The sixth song on the Parlophone UK LP "Rubber Soul" is an original Lennon/McCartney composition written mainly by John entitled "The Word". In case you haven't heard, the word is "Love". This is a fast blues number with some really rockin' bass lines and great drumming from Ringo. The harmonium in the song is played by George Martin.
The recording of "The Word" took place on Wednesday November 10 1965 at EMI studio two. The basic track was perfected in three takes. Mainly the drums, guitar and Paul on piano. Overdubs included bass, vocals and backing vocals, maracas, lead guitar and falsetto vocals as well as the aforementioned harmonium.
The next day on Thursday November 11 1965, "The Word" was mixed for both mono and stereo from room 65 at EMI. Four days later on November 15 1965, the tune was mixed for a second time in stereo. One stereo mix was used for the North American version of "Rubber Soul" while the other stereo mix was used for the UK version of the album of the same name.
The difference in the stereo mixes shows John's vocals double tracked in the verses for the North American version while the UK version had John's vocals single tracked in the same spot. There was also another mix done in the 1980's for the CD release but there is not too much difference in the mix other than the fact that the instruments are brought slightly closer to the center of the stereo spectrum. This 1980's mix can be found on the stereo CDs and the original stereo mix can be found on the remastered version of the "Rubber Soul" mono CD as a bonus track.
This "peace and love" song can be found on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Rubber Soul" as well as the North American Capitol LP/CD "Rubber Soul" as well.
"The Word" was never performed live by The Beatles.
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