McCartney liked the concept of writing something chaotic and hard, and came up with “Helter Skelter.” (He claimed later to be disappointed with the final product of the Who.)
In a 1967 interview with Guitar Player magazine, Who leader Pete Townshend described his excitement over the band’s upcoming single, “I Can See For Miles,” calling it the most raw, aggressive track they’d ever made. Though the Rolling Stones and the Beatles were often thought of as the Beatles’ chief rivals in the studio, “Helter Skelter” was that rare Beatles song inspired by The Who, already making their claim as the most raucous of the British Invasion bands (for many years, they held the Guinness Book of World Records title as the loudest band in the world).Rock And Roll Music (UK: Parlophone PCSP 719 US: Capitol SKBO 11537) The Beatles (a/k/a “The White Album” UK: Apple PMC 7067-8 US: Apple SWBO 101 Parlophone CDP 7 46443 2 CDP 7 46444 2) Ringo Starr: backing vocals, drums (Ludwig) George Harrison: backing vocals, lead guitar (1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard) Paul McCartney: lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1965 Epiphone E230TD(V) Casino) John Lennon: backing vocals, bass guitar (1961 Fender Bass VI), tenor saxophone Mixed: September 17, October 9 and 12, 1968 Recorded: September 9 (Studio 2, Abbey Road Studios, London, England) Well do you, don’t you want me to love you Till I get to the bottom and I see you again. You may be a lover but you ain’t no dancer. I’m coming down fast but don’t let me break you You may be a lover but you ain’t no dancer.Helter skelter, helter skelter Tell me, tell me, tell me, come on tell me the answer I’m coming down fast but I’m miles above you Till I get to the bottom and I see you again.Do, don’t you want me to love you Where I stop and I turn and I go for a ride When I get to the bottom I go back to the top of the slide