The Beatles "Please Mr. Postman"
The Beatles, one of the most influential bands in rock history, recorded numerous covers throughout their early years, adding their unique energy and style to classic songs. One such song was Please Mr. Postman, originally a Motown hit by The Marvelettes in 1961.
Included in their 1963 album With The Beatles, the Beatles' version of Please Mr. Postman transformed the soulful original into a high-energy rock song. With John Lennon's powerful lead vocals and the band's tight harmonies, the track became a fan favorite and remains one of their most beloved cover songs.
This article explores the song’s background, songwriting and production, chart success, and music video.
Song Overview
Please Mr. Postman is a song about longing for a letter from a distant loved one. The lyrics express the frustration and impatience of waiting for a reply, pleading with the postman to deliver the long-awaited message.
The Marvelettes’ original version featured a catchy Motown groove, showcasing soulful vocal delivery and rhythmic instrumentation. The Beatles’ adaptation sped up the tempo and infused it with raw rock energy.
John Lennon delivered the lead vocals with an urgent and emotional tone, while Paul McCartney and George Harrison provided rich backing harmonies. Ringo Starr’s dynamic drumming added drive to the track, making it one of the most rhythmically intense covers on With The Beatles.
The Beatles frequently performed this song during their early live shows, making it a staple in their early repertoire.
Songwriting and Production
Please Mr. Postman was originally written by Georgia Dobbins, William Garrett, Freddie Gorman, Brian Holland, and Robert Bateman. The Marvelettes released it in 1961, and it became the first-ever Motown song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Beatles recorded their version in 1963, with George Martin as the producer. He helped shape their rendition into a fast-paced rock and roll song, emphasizing the band’s signature vocal harmonies and punchy instrumental delivery.
Unlike the original’s smooth R&B rhythm, the Beatles’ version featured a more aggressive approach, highlighting their raw early rock sound. John Lennon’s gritty vocal performance added an extra layer of urgency, making their version stand out.
Charts
The Beatles’ version of Please Mr. Postman was never released as a single but was included in their 1963 album With The Beatles. The album was a massive success, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart and cementing the band's status as global superstars.
When the album was released in the U.S. under the title Meet The Beatles! in 1964, it also topped the Billboard 200, further spreading the popularity of the song.
The original Marvelettes version had already achieved massive success, hitting number one in 1961. Later, in 1974, the song was revived by The Carpenters, whose version also reached number one, proving the song’s lasting appeal across different generations.
Despite not being released as a single, the Beatles’ version of Please Mr. Postman became a fan favorite and remains one of the most well-known covers of the song.
Music Video
There is no official music video for the Beatles’ version of Please Mr. Postman, but live performances and TV appearances from the era feature the song in their setlists.
The Beatles frequently performed this song during their early concerts, and various black-and-white footage from the early 1960s captures their high-energy delivery of the track. These performances highlight the band’s dynamic stage presence and the enthusiastic response from their fans.
Additionally, clips from the documentary The Beatles Anthology include performances and behind-the-scenes footage related to Please Mr. Postman, giving insight into how the band approached cover songs during their early years.
The Beatles - Please Mister Postman [COLORIZED & Raw Vocals]
The Marvelettes "Please Mr. Postman"
The Marvelettes' "Please Mr. Postman" was released in 1961 and became the first Motown song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This iconic track expresses the heartfelt longing of someone eagerly waiting for a letter from a loved one. With its soulful vocals and catchy melody, it remains a timeless classic in Motown's rich history.
Carpenters "Please Mr. Postman"
The Carpenters' "Please Mr. Postman" was released in 1974 and became a chart-topping hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This cover of The Marvelettes' original brought a fresh charm with the Carpenters' signature soft and polished arrangement, accompanied by Karen Carpenter's warm and heartfelt vocals, giving the song a new life and timeless appeal.
The Beatles "A Hard Day's Night"
The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night," released in 1964, is a classic hit and the title track of their movie of the same name. Written primarily by John Lennon, the song is renowned for its iconic opening guitar chord and catchy melody, which captivated the pop music scene of its time.
