About the song
“A World Without Love” is a classic song that marked the beginning of Peter and Gordon’s musical career. Released in February 1964, it was their debut single and quickly became a significant hit. The song was included in their first album in the UK and featured on an album of the same name in the US.
Written by Paul McCartney and credited to the famous Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership, “A World Without Love” achieved remarkable success. It reached No. 1 on various charts, including the Record Retailer chart and the New Musical Express chart in the UK, as well as the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100 in the US. It also topped the charts in Ireland and New Zealand, showcasing its widespread appeal.
McCartney originally wrote the song when he was just 16. After moving into the London home of his girlfriend Jane Asher in 1963, he shared a room with her brother, Peter Asher. When Peter and his musical partner Gordon Waller secured a recording contract, they asked McCartney if they could use the song. McCartney agreed, and the rest is history. Interestingly, McCartney thought the song wasn’t suitable for The Beatles, so it was never recorded by them.
John Lennon found humor in the song’s opening line, and the Beatles never recorded it. McCartney’s original demo of the song is now a cherished piece of music history, owned by Peter Asher and occasionally shared with fans.
The song stands out as one of the few Lennon-McCartney compositions to top the US charts performed by artists other than The Beatles. Its success is a testament to the enduring quality of McCartney’s songwriting and its impact on the music world. The lead guitar on the track was played by Vic Flick, known for his work on the James Bond theme.
“A World Without Love” remains an important piece of music history, included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll, highlighting its lasting influence on the genre.
Video
Lyrics
Please lock me away
And don’t allow the day
Here inside
Where I hide
With my lonelinessI don’t care what they say
I won’t stay in a world without loveBirds sing out of tune
And rain clouds hide the moon
I’m okay
Here I’ll stay
With my lonelinessI don’t care what they say
I won’t stay in a world without loveSo I wait and in a while
I will see my true love smile
She may come, I know not when
When she does, I’ll know, so baby, until then