Written by: Twomey-Wise-Weisman
Recorded: 2 July 1963
Producer: Terry Henebery
Released: 21 November 1995
John Lennon: vocals, rhythm guitar
Paul McCartney: vocals, bass
George Harrison: vocals, lead guitar
Ringo Starr: drums
Available on:
Anthology 1
On Air – Live At The BBC Volume 2
Recorded during the fifth edition of the BBC's Pop Go The Beatles radio show, Lend Me Your Comb had been a part of the group's stage act since the late 1950s.
The Beatles based their arrangement on Carl Perkins' version, which had been the b-side of his 1958 single Glad All Over. A live recording by The Beatles was made at the Star-Club in Hamburg in December 1962, and has since been circulated widely on bootlegs.
The BBC version was taped at Maida Vale Studios on 2 July 1963, and was first broadcast on Pop Go The Beatles on 16 July. The group played six songs, four of which – That's All Right (Mama), Carol, Soldier Of Love and Clarabella – were released on 1994's Live At The BBC. A fifth, There's A Place – the only Lennon-McCartney original played that day – remains unreleased.
The Live At The BBC collection was weighted towards the radio recordings of songs which hadn't made it onto official releases; however, for reasons unknown, Lend Me Your Comb was held back until 1995, when it appeared on Anthology 1. It was also issued on 2013's On Air – Live At The BBC Volume 2.
Lyrics
Lend me your comb
It's time to go home
I've got to confess
My hair is a mess
Your mammie will scold
Your pappie will shout
Unless we come in
The way we went out
Kissing you was fun, honey
But thanks for the date
I have come to run, honey
But you know, baby, it's a-getting late
Just wait till I
Straighten up my tie
Lend me your comb
We got to go home
Kissing you was fun, honey
But thanks for the date
Well I must come to run, honey
But sugar bugger, it's a-getting late
Just wait till I
Straighten up my tie
Lend me your comb
We got to go home
The third line first verse of these song is “I’ve got to confess”
The first and second lines of the third and fourth verses should read
“Just wait till I…straighten my tie”
Hope this is of some help.
Reckless Tony
I’m pretty sure it’s George singing the harmony in the verses over John’s lead, not Paul
Agreed with Gero, it’s definitely George singing the harmony over John’s lead, and Paul singing the middle part
I agree as well, Joe. It’s definitely John and George singing together. If there’s any doubt, just listen to the word ‘pappie’. That’s 100% George.
One interview with one of the Beatles had them really surprised that Carl Perkins used the phrase “sugar bugger” in the song; as it was so naughty at the time. It means the girl had a sweet rump.
Does the phrase have a different connotation in the UK? In the US, it is just a term of endearment, or certainly was at the time the song was written. And we spell it sugar booger. A “bugger” would be considered naughty, though. That connotation is the same in both countries.