Don't Pass Me By

Don't Pass Me By is a song written and sung by Ringo Starr, and was the first one he wrote. He says in Anthology that he only knew three chords on the piano and guitar, and would bang away until he found a melody.

Background
Starr began writing the song in 1962. The song is led in by Rocky Raccoon. Only two Beatles participated (Ringo and Paul), while Jack Fallon helped with the violin part.

Recording
Six takes of it were recorded June 5th, 1968. Overdubs to take 5 were recorded the next day, creating take 7. More overdubs to this take were done on 12th of July. The starting edit piece was recorded 22nd of June. The pianos were both recorded into a Leslie 147 speaker.

Lyrics
I listen for your footsteps, Coming up the drive

Listen for your footsteps, But they don't arrive

Waiting for your knock, dear, On my old front door

I don't hear it, Does it mean you don't love me any more?

I hear the clock are ticking, On the mantel shelf

See the hands are moving, But I'm by myself

I wonder where you are tonight, And why I'm by myself

I don't see you, Does it mean you don't love me any more?

Don't pass me by, don't make me cry, don't make me blue

Cause you know darling I love only you

You'll never know it hurt me so, How I hate to see you go

Don't pass me by, don't make me blue

I'm sorry that I doubted you, I was so unfair

You were in a car crash, And you lost your hair

You said that you would be late, About an hour or two

I said that's alright I'm waiting here, Just waiting to hear from you

Don't pass me by, don't make me cry, don't make me blue

Cause you know darling I love only you

You'll never know it hurt me so, How I hate to see you go

Don't pass me by, don't make me cry

Personnel

 * Ringo Starr — Lead Vocals, Sleigh Bell, Drums (1964 Ludwig Super Classic Black Oyster Pearl) Cowbell, Maracas, Congas and Tack Piano (1964 Challen Upright Piano)
 * Paul McCartney — Grand Piano (Hamburg Steinway Baby Grand), Bass Guitar (1964 Rickenbacker 4001S)
 * Jack Fallon - Violin