About the song
“Don’t Let Me Down” is a poignant and powerful track by the Beatles, recorded in January 1969 during the sessions for their album *Let It Be*. Written by John Lennon and credited to the Lennon–McCartney songwriting partnership, the song reflects a deeply personal plea from Lennon to his partner, Yoko Ono. With its raw emotional depth, it stands out as one of the band’s most heartfelt love songs.
The composition of “Don’t Let Me Down” showcases the Beatles’ innovative approach to songwriting and arrangement. The song is primarily in E major and features a distinctive time signature shift from 4/4 to 5/4 in the transition to the verse. It evolved from the F♯m7–E chord changes inspired by Fleetwood Mac’s “Albatross,” with Paul McCartney contributing arrangements for the instrumental and vocal parts. George Harrison’s dual lead guitar accompaniment adds a unique texture to the track, with a counterpoint melody during the alternate verse that is considered one of the more inventive elements in the Beatles’ catalog.
Recorded with the accompaniment of keyboardist Billy Preston, “Don’t Let Me Down” was initially released as the B-side to the Beatles’ single “Get Back.” While “Get Back” enjoyed considerable success, topping the charts, “Don’t Let Me Down” reached a respectable number 35 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Despite its quality, producer Phil Spector chose to exclude it from the *Let It Be* album, though it later appeared on the 1970 compilation album *Hey Jude*. The song gained renewed attention with its inclusion in the Beatles’ rooftop concert performances, which were featured in the film *Let It Be* and later in the 2003 *Let It Be… Naked* reissue and the 2022 film *The Beatles: Get Back – The Rooftop Concert*.
Critics have lauded “Don’t Let Me Down” for its emotional intensity and musical complexity. Richie Unterberger of AllMusic described it as “one of the Beatles’ most powerful love songs,” while Stephen Thomas Erlewine praised it as “heart-wrenching soul.” The song has been recognized by Ian MacDonald as one of Lennon’s finest late-era Beatles records, vying with “Come Together” for the top spot.
The song’s influence extends beyond the Beatles’ original recording. It has been covered by various artists, including Annie Lennox in 1992 and the alternative rock band Wilco in 2021. Its enduring appeal is reflected in its status as the most viewed video on the Beatles’ YouTube channel, with over 400 million views.
Overall, “Don’t Let Me Down” encapsulates the emotional vulnerability and musical ingenuity that characterized the Beatles’ late period. Its heartfelt plea and innovative arrangement continue to resonate with audiences, making it a standout track in the band’s illustrious discography.
Video
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