It’s one of my favorite Beatle songs, and I never really examined it beyond the fact that it makes me row faster on my rowing machine when it comes on my MP3 player. So does Taylor Swift’s “Holy Ground,,” Of Monsters and Men’s “Dirty Paws,” The Killers’ “Read My Mind,” Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive” and, of course, The Chicks’ “Goodbye Earl.”

Go figure.

I just need to talk about the Beatles song, if you’ll indulge me, very briefly.

The intro which sizzles, was written by John Lennon. Of course.

But it was played by George Harrison, the group’s baby, on lead guitar. The lads turned it over to George, with a rare generosity of spirit that reminds me of Brian Wilson turning the lead over to Carl for “God Only Knows,” which might be both the best Beach Boys song ever and also one of the best songs in the Known Universe.

But as to this song, it’s George who sets the tone and it’s, of all people, Ringo, who drives the song. It’s an exquisite drum track, laid down by The Guy Who Replaced Pete Best.

Ringo was recently in our county in Paso Robles, and I’m damned. I wish I’d had the chance to thank him for all he’s done but most especially, for “Day Tripper.” I have mentioned this fact not more than fifty or sixty times, but our Mum adored Ringo (And Petula Clark. And Diana Ross. Pretty hip for a lady born eight weeks before Warren G. Harding was sworn in.)

Here is the song, as perfomred on some dreadful 60s rock show. The song’s still great and so, to be honest, are the dancers, but I’m still grateful that they exit soon enough to let The Lads take over.

Then, to borrow from midcentury Liverpudlian slang, it’s Gear.

P.S.: Purely gratuitous, but here’s Imagine Dragons:

And, for cryin’ out loud, here’s Of Monsters and Men, live from Austin, 2015