Recording: Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, Revolution

Studio Three, EMI Studios, Abbey Road
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Geoff Emerick

Although The Beatles had recorded a remake of ‘Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da’ during the previous night’s session, they began this day’s work by starting a third version.

Paul McCartney led the group through two new takes of the song, numbered 20 and 21, in a five-hour session beginning at 4pm. Following an hour’s break, however, he decided to return to the previous night’s take 13, which became the basis for the master version released on the White Album. The lead and backing vocals were wiped and re-recorded, although these were replaced by more recordings made on 15 July 1968.

A reduction mix of take 13 was then made, numbered take 22, accounting for the earlier takes. Handclaps and more vocal noises were then added, along with piano in the final verse. The song was completed on 15 July.

This second session ended at 3.30am. Before it did, The Beatles began work on a remake of ‘Revolution’, which was to feature on their next single as the b-side of ‘Hey Jude’. McCartney and George Harrison had decreed that ‘Revolution 1’ was not commercial-sounding enough, much to the annoyance of John Lennon.

Although this night’s performances were recorded, this was more a rehearsal of ‘Revolution’ than a proper session. It featured lead and rhythm guitars, bass guitar and drums, plus Lennon’s lead vocals. The tape was later wiped, however, and replaced with proper takes on 10 July.