About the song
“Ticket to Ride” is a seminal song in the discography of the Beatles, a band that revolutionized the music industry with their innovative sound and style. Written primarily by John Lennon and credited to the iconic songwriting duo Lennon-McCartney, “Ticket to Ride” was released as a single in April 1965 and went on to become the Beatles’ seventh consecutive number 1 hit in the United Kingdom and their third consecutive number 1 hit (and eighth in total) in the United States. The song’s success was not limited to these countries, as it also topped national charts in Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
Recorded at EMI Studios in London in February 1965, “Ticket to Ride” marked a significant progression in the Beatles’ work, incorporating drone and harder-sounding instrumentation that was a departure from their previous releases. The song’s unique sound and lyrics have been praised by music critics, with Ian MacDonald describing it as “psychologically deeper than anything the Beatles had recorded before” and “extraordinary for its time”.
The song’s impact extended beyond the music charts, as it also appeared in the Beatles’ second feature film, Help!, directed by Richard Lester. The band’s live performances of “Ticket to Ride” were included in the Beatles at Shea Stadium concert film, on the live album documenting their concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, and on the 1996 Anthology 2 box set. The song’s enduring popularity has also led to numerous covers, including a version by The Carpenters in 1969 that peaked at number 54 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Overall, “Ticket to Ride” is a landmark song in the Beatles’ discography, showcasing the band’s innovative sound and style, as well as their ability to craft songs that resonate with audiences around the world.
Video
Lyrics
I think I’m gonna be sad
I think it’s today, yeah
The girl that’s driving me mad is going away
She’s got a ticket to ride
She’s got a ticket to ride
She’s got a ticket to ride
But she don’t care
She said that living with me
Is bringing her down, yeah
For she would never be free
When I was around
She’s got a ticket to ride
She’s got a ticket to ride
She’s got a ticket to ride
But she don’t care
I don’t know why she’s riding so high
She ought to think twice
She ought to do right by me
Before she gets to saying goodbye
She ought to think twice
She ought to do right by me
I think I’m gonna be sad
I think it’s today, yeah
The girl that’s driving me mad
Is going away, yeah
Oh, she’s got a ticket to ride
She’s got a ticket to ride
She’s got a ticket to ride
But she don’t care
I don’t know why she’s riding so high
She ought to think twice
She ought to do right by me
Before she gets to saying goodbye
She ought to think twice
She ought to do right by me
She said that living with me
Is bringing her down, yeah
For she would never be free
When I was around
Ah, she’s got a ticket to ride
She’s got a ticket to ride
She’s got a ticket to ride
But she don’t care
My baby don’t care, my baby don’t care
My baby don’t care, my baby don’t care
My baby don’t care, my baby don’t care