Credited as a Lennon-McCartney song but primarily written by Lennon, the initial draft for 'I'm Only Sleeping' was written in March 25, 1966, on the back of a Post Office bill informing John that he had an outstanding radiophone bill worth 12 pounds and three shillings (about 284 pounds in today's money!!!). The Beatles were still actively touring around this time, and while he wasn't touring, John was regularly under the influence of drugs and spent a lot of time sleeping, often enough that Paul frequently had to wake him up. In a discussion with one of his close friends, journalist Maureen Cleave, he opined in true Lennon-esque sardonicism: 'Physically lazy, (...) I don't mind writing or reading or watching or speaking, but sex is the only physical thing I can be bothered with any more.'
Recording for the song itself began at EMI Studios on April 27, 1966. The original recording featured a vibraphone played by Harrison (the first time the Beatles had used this instrument before), but it was removed by the time the song was released. A fragment of the vibraphone recording was released alongside the new Anthology series.
Work in Progress...
Work in Progress...
Work in Progress...