I was listening to If I Needed Someone which I got from Max; a huge Beatles fan; at his PowerPop blog page. George Harrison, the lead guitarist wrote this one and it might explain why I am so fond of it. This is the Beatles in chill-mode and it’s not surprising George had his hands all over it. It possesses a Travelling Wilbury’s / Byrds mellow sound which really works for me. I’m by no means a Beatles aficionado, which I have discussed before, but this song doesn’t sound like your typical Beatles ‘in your face tune’ and that’s why I like it so much. I can understand why it is recognised as Harrison’s best song to date upon release.
Carve your number on my wall
And maybe you will get a call from me
If I needed someone
Ah, ah, ah, ah
If I had some more time to spend
Then I guess I’d be with you my friend
If I needed someone
According to Wikipedia: Harison wrote the song for Pattie Boyd, the English model whom he married in January 1966. The lyrics convey an ambivalent tone, however, and have invited interpretation as a message to a casual love interest. It was partly inspired by the Byrds who the Beatles formed a relationship with in 1965 and were enjoying an international success with their debut single, of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man“.
Harrison of-course ran into difficulties with the Beatles trying to establish himself as a songwriter since Lennon and McCartney had the duopoly as it were, even since they were very young. I always wished Harrison had more songwriting influence in the Beatles. David Fricke in the Rolling Stone article (2002) included it in his list of the “25 Essential Harrison Performances” and described If I Needed Someone,..a “folk-rock diamond“.
References:
1. If I Needed Someone – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
This song helped start “power pop” also…it’s a great one. George was growing by this time in his songs. Thanks for the mention Matt!
I’m traveling this weekend…we are going to Graceland this weekend to visit Elvis’s place in Memphis.
‘If I Needed Someone’ is easily in my favourite 10 Beatles songs. I just wish George had more sway in their output.
Talking of pilgrimages, that’s a good one to cross off the bucket list lol Let me know how you go at Graceland.
This was when George started to really write strong songs from here on out.
I sure will Matt…we are in Memphis now and will go tomorrow morning.
I was just telling my family you are headed for Graceland. They are excited. My daughter asked that you send photos! Haha
I sure will! If they let us take any.
I hope you can. It would mean a lot.