About the song
“Don’t Let Me Down,” a poignant creation by the Beatles from their 1969 sessions for the Let It Be album, remains a heartfelt testament to John Lennon’s emotional vulnerability and plea to Yoko Ono. Composed in E major and marked by a distinctive 4/4 time signature, the song initially emerged as the B-side to the hit single “Get Back,” which featured keyboardist Billy Preston and was credited to “the Beatles with Billy Preston.”
Written primarily by Lennon but credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership, the song captures Lennon’s raw emotional state, with Paul McCartney interpreting it as a genuine appeal for support. As Lennon himself expressed, it was a daring move to expose such vulnerability: “I’m really stepping out of line on this one. I’m really just letting my vulnerability be seen, so you must not let me down.”
Musically, “Don’t Let Me Down” showcases the Beatles’ adeptness in blending intricate instrumental arrangements with heartfelt lyrics. George Harrison’s descending guitar accompaniment and the innovative use of octaves between the bass and lead guitars during the alternate verse highlight the song’s musical richness.
Recorded extensively during the Get Back sessions, the definitive version emerged from the January 28, 1969, recording session with subsequent vocal overdubs in early February. Despite its initial release as a B-side, “Don’t Let Me Down” reached number 35 on the US Billboard Hot 100, showcasing its enduring appeal.
The song gained additional prominence from its inclusion in the Beatles’ iconic rooftop concert on January 30, 1969, a performance immortalized in the Let It Be film. A composite edit of the rooftop performances was later released on “Let It Be… Naked” in 2003, underscoring the song’s significance in the Beatles’ live repertoire.
Over the years, “Don’t Let Me Down” has appeared on various Beatles compilations, including Hey Jude and 1967–1970, and its different versions have been meticulously curated in subsequent reissues, such as the Let It Be: Special Edition in 2021. Its enduring presence across decades and its poignant lyrical and musical composition continue to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless classic in the Beatles’ illustrious catalog.
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Lyrics
Don’t let me down
Don’t let me down
Don’t let me down
Don’t let me down
Nobody ever loved me like she does
Ooh, she does
Yes, she does
And if somebody loved like she do me
Ooh, she do me
Yes, she does
Don’t let me down
Don’t let me down
Don’t let me down
Don’t let me down
I’m in love for the first time
Don’t you know it’s gonna last?
It’s a love that lasts forever
It’s a love that has no past
Don’t let me down
Don’t let me down (ooh)
Don’t let me down
Don’t let me down
And from the first time that she really done me
Ooh, she done me
She, done me good
I guess nobody ever really done me
Ooh, she done me
She, done me good
Don’t let me down, hey
Don’t let me down (hee-hee)
Don’t let me down
Please (ow!)
(Ow!) Don’t let me down
(Ow!) Don’t let me down
(Can you dig it?) Don’t let me down