I Can Tell - 1962

I Can Tell

Smith-McDaniels, 1962. Recorded: 26-09-62

Johnny Kidd (vocals) - Mick Green (lead) - Johnny Spence (bass) - Frank Farley (drums)

A startling recording debut for the new Pirates line-up, and a song played by any number of Liverpool bands, a few of which Kidd & co had been mixing with in Hamburg. This first recording session for legendary guitarist Mick Green was also one of his best, the menacing chopped chords giving way at the end of the second verse to a breathtaking solo. The style pioneered by Kidd's previous Pirates was in very capable hands. This track was released as the b-side to "A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues".

I can tell 'cos it's plain to see
I can tell the way you look at me
The way you smile and hold my hand
Yeah pretty baby I can understand
Oh I can tell, yeah I can tell,
I know you don't love me no more

Gonna tell your mama and tell your papa too
Just what more can a man do
You've been runnin' up and down with Charlie brown
Yeah pretty baby you don't put me down
Oh I can tell, yeah I can tell,
I know you don't love me no more

(instrumental break)

Well you can tell your mama and your papa too
Just what more can a man do
You've been running up and down with Joey Brown
Yeah pretty baby you don't put me down
Oh I can tell, yeah I can tell,
I know you don't love me no more

I'm gonna tell your Mama and tell you Papa too
Yeah yeah yeah, tell them you don't love me anymore
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
(scat to fade-out)