This was and still is a very popular song to record. It was originally released in 1929 recorded by Morton Downey, and was most recently recorded in 2016 by Noël Akchoté.
It was hard to figure out which version Paul was basing his off of. There are so many covers to choose from (over 30), but, we noticed a lyric change that changed the meter as well:
The original lyrics say “a million miles away” but Paul sings “a thousand million miles away”. A quick search revealed that one recording artist had made that change to the lyrics: Kay Starr.
It is interesting to note that her name was Catherine Starks, which is fairly similar to Starkey. We both wondered if maybe this is where Ringo got the idea to use Starr as his stage last name. We also wonder if the Hurricanes ever performed it and that’s why Paul, John, George, Stu and Mike recorded it. But that’s just a theory, and a pretty baseless one at that.
Kay Starr recorded the song twice; once in ‘53 and again in ‘60. Neither recording was released in the UK, as far as we can tell. However, it’s possible that one of the boys had a copy via the Liverpool sailors.
But we have another, more likely theory. We believe that Radio Luxembourg probably broadcast the ‘60 release, and that’s where they heard it.
The melody and flourishes are consistent with Kay’s 1960 version, but there are some noteworthy differences/errors. Suggesting that they’d only heard it a few times and Paul probably didn’t have access to his own copy. This means we have probably listened to the song more times while making this post than Paul did before they recorded it.
Kay Starr’s lyrics are available here.
Paul’s lyrics:
If you should find a way in somebody else’s kiss
Then I will always be in love with you
If you can bare to stay a thousand million miles away
Then I will always be in love with you
I can’t give you any more I tried so hard to please
So let me thank you for
Those tender memories
If you should find a way in somebody else’s kiss
Then I will always be in love with you
[instrumental]
If you should find your bliss in somebody else's kiss
Then I will always be in love with you
For having only heard it a handful of times, Paul did pretty well. It’s impressive, frankly.
