You Can't Do That

By John T. Marck

Another of my favorites on the album, A Hard Day's Night. Written by Lennon, this song was inspired by the R&B sounds of Memphis, and Wilson Pickett. In this, Lennon is actually giving the girl a threat, saying if he catches her talking to another boy, he would leave her. He is thinking that since he knows what it feels like to be rejected, he's not going to let it happen again. Although he usually played rhythm guitar to George's lead, Lennon assumed the lead on this one.

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) and leave you flat, (gonna let you down and leave you flat)

Because I told you before Oh, you can't do that

Everybody's green, 'cause I'm the one who won your love

But if they'd seen, you talking that way, they'd laugh in my face

So please listen to me if you want to stay mine I can't help my feelings, I 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 told you before

Oh, you can't do that

You can't do that, you can't do that, you can't do that,

You can't do that, you can't do that

Everybody's green, 'cause I'm the one who won your love But if they'd seen, you talking that way, they'd laugh in my face

So please listen to me if you want to stay mine I can't help my feelings I go out of my mind

I go and let you down, (let you down) and leave you flat, (gonna let you down and leave you flat) because I told you before

Oh, you can't do that

NOTE: All lyrics contained herein are © Copyright Northern Songs. All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured. The lyrics contained herein are for the sole use of educational reference for the readers of this article. All other uses are in violation of international copyright laws. This use for educational reference, falls under the "fair use" sections of U.S. copyright law. Copyright © 2000-2022 by John T. Marck. All Rights Reserved. This article and their accompanying pictures, photographs, and line art, may not be resold, reprinted, or redistributed for compensation of any kind without prior written permission from the author, or the registered copyright holders. Except as otherwise stated above, all information contained in this article, EXCEPT song titles, lyrics, and photographs © John T. Marck.