The focus this week is on The Beatles’ song “She Said, She Said,” the last song recorded for their August 1966 release, “Revolver.” You may be wondering why I chose this song given all the amazing material released between their first release in 1963, to their last in 1970, and that would be a fair question. It is in no way my favorite of their songs, nor is it my favorite album; that honor is reserved for their previous release, “Rubber Soul” (December 1965), and in particular the song that still moves me in a way that’s difficult to describe, “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown).” Rather, I chose this track because of the very intriguing backstory to its creation and the fact that it may be the only song in their entire repertoire that McCartney did not play bass on!
Many of the songs for this album were written while on the 2nd U.S. tour, in a rented mansion on Mulholland Drive. There was a steady stream of visitors to the house, including the members of The Byrds. As the story goes on August 24, 1965, David Crosby, and Roger McGuinn along with Ringo, George and John spent the day tripping on LSD. At some point, the actor Peter Fonda showed up also strung out on acid, and confronted George as he thought he was dying, and said the following: “There is nothing to be afraid of. All you need to do is relax. I know what it is like to be dead because when I was 10 years old, I accidentally shot myself in the stomach and my heart stopped beating three times while I was on the operating table because I’d lost so much blood.” Apparently, John was just passing by and heard the above and said to Fonda: “You’re making me feel like I’ve never been born. Who put all that shit in your head?” The credibility for that story rests in the opening verse of the song: “She said/I know what it’s like to be dead/I know what it is to be sad/And she’s making me feel like I’ve never been born before.”
When they were back in the studio in 1966 working on the album, they realized that they were one track short. A hectic nine hour session on June 21,1966, ensued, during which they rehearsed the song 25 times before recording the rhythm track in three takes. At some point, there was an argument between John and Paul, and the latter stormed out of the session. Although there is some controversy about who filled in the bass on the song, it is a strongly held belief that it wasn’t Paul.
What you will find below is the original mono recording of “She Said, She Said,” followed by what I feel are four unique covers by a very disparate group of musicians. The third and last of these are by no means amazing covers musically or vocally, although they do hold their own. The first one is a Dutch group from the Netherlands (2015) and the second is by a young tribute band playing live at the O.C. County Fair (2021). Can you say: “He Haw!” Consider these as my tip of the hat, so to speak, to the fact that there are, give or take a few, well over 500 Beatles tribute bands performing around the world today. That is a staggering number! First up, the original.
The Beatles
The Beatles – “She Said, She Said” – Revolver 1966 (Mono Version)
The Black Keys
The Black Keya are an American rock duo that were formed in Akron, Ohio in 2001, is comprised of Dan Aurebach (guitar, vocals) and Patrick Carney (drums). They grew up in the same neighborhood, met when they were nine or ten, started hanging out and playing music together at the suggestion of their older brothers, recorded their debut album, “The Big Come Up,” entirely in Carney’s basement on an 8-track tape recorder in lo-fi. It was released in May 2002. It was a mix of eight original tracks and five covers. The album successfully showcased the duo’s raw, blues rock style, featuring covers of Muddy Waters, Jr. Kimbrough, and R.L. Burnside, among others, and “She, Said, She Said” by The Beatles. Since that debut album, they have gone on to a very successful career, having just released their eleventh studio album 2022’s “Dropout Boogie.” Much like the driving guitar in The Beatles’ original version, The Black Keys have managed to do that with the added twist of a more blues/rock feel. The guitar alone is worth the listen!
The Black Keys – “She Said, She Said” – Live at the High Noon Salon, Madison WI – Mar.2007
The Analogues
The Analogues are a Dutch, Beatles tribute act. They formed in 2014, and their ambition was to perform live, the Beatles’ music from their later studio years, using the same analogue and period-accurate instrumentation. They have distinguished themselves from other tribute groups by performing songs and whole albums live, that the Beatles never played live. While the band does not attempt to look like the Beatles, they have been celebrated for accurately recreating and reproducing The Beatles’ music and sound. Their version provides excellent harmonies as well as lead guitar.
The Analogues – “She Said She Said” – Jan. 2015 (From the Netherlands)
Gov’t Mule
Gov’t (Government) Mule is best described as an American Southern rock jam band, which formed in 1994 as a side project of Alman Brother’s Band guitarist Warren Haynes ad bassist Allen Woody. Many fans often refer to them as simply “Mule.” Their cover of “She Said, She Said” is from their second studio album, “Dose,” released in February 1998. The overall tone of the album, according to reviewers at the time was far darker than their first release. It was produced by Michael Barbiero and has Matt Abts handling drums and percussion. This version, I feel, emphasizes the song’s “rock” origins and drives from beginning to end.
Gov’t Mule – “She Said, She Said – Feb. 1998
The Fab Four
Yeah, I know, a tribute “real” band. How could I? Perhaps you’ll need to consult my shrink for that. In the meantime, suck-it up! To be honest, I really did hem and haw before deciding to include it, but I ultimately did so for a couple of reasons. Firstly, due to the Beatles’ “global” success, I felt I needed representation from the many groups that try to copy the band not only in sound, but in looks and to some degree mannerisms. In that regard, these guys, who have been doing this since 1997, definitely fit that bill. Secondly, it is fairly “cheesy” but, oddly enough, in a good way, if that makes any sense. Some of you might think in cringe-worthy; others may not. In the end, you get to decide, not me! Until next time…
The Fab Four (Beatles Cover Band) – “She Said She Said” – OC County Fair – Aug. 2021
Los Angeles 2023
Spinning Three Ways! 
Haven’t listened to this song in a long while. Interesting back story as well as the covers. I like what Mule does with a lot of their cover songs. I thought the Fab Four were pretty fabby!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Mule are really good, and the Fab Four, well “fabby” says it all!
LikeLiked by 1 person