very popular. Shortly there after both songs came out in German, and they were so much more popular in German than in English, like through the roof type of popular. I never was a fan of the German versions, I like those 2 songs much better sung in English. A few years ago my husband and I were dining out while traveling, Applebee’s or Black Bear Diner in Redding, California. Suddenly my ears perked up. Sie liebt dich was playing in the background. I was very surprised this German version was being played over here, I pretty much assumed they kept that one in Germany. I appreciate The Beatles’ efforts singing in German, that can’t have been easy. But to this day I much prefer the English version! Thanks for the back story, I never knew how that came about!
Fascinating that the German versions were that much more popular at the time! That had changed (within Deutschland) in just a few months. Thanks for chiming in!
The way he says Hamburg is weird because the first syllable ‘Ham’ sounds good but he uses very American ‘berg’ instead of the German pronunciation ‘boorg’. He might’ve heard John Lennon say it and used his pronunciation but sounds weird with an American accent
2:15 Number One Hits translated: - Come back soon, boy - I'd rather buy a Tyrolean hat - Wini-Wini - Only Bossa Nova was to blame - Barcarole at night - I want a cowboy as my husband - The street lights of the city park - Red lips should be kissed
My late partner, she was German, enjoyed these tracks. Both records have translation differences. Die is pronounced "dee", only a fool will say "die" as in English die.
Indeed; the pronunciation is based on where the letter 'e' is in the word...... if it comes after an 'I', then it's pronounced "ee", if before the 'I' then it's pronounced "I"...... so yes 'die' ('the') in English is 'dee' in German, but often confused in names; take Frankenstein for example, people call it "frankensteen". Wrong, it's 'Frankenstine'. So if you see any German word with the 'E' and 'i' in it, check where each is ; there may be exceptions to the rule - hey I'm English! But, generally 'i' before 'e' ="ee'. And "Sie Liebt dich" is obviously "She Loves You".... 'Sie' pronounced more like the American letter 'Z' - 'zee'.
Consider facts that I have family born April 1st, plus I'm partly German. I easily see differences between April Fools and Damned Fools. (EDIT: Btw, the April fool in my family came up with that! We share a weird sense of humour.)
But the BB never released it in that time. In the early 80s the song "In my room" translated to "Ganz allein" appeared on a later withdrawn "Rarities"-Collection which also included "With a little help from my friends".
If memory serves me right, it was a CD bonus track on a reissue of their Shut Down album(?). Maybe early-mid 90s(?), when EMI was remastering everything full of bonuses and "first stereo appearances" of 1950s 60s and 70s tracks.
I quickly feel the good and nice atmosphere of intimacy when I start listen to them singing in German my home country mother tongue. Thank you for sharing with us.
There even was a German version of "I'll Get You", called "Glücklich wie noch nie", which was scrapped and given to a band called The Flamingos instead.
Ah, glad someone brought that up! I'd heard of this in the Winn book, but couldn't find a definitive link that IGY was actually translated for The Beatles. Not doubting Winn, but I didn't find his source for that info. (Related, 'Montague' is listed on the writing credits on that single.) Had you heard that info somewhere else? Alternate possibility: The Flamingos were just trying to capitalize on Beatles-songs-in-German, independent of The Beatles?
i can't remember where i read it, but paul is the only vocalist on sie liebt dich as john and george had had enough after komm gib mir diene hand and refused to continue. paul, ever the people pleaser, sang all three parts himself. a close listen to the original and the german version together makes a strong case for this possibility.
these two German tracks are what eventually inspired the Beach Boys to record their song In My Room in that language. although, I felt that Capitol should have released the Beatles German single in the U.S.
When I grew up in the sixties I remember people complaining that English language songs where played on the radio. Then the Beatles sang in german. I didn’t like it it sounded stilted,but at least we knew what they where singing about. Yeah after that it was like a dam broke and no bode seamed to care about our language anymore. All songs from then on that where popular where in English. We sang along in our version of what we thought was English and not understanding what it was about. Many years later when I had learned English I found out ,that some romantic love songs where actually singing something totally different.
I remember when they first came out, there was this German hysteria in the US(1963). In my 5th grade classroom (Savnnh, Ga), we discussed the Beatles and how well they spoke English. Then came the dawn. THEY WERE ENGLISH. A few months after, in '64, came the movie: A Hard Days Night, where John was in the bathtub singing: Deutschland Uber Alles. Later they would give the Hitler salute in Australia but by then everybody knew they were English wíth no connection to the Nazís. Regards
Fun fact: In Germany, singing the last stanza of _Deutschland Über Alles_ is not illegal, but unpopular to do; sort of like singing _Dixie_ in America, outside of the Southeastern US.
@@wandaperi Ms.Phaye: My point is that the US and Int"l press were recalling the times of the Thirties when there was hysteria :" in the air". The press said Beatlemania was similar to Goebbels and his propaganda machine. The Great Distraction was to divert attention and pain from John Kennedy's assasination. Well, Beatlemania carried on until their dissolution as a group. By the way,Dixie was an area in New York were slaves were freed from the situation down South. That's why the blacks were singing:" I wish.." Regards
hi! wow thank you for this video, Sie liebt Dich, means so much to me! my grandfather is a real beatles fan, cause he and john lennon were born in the same year. his favourite song is Sie liebt dich! he said back then he would have never thought the four would sing in german! he always told me that the beatles dont want to sing it at first. i cant wait to show him your video and translate the best i can so he will know the story of his favourite song! Danke aus Deutschland
Regarding the Paris shows mentioned: The Beatles arrived in Paris the actual day I was born (January 14, 1964). Unfortunately, they didn't much impress the French at the time; at the press conference, they were more interested in Sylvie Vartan (the French actress).
And all the boys at the gigs, too! I had heard that tale told by the band before, but didn’t really realize how true it was until seeing all the extra photographs while researching the story. It’s true! Not many girls. Big shift from the Liverpool gigs.
Nice work as always. I was given Rarities as I became familiar with the Beatles and when She loves you started in German I was thinking I had a REALLY rare copy!
I have a bootleg of them doing Get Back in German (sort of) and a heavily Scottish take on Two of Us. They are both complete and very funny. Hopefully they will appear on the 50th anniversary of Let it Be, whatever year that comes out.
@ Robert Saul - Don't think I've heard that Get Back rendition, could I please ask what bootleg it features on? What do you think of the featured German tracks? I've always really liked them & sing along equally in my relatively poor German! 👍
There was even a German version of Get Back that was recorded during the Get Back sessions. I'm pretty sure they were just goofing around, but it would have been cool to get a full version.
Same. The first time I heard the songs (also on PM), I was stunned. I had no idea why in the world they did this. Fast forward a couple of decades... well, here we are! Thanks for watching.
I have been to Montserrat several times and George Martin was so influential there (and remains so, even after his death), that I'd assumed The Beatles must have recorded there. But of course AIR Studios didn't open there until the late 70s.Sadly, the studio only lasted 10 years before Hurricane Hugo damaged the building and equipment beyond repair. And then of course Plymouth was flattened in a volcano. But there is a bar with a lot of mementos from AIR Studios if anyone ever visits the island, FYI.
8:31 Norman Smith, also known as Hurricane Smith, had some hits in his own right in the early 1970s on EMI's Columbia label, they were "Oh Babe, What Would You Say"/"Getting To Know You" (DB-8878 - British Market issue 30th March, 1972/DO-9883 - Australian Market issue 20th April, 1972) and "Who Was It"/"Take Suki Home"(DB-8916 -British Market Issue 18th August, 1972/DO-9996 - Australian Market Issue 12th October, 1972). His first 5 British singles were on Columbia until 1975 when he was moved to the EMI label in March, 1973. He was on EMI for 6 singles until November, 1975 before switching to PYE at the beginning of 1976. In Australia, all his 5 Colu8mbia singles were issued, but only one EMI release has surfaced here, and one of his PYE records surfaced here through the Astor label(Those that are known about).
I remember hearing these two songs on the SOMETHING NEW album when I was a kid. And I never knew that they re-recorded the instruments for the german version of She Loves You. It would be interesting to hear the english version side by side with the german version.
Imagine seeing it on display as you're going through a box of 45s. I've always known better, but it took a second for that shock to turn into the shock I should've had--seeing the actual record in person!
2:10 Last song on the list is "Rote Lippen soll man küssen" by Cliff Richard! It's his german version of "Lucky Lips". So The Beatles weren't the first to do this.
Hey, here we are from Mexico. Great pronunciation for those single tracks. As always what an incredible and professional work you have done. Congrats, and it's always a pleasure to watch your docs. You guys are the best Beatles channel on this platform. That's for sure. Thanks for everything.
I love the Beatles when they sing in English. The fact that they sang two songs in German had more to do with the sale of the singles in Germany. There were clever businessmen at work again. In Germany there are many bands that sing in English. They think that sounds better and English is the musical language. They also want to be successful internationally. Best a number one hit in the USA. One of the most internationally successful German bands at the moment is Rammstein, and they sing in German. German bands should sing in their native language because you feel your mother tongue best and can best convey your lyrics. There are also many people in Germany who use English words in normal German language usage to appear more intelligent, interesting or modern. I find that just embarrassing. German is a wonderful language if you understand, feel and think it. I am German and I love the Beatles when they sing English.
For the most part, great video! Don't know why you had to stick a paywall in front of one of the more informative segments though. Also, "The Inner Light" indeed counts as a Beatles song. I don't know who, in sound and reasoning mind, would dare to argue otherwise.
Paywall? Do you mean an ad? Those are only supposed to be before/after videos. I will look to see why UA-cam inserted one in the middle. Thanks for the heads up.
They were not the only British or American musicians to sing their hits in German back then. However, the Beatles made rock music with English lyrics so popular, even most German bands have preferably sung in English.
As soon as you said "it was the only time The Beatles recorded outside of London" I was thinking what about Can't Buy Me Love? I didn't realize this was all one productive session. Awesome stuff!
Thanks man! I'm sure as a musician you "get" more than most the insane pace they worked at. (And to think, in a few years they'd spend hours of recording time on 100+ takes of "Not Guilty"... and then never release it until Anthology.)
I had a job back in the mid-80s at a music & video store. We played the rarities album *A LOT* and got a kick out of the expressions on customers’ faces as they realized they were hearing the Beatles in German.
There are lots of songs that have German versions often with completly different lyrics. But most of them where recorded by different artists in German. Some exceptions I can think of are David Bowie who recorded "Heroes" in German (he was living in Berlin at the time) and Phil Collins, who recorded the soundtracks for Tarzan and Brother Bear in mutible languages. There are also some artists who did it the other way around. Recording their own German songs into English like Nenas "99 Luftballons" - "99 Red Ballons" and Peter Schillings "Major Tom (völlig losgelöst)" - "Major Tom (Coming Home)".
As a kid I often listened to one of my mom's Beatles albums that had "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" in German. Still have it, but far from mint condition :( 10:59 there it is
I have an old reel to reel tape of both of these, recorded using a microphone while the songs played on a tiny transistor radio. It’s barely audible. 😝
FabFourArchivist Yes!, they played on I think it was radio station KHJ in Los Angeles, in 1965. I’d record music off the radio to a tape recorder. They announced that they had German versions, and were going to play them.
I have the original vinyl album Something New with the German issue of I want to Hold your Hand and always wondered about the German releases..a very informative video.
3:05 Camillo Felgen's song "So laang we's du do bast" isn't in German but in Luxembourgish, which is technically a separate language. (It's really the local dialect of German with its own orthography)
@@Oatmeal_Mann The spelling of Luxembourgish is intentionally designed to be as different from German as possible, that's why it seems confusing. The song title "So laang we's duu do bast" in German is "So lang wie du da bist". Does that help? :)
@@xaverlustig3581 Luxembourgish isn't a dialect it's a language on its own. The Luxembourgish spelling used in the video is also very wrong, by todays standards.
@@Newwgo When you have two closely related language forms, it's a matter of politics if they're considered separate languages or one a dialect of the other. Linguistically, Luxembourgish is part of the German dialect continuum and is similar to dialects across the border who are considered "German". In a parallel universe Luxembourgish could also be considered that. In this universe, Luxembourg being an independent country and disdain for anything German after WW2 are probably the main drivers for why it was established as a national language different from German. But that's politics, not linguistics.
Denn mit dir allein, kann sie nur glucklick sein XD I always loved how native english speaker stumble across the Ü and Ch XD well. a little payback for the TH XD I really like the two german versions though ^^
@@tomc642 Sorry to say: No, that's wrong. It is pronounced like the beginning of the greek letter Xi if you know it. I should know, I'm German. And the Beatles did the "ch" well in the song, besides that "Sie liebt dick" version in the verse mentioned above. At the Hamburg times, they could speak German quite well. They had some German friends, most importantly Klaus Voorman who later did the "Revolver" album cover for them and still is a good friend of Paul. Also, on the "Wings Over America" live album, Paul speaks some German words to the audience, e.g. "Großartig" before "You Gave Me The Answer".
Theres also "Girl" recorded in German. I used to have the cassette tape of it, having recorded it off the radio in NY. I distinctly remember it. There may be a fourth song as well. They didnt record Girl at the same session as I Want to Hold Your Hand and She Loves You.
Ya its well documented the German Connection of the Fab 4 they were huge in Germany already as of 1962!! Much earlier than the rest of the World!! John Lennon used some German in lyrics so did Roger Waters of Pink Floyd!! And of course French even Spanish!! Michelle and B side of Abbey Road.
The Beatles were known in England, but not until they did gigs in Germany did they start acquiring huge respect and great fame. The German art community immediately recognized their exceptional sound. A young German girl gave them their new haircuts and distinctive appearance. Working long sets night after night in German clubs made them experienced professionals. When they returned to England, NO group could match them. They were on their way.
Keeping in mind the historical context here is very important. 1964 was only 19 years after the end of WWII and the Berlin Wall had just gone up a couple years prior. Most Germans at the time spoke very little English unless they were educated at university. English had just become standard curriculum in German grade schools. If this had happened today, there’d be zero need for the Beatles to have recorded a German version of any song because everyone learns English in grade school and can understand it and speak it at least half way decent by the time they’re teenagers.
Great point. I have no conclusive evidence, but I would imagine this is why the Beatles were approached to record in German and not, for instance, French. It is important to note, whether it was the Beatles influence or just the changing tide, that English language pop records were soon the norm in Deutschland.
@@FabFourArchivist I'm sure the biggest reason they were approached to cut tracks in German instead of French or any other language is that they were probably as big in Germany as they were in England at that time, or very close. With their long stay in Hamburg night clubs they had spent almost as long in Germany as they had in England as a group. In fact when they came back to England from Hamburg they were billed as a band from Germany lol. As a side note, that long stay in France was where they'd learned that I Want To Hold Your Hand had hit #1 in America BY TELEGRAM, and they about lost their minds lol..... people today can't even imagine a time when news that had to travel fast had to go by telegram!
Another great video, love your work. ‘Ringo had a chance to add more than just handclaps on She Loves You’. Surely you are getting mixed up with Love Me Do? Apologies for geekery observation!
Thanks for the kind words! Geekery appreciated as well. ;) "At least Ringo would have something to add besides handclaps." This is referring to KGMDH vs. SLD recorded at this session. The former *only* had vocals and handclaps overdubbed to the original IWTHYH backing track - my dumb joke being a light presumption that Ringo clapped his hands! This was in contrast to SLD, a full recording including Ringo on drums.
Too bad it wasn't mentioned about Canada's involvement from the bat, or the history behind it that made uniquely Canadian Beatles collectables. Capitol single (72162) coincided with the first Swan USA release... USA Capitol had 'first grabs' at EMI UK recordings, but they refused the first few Beatles singles along with MANY more. Capitol of Canada had a "Canadian-only" numbering series, "6000" (LPs) and "72000" (singles). Besides Canadian artists, this series became useful as Capitol USA refused many others. You'd be surprised if you saw how many "British Invasion" UK EMI hits wound up on Capitol in Canada, but had gotten scattered to Epic or independent USA labels.
This is super interesting.....love all of these in fact, but every time I watch one of these I can't help but wonder where the presenter's accent comes from. Reminds me of ABY GA
I figured it was some sort of cross-cultural thing where English artists would redo their work into German. Specifically Monty Python sprung to mind .. but looking at your German chart, Cliff Richard apparently was redoing songs in German at the same time The Beatles were as well.
Most old records in Mexico that were from English bands, wrote their songs in Spanish, which is weird because sometimes the translation were weird or sounded weird. Just the song titles, not the song itself
Ah sorta. "Sun King" had some faux Spanish/Italian. Simply nonsense. Typical Lennon! The French lyrics in "Michelle" would be a better pick for your point. But note I said, "for a foreign language audience..." These were just songs that had a bit of non-English, but were still intended for audiences who spoke English. ;)
Only George was. But one member's presence counts if we compare that to other 'solo' sessions, or "Yesterday" that only features one member. I think I'm in that camp. But I think context adds an asterisk. For one, it wasn't orchestrated or produced by the usual team (e.g. Martin). It was unlike almost all other Beatles sessions. (Probably closest to She's Leaving Home!) For another, it was recorded as part of the solo Wonderwall sessions. Probably could have ended up on a George solo record. Would it have been considered a Beatles track then (even with John and Paul's vocals)? I'd say no. BTW, 15,000 views in and you're the first person to engage on this bit. Kudos and thanks. :)
They did tour there in '66, but didn't sing in German. That would've been a trip! The setlist for that tour didn't include either song (even in English). Typically, the songs then would've been: ‘Rock And Roll Music’, ‘She’s A Woman’, ‘If I Needed Someone’, ‘Day Tripper’, ‘Baby’s In Black’, ‘I Feel Fine’, ‘Yesterday’, ‘I Wanna Be Your Man’, ‘Nowhere Man’, ‘Paperback Writer’, and ‘I’m Down'.
That's right. Makes you wonder why they would switch it up - just based on someone's mood that night? Vox organ messing up? Little Richard was in the audience? Haha
The thumbnail, reminded me of a Simpson's episode were Sideshow bob was in court for plotting murder bart, he was wearing a tee-shirt with the slogan "DIE BART DIE" he explained to the judge, "no your honor it's German of The Bart The"................ ,
Both German versions were released on "The Beatles Rarities," circa 1980. I owned it and used it in a great prank, if I do say so. An acquaintance of mine whose family immigrated from Germany but lived in Indiana told me by phone he was selling his stereo. I went from my home in Louisville, Ky. the 30 miles to his home to check it out, telling him, repeatedly "'l'll bet it only plays songs in German!" He grew tired of me saying this, right up until I said I'd play "She Loves You" (actually "Sie Liebt Dich" from my Rarities album) on his stereo to test it. He did not know of the existence of Beatles songs in German, so his jaw dropped to the floor when -- sure enough -- his stereo _spielt auf Deutsch!_
That's clever!
@@marceloromero4515 Thanks. It was worth the gasoline to see the look on his face.
Schööööön!!!!!
Had that silly album with ...I think I was 20 tracks there so the sound was terrible. Fortunately they put again all on Past Masters
It's like AI nowadays, just a few centuries too early.
At the end of "Good Morning, Good Morning" they sing Guten Morgen
They also made a German 'Get Back': Geht Raus.
@@TFFgeek JA das ist richtig!
@@ricardo_miguel13 Der Song ist ganz wichtig. Geht raus nach deinem haus! Gotta love their humour.
Some more obscure moments: At the end of "Get Back", after Johns "I hope we passed the audition" remark you can hear someone ask him "Haben Sie ...haben Sie einen Sohn?" ("Do you have a son?") Also in that noisy part in the middle of "Yellow Submarine" John says something that sounds like "Husch über die Wiesen" - a weird sentence that can be translated to "hurry away secretly" - he probably heard that in Hamburg a few times.
@@Rainyman63 I don't hear it in Yellow submarine. In which second he says that? And do you know what is said at 1:45 in the song?
(My apologies to German speakers for butchering the pronunciations here. Know what I can say the right way? MACH SCHAU!)
you pronunciation of Hamburg is interesting
Actually it's pretty good!
Ian Ireland Homberg
It was ok
„see leept dish“, „com gib meer dyneh hunt“. though komm gib mir deine hand was pretty good!
Being a new generation fan of The Beatles as well as each solo artists of the band myself, I found their songs which they sang in German are as adorable as the English one.
Sie Liebt Dich Yeah Yeah Yeah
Just commenting first before someone else makes a Paul Is Dead joke about “Die Beatles.” 😬
@ringo with a gun
*ist tot.
Every Beatle is dead
Brings a great Sideshow Bob line to mind when his tattoo is shown in court, "Die, Bart. Die" and he says that it is German and it means he actually loves Bart and wishes him a long life. #Simpsons
@@spooley Hahah... I haven't seen that!
The sad thing is they're usually not joking. They'll probably add it to their "clues".
Only Ringo didn't have to worry about singing in German.
The Lads sound good in any language.
Did you know that all of the Beatles could play their instruments in both German, English, and American? 🤪🤪
I remember wondering about this after watching "Jojo Rabbit".
Same
Then you no Beatles freak, bro
Imagine what #TikTok would do!
I bursted with joy when the song started.
I started singing along at the top of my lungs. Butchering the pronunciation, straining my vocal cords. Oh, so pitchy. Clapping along. The cats looking at me, worried and confused by the outburst...
What a moment. Great song and great movie.
Thats why I came here 😂
In 1964 I was in high school in Germany. I remember these 2 songs coming out in English, and they were very popular. Shortly there after both songs came out in German, and they were so much more popular in German than in English, like through the roof type of popular. I never was a fan of the German versions, I like those 2 songs much better sung in English.
A few years ago my husband and I were dining out while traveling, Applebee’s or Black Bear Diner in Redding, California. Suddenly my ears perked up. Sie liebt dich was playing in the background. I was very surprised this German version was being played over here, I pretty much assumed they kept that one in Germany. I appreciate The Beatles’ efforts singing in German, that can’t have been easy. But to this day I much prefer the English version!
Thanks for the back story, I never knew how that came about!
Fascinating that the German versions were that much more popular at the time! That had changed (within Deutschland) in just a few months.
Thanks for chiming in!
As a german, I can say that your pronunciation is very good!
To be fair he has a very strong accent but still much better than most non German speakers
The way he says Hamburg is weird because the first syllable ‘Ham’ sounds good but he uses very American ‘berg’ instead of the German pronunciation ‘boorg’. He might’ve heard John Lennon say it and used his pronunciation but sounds weird with an American accent
Tut mir leid, da kann ich nicht zustimmen.
Bullshit
Jarrod Walton ich auch
2:15
Number One Hits translated:
- Come back soon, boy
- I'd rather buy a Tyrolean hat
- Wini-Wini
- Only Bossa Nova was to blame
- Barcarole at night
- I want a cowboy as my husband
- The street lights of the city park
- Red lips should be kissed
_"I'd rather buy a Tyrolean hat"_ 😂😂😂
My late partner, she was German, enjoyed these tracks. Both records have translation differences.
Die is pronounced "dee", only a fool will say "die" as in English die.
Saying 'only a fool' is a bit harsh and hostile.
Indeed; the pronunciation is based on where the letter 'e' is in the word...... if it comes after an 'I', then it's pronounced "ee", if before the 'I' then it's pronounced "I"...... so yes 'die' ('the') in English is 'dee' in German, but often confused in names; take Frankenstein for example, people call it "frankensteen". Wrong, it's 'Frankenstine'.
So if you see any German word with the 'E' and 'i' in it, check where each is ; there may be exceptions to the rule - hey I'm English! But, generally 'i' before 'e' ="ee'.
And "Sie Liebt dich" is obviously "She Loves You".... 'Sie' pronounced more like the American letter 'Z' - 'zee'.
Jeez, you dont have to call him a fool cause he didn’t say it right, chill
Consider facts that I have family born April 1st, plus I'm partly German. I easily see differences between April Fools and Damned Fools.
(EDIT: Btw, the April fool in my family came up with that! We share a weird sense of humour.)
Pretty cool. I used to have a recording of The Beach Boys singing in German.
But the BB never released it in that time. In the early 80s the song "In my room" translated to "Ganz allein" appeared on a later withdrawn "Rarities"-Collection which also included "With a little help from my friends".
@@christocello7731 That's right! I used to have a copy of the "Rarities." I couldn't remember what is was called, thanks!
Never knew they did the German thing, too! I'll have to listen. Thanks for the heads up!
If memory serves me right, it was a CD bonus track on a reissue of their Shut Down album(?). Maybe early-mid 90s(?), when EMI was remastering everything full of bonuses and "first stereo appearances" of 1950s 60s and 70s tracks.
I quickly feel the good and nice atmosphere of intimacy when I start listen to them singing in German my home country mother tongue. Thank you for sharing with us.
Aww, love that comment, Hans. Thanks.
There even was a German version of "I'll Get You", called "Glücklich wie noch nie", which was scrapped and given to a band called The Flamingos instead.
Ah, glad someone brought that up! I'd heard of this in the Winn book, but couldn't find a definitive link that IGY was actually translated for The Beatles. Not doubting Winn, but I didn't find his source for that info. (Related, 'Montague' is listed on the writing credits on that single.)
Had you heard that info somewhere else?
Alternate possibility: The Flamingos were just trying to capitalize on Beatles-songs-in-German, independent of The Beatles?
The Flamingos were a 1950s doo-wop group. Guns N Roses did a version of their biggest hit, "Since I Don't Have You"
I loved the German version of I Want to Hold Your Hand from Second Album. It’s to this day the only German I can say.
I find this to be endlessly fascinating for some reason.
I grew up in Indianapolis and I remember hearing the German version of I want to hold your hand in 1964.
i can't remember where i read it, but paul is the only vocalist on sie liebt dich as john and george had had enough after komm gib mir diene hand and refused to continue. paul, ever the people pleaser, sang all three parts himself. a close listen to the original and the german version together makes a strong case for this possibility.
these two German tracks are what eventually inspired the Beach Boys to record their song In My Room in that language. although, I felt that Capitol should have released the Beatles German single in the U.S.
When I grew up in the sixties I remember people complaining that English language songs where played on the radio. Then the Beatles sang in german. I didn’t like it it sounded stilted,but at least we knew what they where singing about. Yeah after that it was like a dam broke and no bode seamed to care about our language anymore. All songs from then on that where popular where in English. We sang along in our version of what we thought was English and not understanding what it was about. Many years later when I had learned English I found out ,that some romantic love songs where actually singing something totally different.
I'm so glad they did it.
I love the German versions and they inspired me to start learning German.
The Rutles did a homage to this with 'Babby S'il Vaus Plait' a French version of 'Baby Let Me Be' as a bonus track on their Archaeology album.
It was common in the pre-Beatles period for record execs to slap their name on songwriting credits of recordings to siphon off royalties.
I was hoping for a Gelb Unterwasserseeboot song where they said Torpedo Los! in it.
I remember when they first came out, there was this German hysteria in the US(1963). In my 5th grade classroom (Savnnh, Ga), we discussed the Beatles and how well they spoke English. Then came the dawn. THEY WERE ENGLISH.
A few months after, in '64, came the movie: A Hard Days Night, where John was in the bathtub singing: Deutschland Uber Alles.
Later they would give the Hitler salute in Australia but by then everybody knew they were English wíth no connection to the Nazís.
Regards
Fun fact: In Germany, singing the last stanza of _Deutschland Über Alles_ is not illegal, but unpopular to do; sort of like singing _Dixie_ in America, outside of the Southeastern US.
@@wandaperi Ms.Phaye: My point is that the US and Int"l press were recalling the times of the Thirties when there was hysteria :" in the air". The press said Beatlemania was similar to Goebbels and his propaganda machine.
The Great Distraction was to divert attention and pain from John Kennedy's assasination. Well, Beatlemania carried on until their dissolution as a group.
By the way,Dixie was an area in New York were slaves were freed from the situation down South. That's why the blacks were singing:" I wish.."
Regards
The Hitler salute?
John Lennon middle name is Winston.as in Churchill
hi! wow thank you for this video, Sie liebt Dich, means so much to me!
my grandfather is a real beatles fan, cause he and john lennon were born in the same year.
his favourite song is Sie liebt dich! he said back then he would have never thought the four would sing in german!
he always told me that the beatles dont want to sing it at first.
i cant wait to show him your video and translate the best i can so he will know the story of his favourite song!
Danke aus Deutschland
I adore stories like this. Thank you for sharing!
Fantastic video, good precentaded, smooth Transitions. Just Great produced
Thanks man. Stick around for more!
Regarding the Paris shows mentioned:
The Beatles arrived in Paris the actual day I was born (January 14, 1964).
Unfortunately, they didn't much impress the French at the time; at the press conference, they were more interested in Sylvie Vartan (the French actress).
And all the boys at the gigs, too! I had heard that tale told by the band before, but didn’t really realize how true it was until seeing all the extra photographs while researching the story. It’s true! Not many girls. Big shift from the Liverpool gigs.
Trini Lopez talked about meeting the Beatles in Paris around that time. He put up a great show, available on UA-cam.
A great Bear Family Records comp called The Beatles Auf Deutsch.
Nice work as always. I was given Rarities as I became familiar with the Beatles and when She loves you started in German I was thinking I had a REALLY rare copy!
Hahaha... I can only imagine how surprised folks were to see it on there (and KGMDH on 'Something New'!)
I have a bootleg of them doing Get Back in German (sort of) and a heavily Scottish take on Two of Us. They are both complete and very funny. Hopefully they will appear on the 50th anniversary of Let it Be, whatever year that comes out.
I love that German take of Get Back. Pretty funny stuff.
I'd like to hear the 'Two of Us',are you sure its not Scouse rather than Scottish.?
@@mikesaunders4775 they sing "hem" instead of "home" if that helps. I always thought it sounded like Sean Connery, albeit in a higher register.
@ Robert Saul - Don't think I've heard that Get Back rendition, could I please ask what bootleg it features on? What do you think of the featured German tracks? I've always really liked them & sing along equally in my relatively poor German! 👍
@@robertsaul234 It could be either from that description,but thanks Robert.maybe I'll hear it myself one day.all the best. Mike.
These two songs are a huge part of my childhood (I am Austrian and my dad is beatles fan)
There was even a German version of Get Back that was recorded during the Get Back sessions. I'm pretty sure they were just goofing around, but it would have been cool to get a full version.
Yes... Paul was singing Get Back in some kind of nonsense German. Sounds funny to a German, but understandable
The French speakers always appreciated "Michelle ma belle, son des môts qui vont très bien ensembles... Très bien ensemble"
Those words really do go together well
fascinating to hear the story of this, because i had the past masters vol 1 and 2 when i was growing up and have heard their german songs many times
Same. The first time I heard the songs (also on PM), I was stunned. I had no idea why in the world they did this. Fast forward a couple of decades... well, here we are!
Thanks for watching.
I have been to Montserrat several times and George Martin was so influential there (and remains so, even after his death), that I'd assumed The Beatles must have recorded there. But of course AIR Studios didn't open there until the late 70s.Sadly, the studio only lasted 10 years before Hurricane Hugo damaged the building and equipment beyond repair. And then of course Plymouth was flattened in a volcano. But there is a bar with a lot of mementos from AIR Studios if anyone ever visits the island, FYI.
As a German I can only say that I absolutely loved this video! Please keep up the great work, been a fan for so long!
Thanks Killian! So happy to see German Beatles folks chiming in here!
This is a job well done. A credit to historians and all of us Beatles fans.
I’m amazed at how much of their history is detailed. Like, can we point at a day in January ‘88 and figure out what Nirvana was up to? Probably not.
8:31 Norman Smith, also known as Hurricane Smith, had some hits in his own right in the early 1970s on EMI's Columbia label, they were "Oh Babe, What Would You Say"/"Getting To Know You" (DB-8878 - British Market issue 30th March, 1972/DO-9883 - Australian Market issue 20th April, 1972) and "Who Was It"/"Take Suki Home"(DB-8916 -British Market Issue 18th August, 1972/DO-9996 - Australian Market Issue 12th October, 1972). His first 5 British singles were on Columbia until 1975 when he was moved to the EMI label in March, 1973. He was on EMI for 6 singles until November, 1975 before switching to PYE at the beginning of 1976. In Australia, all his 5 Colu8mbia singles were issued, but only one EMI release has surfaced here, and one of his PYE records surfaced here through the Astor label(Those that are known about).
I remember hearing these two songs on the SOMETHING NEW album when I was a kid. And I never knew that they re-recorded the instruments for the german version of She Loves You. It would be interesting to hear the english version side by side with the german version.
Only "Komm, gib mir deine Hand" was on the "Something New" release.
I just want to say that seeing something saying “DIE BEATLES” was genuinely shocking and I was about to fight someone
Imagine seeing it on display as you're going through a box of 45s. I've always known better, but it took a second for that shock to turn into the shock I should've had--seeing the actual record in person!
It's pronounce dee Beatles.
2:10 Last song on the list is "Rote Lippen soll man küssen" by Cliff Richard! It's his german version of "Lucky Lips". So The Beatles weren't the first to do this.
Hey, here we are from Mexico. Great pronunciation for those single tracks. As always what an incredible and professional work you have done. Congrats, and it's always a pleasure to watch your docs. You guys are the best Beatles channel on this platform. That's for sure. Thanks for everything.
Gracias Alejandro! It means so much to me that people enjoy my work. 💛
I love the Beatles when they sing in English. The fact that they sang two songs in German had more to do with the sale of the singles in Germany. There were clever businessmen at work again. In Germany there are many bands that sing in English. They think that sounds better and English is the musical language. They also want to be successful internationally. Best a number one hit in the USA. One of the most internationally successful German bands at the moment is Rammstein, and they sing in German. German bands should sing in their native language because you feel your mother tongue best and can best convey your lyrics. There are also many people in Germany who use English words in normal German language usage to appear more intelligent, interesting or modern. I find that just embarrassing. German is a wonderful language if you understand, feel and think it. I am German and I love the Beatles when they sing English.
The best German group is now Anne May Kantereit. They also have good text and a great singer.
It's so sweet for me to listen to the beatles singing German so badly ❤️ (I'm german)
Badly? Always thought it was pretty good
@@KilianMcCartney It is pretty good
Hallo, Herr Tambourine Mann, spiel ein lied fur mir.
great presentation
Thanks for watching, Rick.
Danke ! Great as always..XXX Rone
They also sing in spanish a cover version of Besame Mucho, it's just the chorus but it counts
for other foreign languages, we all had to wait until Michelle and then Sun King came out. LOL
Thanks, I often wondered what the German was all about. I appreciate the explanation.
For the most part, great video! Don't know why you had to stick a paywall in front of one of the more informative segments though.
Also, "The Inner Light" indeed counts as a Beatles song. I don't know who, in sound and reasoning mind, would dare to argue otherwise.
Paywall? Do you mean an ad? Those are only supposed to be before/after videos. I will look to see why UA-cam inserted one in the middle. Thanks for the heads up.
They were not the only British or American musicians to sing their hits in German back then. However, the Beatles made rock music with English lyrics so popular, even most German bands have preferably sung in English.
As soon as you said "it was the only time The Beatles recorded outside of London" I was thinking what about Can't Buy Me Love? I didn't realize this was all one productive session. Awesome stuff!
Thanks man! I'm sure as a musician you "get" more than most the insane pace they worked at. (And to think, in a few years they'd spend hours of recording time on 100+ takes of "Not Guilty"... and then never release it until Anthology.)
Hey - would love to pick your brain about some UA-cam stuff. Can you shoot me an email? Channel name at gmail.com.
@@FabFourArchivist Sounds great, I just sent you an email
HOWARD W. says > Sie Liebt Dich was also released in Canada on Capitol records in 1964 with I`ll get You.
"Hurricane' Smith-I loved "Oh Babe" of all his singles
Have you seen the video of him singing that live on TV? He was a funny character, John called him 'Normal' Smith. R.I.P. Norman and John.
"Sie" is pronounced "zee."
Yep and die is pronounced dee. Not die. That would be weird xD
At first i was like:
DIE Beatles.
(Until i saw the title)
A literal grammar Nazi..... Lol
jpringle1979 lmaoo
I had a job back in the mid-80s at a music & video store. We played the rarities album *A LOT* and got a kick out of the expressions on customers’ faces as they realized they were hearing the Beatles in German.
There are lots of songs that have German versions often with completly different lyrics. But most of them where recorded by different artists in German. Some exceptions I can think of are David Bowie who recorded "Heroes" in German (he was living in Berlin at the time) and Phil Collins, who recorded the soundtracks for Tarzan and Brother Bear in mutible languages. There are also some artists who did it the other way around. Recording their own German songs into English like Nenas "99 Luftballons" - "99 Red Ballons" and Peter Schillings "Major Tom (völlig losgelöst)" - "Major Tom (Coming Home)".
As a kid I often listened to one of my mom's Beatles albums that had "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" in German. Still have it, but far from mint condition :( 10:59 there it is
I have an old reel to reel tape of both of these, recorded using a microphone while the songs played on a tiny transistor radio. It’s barely audible. 😝
Fun story! But that means these would've been played on the radio at some point? 🤯
FabFourArchivist Yes!, they played on I think it was radio station KHJ in Los Angeles, in 1965. I’d record music off the radio to a tape recorder. They announced that they had German versions, and were going to play them.
I have the original vinyl album Something New with the German issue of I want to Hold your Hand and always wondered about the German releases..a very informative video.
Great video. Explained very well. Thanks.
Finally someone who knows the Beatles
Just for the record, Paul sings the lead on both German versions. Also, Sie liebt dich did come out in Canada on Capitol in 1964.
3:05 Camillo Felgen's song "So laang we's du do bast" isn't in German but in Luxembourgish, which is technically a separate language. (It's really the local dialect of German with its own orthography)
I can read Standard German, but Luxembourgish makes no sense to me whatsoever when I try to read it. It feels like a different language at least
@@Oatmeal_Mann The spelling of Luxembourgish is intentionally designed to be as different from German as possible, that's why it seems confusing. The song title "So laang we's duu do bast" in German is "So lang wie du da bist". Does that help? :)
@@xaverlustig3581 ahh thanks. Yes it indeed does.
@@xaverlustig3581 Luxembourgish isn't a dialect it's a language on its own.
The Luxembourgish spelling used in the video is also very wrong, by todays standards.
@@Newwgo When you have two closely related language forms, it's a matter of politics if they're considered separate languages or one a dialect of the other. Linguistically, Luxembourgish is part of the German dialect continuum and is similar to dialects across the border who are considered "German". In a parallel universe Luxembourgish could also be considered that. In this universe, Luxembourg being an independent country and disdain for anything German after WW2 are probably the main drivers for why it was established as a national language different from German. But that's politics, not linguistics.
Denn mit dir allein, kann sie nur glucklick sein XD I always loved how native english speaker stumble across the Ü and Ch XD well. a little payback for the TH XD
I really like the two german versions though ^^
Yeah, "dich" messed me up every time. I couldn't decide how much spit was supposed to fly out of my mouth while saying it. ;)
The “ch” is pronounced like “Loch” in Scottish, using your throat.
@@tomc642 Sorry to say: No, that's wrong. It is pronounced like the beginning of the greek letter Xi if you know it. I should know, I'm German. And the Beatles did the "ch" well in the song, besides that "Sie liebt dick" version in the verse mentioned above. At the Hamburg times, they could speak German quite well. They had some German friends, most importantly Klaus Voorman who later did the "Revolver" album cover for them and still is a good friend of Paul. Also, on the "Wings Over America" live album, Paul speaks some German words to the audience, e.g. "Großartig" before "You Gave Me The Answer".
Thank you for another great and informative video!
You're welcome, Joe. Always happy to see your name pop up here!
Theres also "Girl" recorded in German. I used to have the cassette tape of it, having recorded it off the radio in NY. I distinctly remember it. There may be a fourth song as well. They didnt record Girl at the same session as I Want to Hold Your Hand and She Loves You.
Ya its well documented the German Connection of the Fab 4 they were huge in Germany already as of 1962!! Much earlier than the rest of the World!! John Lennon used some German in lyrics so did Roger Waters of Pink Floyd!! And of course French even Spanish!! Michelle and B side of Abbey Road.
Another very good video, and with a very correct pronounced Gesellschaft! 😁
The Beatles were known in England, but not until they did gigs in Germany did they start acquiring huge respect and great fame. The German art community immediately recognized their exceptional sound. A young German girl gave them their new haircuts and distinctive appearance. Working long sets night after night in German clubs made them experienced professionals. When they returned to England, NO group could match them. They were on their way.
Keeping in mind the historical context here is very important. 1964 was only 19 years after the end of WWII and the Berlin Wall had just gone up a couple years prior. Most Germans at the time spoke very little English unless they were educated at university. English had just become standard curriculum in German grade schools.
If this had happened today, there’d be zero need for the Beatles to have recorded a German version of any song because everyone learns English in grade school and can understand it and speak it at least half way decent by the time they’re teenagers.
Great point. I have no conclusive evidence, but I would imagine this is why the Beatles were approached to record in German and not, for instance, French.
It is important to note, whether it was the Beatles influence or just the changing tide, that English language pop records were soon the norm in Deutschland.
@@FabFourArchivist I'm sure the biggest reason they were approached to cut tracks in German instead of French or any other language is that they were probably as big in Germany as they were in England at that time, or very close. With their long stay in Hamburg night clubs they had spent almost as long in Germany as they had in England as a group. In fact when they came back to England from Hamburg they were billed as a band from Germany lol.
As a side note, that long stay in France was where they'd learned that I Want To Hold Your Hand had hit #1 in America BY TELEGRAM, and they about lost their minds lol..... people today can't even imagine a time when news that had to travel fast had to go by telegram!
The inner light was a recording Session
Wonderful video!
Thanks so much, Shylah! :)
Great video! That’s a good story
Gracias Rodrigo. I thought it was pretty interesting as well.
I saw 45 from the Philippines of these German tracks.
Fun vid!! Subscribed.
Thanks Terry! More to come soon. Actually, just posted one minutes ago.
@@FabFourArchivist Sweet!!!
Hash it out ... something very common to Beatles recording sessions, me thinks.
Another great video, love your work. ‘Ringo had a chance to add more than just handclaps on She Loves You’. Surely you are getting mixed up with Love Me Do? Apologies for geekery observation!
Thanks for the kind words! Geekery appreciated as well. ;)
"At least Ringo would have something to add besides handclaps." This is referring to KGMDH vs. SLD recorded at this session. The former *only* had vocals and handclaps overdubbed to the original IWTHYH backing track - my dumb joke being a light presumption that Ringo clapped his hands! This was in contrast to SLD, a full recording including Ringo on drums.
FabFourArchivist I see! My school report: must pay more attention! 😂 Like the light presumption. Keep up the good work.
It really was a brilliant marketing move......
Well w research both backing tracks where used. The German she loves you. Is speed up. The edits tell the story.
Too bad it wasn't mentioned about Canada's involvement from the bat, or the history behind it that made uniquely Canadian Beatles collectables. Capitol single (72162) coincided with the first Swan USA release...
USA Capitol had 'first grabs' at EMI UK recordings, but they refused the first few Beatles singles along with MANY more. Capitol of Canada had a "Canadian-only" numbering series, "6000" (LPs) and "72000" (singles). Besides Canadian artists, this series became useful as Capitol USA refused many others.
You'd be surprised if you saw how many "British Invasion" UK EMI hits wound up on Capitol in Canada, but had gotten scattered to Epic or independent USA labels.
This is super interesting.....love all of these in fact, but every time I watch one of these I can't help but wonder where the presenter's accent comes from. Reminds me of ABY GA
Thanks for watching, Dave. Kentucky!
@@FabFourArchivist Thank you for satisfying my curiosity, but shoot, I was WAAY off. Definitely will be watching more....catch ya soon!
I think that the German versions sound like bbc sessions.
Can someone give me a link to the 25 years capitol records emi world poster.
Welcome back
What about that tattoo on your chest? Doesn't it say "Die, Bart, die"?
No! That's German for, "The Bart, the".
@@DarwinRuckleshaus8408 Parole granted!
Ah, yes. Paul, George, and Ringo have all been on The Simpsons.
Actually, "Bart" means "beard" in german
@@Blemonade1 yeah but dont names not get changed in different languages?
@@ZaccoOfficial This was done very rarely when it came to german localization, especially with english media
I have that very CD in my car right now
I figured it was some sort of cross-cultural thing where English artists would redo their work into German. Specifically Monty Python sprung to mind .. but looking at your German chart, Cliff Richard apparently was redoing songs in German at the same time The Beatles were as well.
Most old records in Mexico that were from English bands, wrote their songs in Spanish, which is weird because sometimes the translation were weird or sounded weird.
Just the song titles, not the song itself
You only translate well to your native mother language. Otherwise it had sounded German to you native Englich speakers, but not to Germans.
HOWARD W. says > How come nobody mentions that it is Paul singing lead on both of the German songs.
Sidenote: The BEACH BOYS did the same thing with "In my room" wich was released as "Ganz allein".
11:58 actually, they sang in Spanish in Sun King
Ah sorta. "Sun King" had some faux Spanish/Italian. Simply nonsense. Typical Lennon!
The French lyrics in "Michelle" would be a better pick for your point. But note I said, "for a foreign language audience..." These were just songs that had a bit of non-English, but were still intended for audiences who spoke English. ;)
@@FabFourArchivist oh wow... you learn something new every day!
They sang “Besame Mucho”
Yes it’s a Beatles session!!!! They were there weren’t they...
Only George was. But one member's presence counts if we compare that to other 'solo' sessions, or "Yesterday" that only features one member. I think I'm in that camp.
But I think context adds an asterisk.
For one, it wasn't orchestrated or produced by the usual team (e.g. Martin). It was unlike almost all other Beatles sessions. (Probably closest to She's Leaving Home!)
For another, it was recorded as part of the solo Wonderwall sessions. Probably could have ended up on a George solo record. Would it have been considered a Beatles track then (even with John and Paul's vocals)? I'd say no.
BTW, 15,000 views in and you're the first person to engage on this bit. Kudos and thanks. :)
great video! assuming the Beatles toured Germany after this, did they sing these songs in German during the tour?
They did tour there in '66, but didn't sing in German. That would've been a trip! The setlist for that tour didn't include either song (even in English). Typically, the songs then would've been: ‘Rock And Roll Music’, ‘She’s A Woman’, ‘If I Needed Someone’, ‘Day Tripper’, ‘Baby’s In Black’, ‘I Feel Fine’, ‘Yesterday’, ‘I Wanna Be Your Man’, ‘Nowhere Man’, ‘Paperback Writer’, and ‘I’m Down'.
That's right. Makes you wonder why they would switch it up - just based on someone's mood that night? Vox organ messing up? Little Richard was in the audience? Haha
@@FabFourArchivist I heard John stood on the balcony of their hotel and gave a Nazi salute with his finger under his nose for a mustache.
They recorded can't buy me love in France after a show .
SO WHOM DID DAY TRIPPER IN GERMAN ?...
I have this German Versions Single Record.
Cool. I thought about buying it as a prop for this video, but I couldn't find an affordable one with a good sleeve!
HannaH Wolke9 There a two sleeves of this record. She lieb dich and she lieb mich.wich is a error.
me too. ^^
The thumbnail, reminded me of a Simpson's episode were Sideshow bob was in court for plotting murder bart, he was wearing a tee-shirt with the slogan "DIE BART DIE" he explained to the judge, "no your honor it's German of The Bart The"................
,
Nobody:
The thumbnail: *DIE BEATLES!*