The Beatles went to Rishikesh in India in order to rediscover who they were as individuals and as a group in February 1968. Over there they wrote a large number of songs; the majority of them were released on their self-titled album later on in the year. One of them was today’s subject ‘I’m So Tired’, written by John Lennon who was suffering from bouts of insomnia whilst pining for Yoko Ono.

The song was recorded on the same day as ‘The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill’ though isn’t as
jovial in spirit. ‘I’m So Tired’ is a slow burner in comparison, one that grows in intensity from verse to chorus via its apt instrumentation and probably Lennon’s best vocal takes on the whole album. It’s very passionate but also very pained in its expression. A lot of John’s most powerful Beatles lead vocal performances are on the White album, thinking about it. He could turn a winding meandering vocal into a shout of pure frustration at the drop of a hat. Very much like he does here. It lasts for only two minutes but it has substance.