Just Three Words, #3! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Can't Buy Me Love

Recorded in early 1964 and written by Paul, it became a massive hit in the UK and US. In the US, its rise to number one marks the only time an artist has had three number one hits in a row -- the Beatles' previous two were "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "She Loves You." I've always loved this song -- and especially love the scene in the film "A Hard Day's Night" where it plays in the background while the lads are playing with a ball in an abandoned lot.

Answer: Got to Get You into My Life

While most of the lyrics suggest a love song, this song from the "Revolver" album is actually about drugs. It features trumpets and saxophones and has a definite jazzy feel. The American soul/funk ensemble Earth, Wind & Fire did an excellent cover version of it in the late 1970s.

Answer: Martha My Dear

By Paul, and solely performed by Paul, this little piano exercise appears on "The White Album." It is either about Paul's sheepdog Martha, or about British model Jane Asher, his former fiance -- take your pick.

Answer: Twist and Shout

"Twist and Shout" was written in 1961 by Phil Medley and Burt Russell. The Beatles very quickly included it in their live performances where it became a fan favourite and included it on their first British album "Please Please Me" in early 1963. The Beatles' recording of it is very good and features John's lead vocals, but I must admit I find the 1962 version by the American soul group The Isley Brothers superior. Check out the Isley Brothers! They are perhaps best known for "Shout."

Answer: Blue Jay Way

This song was written by George, and is on the "Magical Mystery Tour" EP and album. George has said it was written when he was waiting, bored, for a friend who had been delayed in reaching him. It sounds to me like it was written by someone who was bored, and it has to be one of my least liked Beatles tracks! The song's title is the name of the street where Harrison was staying at the time.

Answer: Mother Nature's Son

This was recorded in August 1968 and appeared on "The White Album." Paul is its author. The song was inspired by a lecture by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the Indian guru who instructed the Beatles in Transcendental Meditation.

Answer: Across the Universe

"Across the Universe," written by John, was first released on "No One's Gonna Change Our World," a 1969 charity album by various artists recorded for the World Wildlife Fund. A different arrangement was on the Beatles' "Let It Be" album in 1970. Influenced by the Beatles' involvement with Hinduism, its chorus includes a Sanskrit phrase praising God: "Jai guru deva, om."

Answer: Rock and Roll Music

"Rock and Roll Music" was written by Chuck Berry and had been a hit for him in 1957. Berry also wrote "Roll Over Beethoven." "A Taste of Honey" was the work of Bobby Scott and Ric Marley. "Please Mr Postman" is credited to Georgia Dobbins, William Garrett, Freddie Gorman, Brian Holland, and Robert Bateman.

Answer: Honey Pie

This song, released on "The White Album," is Paul's tribute to traditional British music hall songs. The sound is intentionally compressed and distorted to give it an old-time feel. I think it is a riot! The guitar solo, played by John, was called brilliant by George Harrison.

Answer: There's A Place

It was recorded in February 1963 and released the following month on the Beatles' first British album "Please Please Me." "There's A Place" was co-written by John and Paul. Paul has said that the song "Somewhere" from the musical "West Side Story" helped inspire it.