When talking about The Beatles, it’s natural to focus on their incredible success. Their achievements are so overwhelming that it’s easy to overlook the rare missteps they had along the way.
Even though these low points are minor compared to their many high points, a few Beatles songs haven’t received much love. This is evident from their low streaming numbers.
The band has songs that didn’t quite hit the mark with their audience. However, these tracks still offer interesting insights into the band’s musical journey and the variety of styles they explored.
1. “Honey Don’t”
“Honey Don’t” is notable because it allowed Ringo Starr, the band’s well-loved drummer, to take the spotlight. Starr had other, more famous moments as the lead vocalist, but his rendition of Carl Perkins’ song is a fun showcase of his talents. Despite this, it’s understandable that this song isn’t as memorable as some of The Beatles’ bigger hits, which might explain why it hasn’t gained much traction over the years.
Lyrics:
“Well, how come you say you will when you won’t?
Say you do, baby, when you don’t.
Let me know, honey, how you feel.
Tell the truth now, is love real?”
2. “Slow Down”
“Slow Down” serves as a reminder of why John Lennon and Paul McCartney chose to focus on writing their own music. This cover of a Larry Williams tune doesn’t quite capture the magic that many Beatles songs are known for. It feels somewhat ordinary and lacks the special touch that made their original tracks stand out. As a result, people may say that any early rock band could have recorded this song and found moderate success with it.
Lyrics:
“Slow down. Baby, now you’re moving way too fast.
You gotta give me a little lovin’, give me a little lovin’.
Ow! If you want our love to last.”
3. “Matchbox”
The last song in this lineup is another Carl Perkins cover, “Matchbox.” Ringo Starr once again steps up to deliver the vocals, offering a performance that is just as strong as his take on “Honey Don’t.” The Beatles experimented with various rockabilly songs, and while “Matchbox” may not stand out as particularly unique, it still demonstrates the band’s versatility and their willingness to explore different genres.
Lyrics:
“I said I’m sitting here watchin’, matchbox hole in my clothes.
I said I’m sitting here wonderin’, matchbox hole in my clothes.
I ain’t got no matches, but I sure got a long way to go.”
These lesser-known Beatles tracks show that even their less popular songs are worth exploring. They offer a glimpse into the band’s broader musical range and their evolution over time, even if they didn’t achieve the widespread recognition of their biggest hits.
