Grammatical contractions form the theme of Song Lyric Sunday this week: ‘don’t’, ‘won’t’ and, of course ‘can’t’.

This is a song about jealousy. Or maybe the patriarchy. The Beatles, from ‘A Hard Day’s Night’, the album of the movie, released in 1964.

I got something to say that might cause you pain
If I catch you talking to that boy again
I’m gonna let you down
And leave you flat
Because I told you before, oh
You can’t do that

Well, it’s the second time I’ve caught you talking to him
Do I have to tell you one more time, I think it’s a sin
I think I’ll let you down (Let you down)
Leave you flat (Gonna let you down and leave you flat)
Because I’ve told you before, oh
You can’t do that

Everybody’s green
Cos I’m the one who won your love
But if they’d seen
You’re talking that way they’d laugh in my face

So please listen to me, if you wanna stay mine
I can’t help my feelings, I’ll go out of my mind
I’m gonna let you down (Let you down)
And leave you flat (Gonna let you down and leave you flat)
Because I’ve told you before, oh
You can’t do that, oh

Everybody’s green
Cos I’m the one who won your love
But if they’d seen
You’re talking that way they’d laugh in my face

So please listen to me, if you wanna stay mine
I can’t help my feelings, I’ll go out of my mind
I’m gonna let you down (Let you down)
And leave you flat (Gonna let you down and leave you flat)
Because I’ve told you before, oh
You can’t do that.

Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney

Song Lyric Sunday 13 February 2022