US single release: Paperback Writer – 30 May 1966
Monday 30 May 1966 | Release
On Monday 30 May 1966, Capitol Records issued The Beatles’ single Paperback Writer / Rain in the United States — eleven days before its UK release on 10 June 1966.
Chart Performance
The single topped the US charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Its two-week stay at the top was ended by Frank Sinatra’s Strangers In The Night. In the UK, Paperback Writer also reached number one, giving The Beatles their eleventh consecutive UK chart-topper.
The Songs
Paperback Writer was written primarily by Paul McCartney and marked a notable shift in The Beatles’ songwriting — it was one of their first singles not to be a love song, instead telling the story of an aspiring novelist writing to a publisher. The guitar-driven track featured a prominent bass line from McCartney, influenced by the sound of the Fender bass through a loudspeaker.
The b-side, Rain, was written by John Lennon and is notable for being one of the first pop recordings to feature backwards vocals — a technique Lennon discovered accidentally when he played a tape of the song in reverse at home. Many critics consider Rain one of the finest b-sides in pop history.
The Final Tour
Paperback Writer was the only song from 1966 performed by The Beatles during their final US tour in August 1966 — the last concerts of their career. It appeared in the setlist alongside older material from Please Please Me through to Help!.
Key Facts
- US release date: 30 May 1966 (Capitol Records)
- UK release date: 10 June 1966 (Parlophone)
- A-side: Paperback Writer
- B-side: Rain
- US chart peak: Number 1 (Billboard Hot 100, two weeks)
- Displaced by: Frank Sinatra, Strangers In The Night
- UK chart peak: Number 1
- Performed on final US tour: Yes — the only 1966 song in the setlist
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Paperback Writer released in the US?
30 May 1966 on Capitol Records — eleven days before the UK release on 10 June 1966.
Did Paperback Writer reach number one in the US?
Yes — it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks before being displaced by Frank Sinatra’s Strangers In The Night.
What is notable about the b-side Rain?
Rain is one of the first pop recordings to feature backwards vocals, a technique John Lennon discovered accidentally by playing a tape of the song in reverse. Many critics regard it as one of the greatest b-sides ever released.
Did The Beatles perform Paperback Writer live?
Yes — it was the only song from 1966 in their setlist during their final US tour in August 1966, which proved to be the last concerts of their career.
What was different about Paperback Writer as a Beatles single?
It was one of their first singles not to be a love song — instead telling the story of an aspiring novelist writing to a publisher. It also featured a notably prominent bass line from McCartney, influenced by the sound of the Fender bass through a loudspeaker.
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