Earlier in the year 1965, The Beatles recorded the first double A side to ever exist, which included two singles, “Day Tripper” and “We Can Work It Out.” These singles were then released in the first week of December in both the U.K. and the U.S. Two weeks later, they became number one in the U.K. on December 16, 1965.
In its composition, Lennon wrote most of the music and lyrics for “Day Tripper”, while McCartney co-wrote the verses. The song contained the core basis of rock and roll along with lyrics that puzzled it’s listeners, making them wonder what “day tripper” meant. Lennon later on defined the term as “people who go on a day trip” or a “weekend hippie.” The song was filled with hidden references to drugs and promiscuity, a prominent feature in the development of the band’s songwriting. Shortly after, McCartney brought out “We Can Work It Out,” which was favored over “Day Tripper” to be released as a single. Different from the rhythmic, louder sound of the first, McCartney’s piece was a slower paced, love ballad. After much deliberation, the band compromised to release both singles, therefore creating the first double A side.
The double A side marked The Beatles’ ninth U.K. number one, and reached number one in the U.S. by January 1966. Ahead of their time, the band set the foundation for future single releases and demonstrated the early incorporation of subliminal messages that would soon become a common threshold to the art of songwriting for musicians to come.
