The Origin of 'I've Got Blisters on My Fingahs' in 'Helter Skelter'

Can anyone definitively say which Beatle said 'I've got blisters on my fingahs'?

Introduction

The iconic rock band The Beatles captivated audiences with their unique sound and innovative music. One of the most intriguing elements in their music is the Helter Skelter track, part of their album The White Album. A common question that arises is whether it was John Lennon or Ringo Starr who shouted 'I've got blisters on my fingahs!' at the end of the song. This article delves into the truth behind this musical legend, examining the evidence and expert opinions.

Who Said It?

Ringo Starr's Claim

Ringo Starr has claimed that he made the remark, stating that his hard drumming left him with blisters on his fingers. This claim is supported by his admission: "I was actually drumming so hard that I was starting to have sore hands. When they got to the end of the song, it was hurting my hands so much that he cried out, 'Ive got blisters on my fingers'." This statement was first relayed in interviews and has since been substantiated by various sources.

Musician's Perspective

While Ringo's statement is widely accepted, many question whether playing a guitar would cause the same level of blistering as drumming. John Lennon, who was a skilled guitarist, is noted for his own soulful and raw bass performance. However, his vocal performance in this particular track is often attributed to the emotional intensity rather than physical exertion.

Evidence and Expert Opinions

Over 20 Takes and Bleeding Fingers

Paul McCartney provided insight into the grueling process of recording Helter Skelter. He mentioned that they had done over 20 takes of the song, and by then his fingers were actually bleeding from the hard and long drumming. This underscores the physical toll that performing such a demanding track could have on any musician.

Out of the Mono Mix

Interestingly, the 'blisters' remark is absent from the mono mix, which the Beatles oversaw. This suggests that it may have been accidentally included in the final mix. Leonardo Trevisan, an audio engineer, explains that carelessness rather than intention could be the reason for its inclusion.

For those interested in hearing the isolated drums and bass tracks, YouTube provides a helpful resource that sheds light on Ringo's live performance. It is clear that he was flailing away live to match the volume and energy of the guitar performance, leading to his vocal outburst.

Conclusion

Based on current evidence and expert opinions, it is almost certain that Ringo Starr said 'I've got blisters on my fingahs' in 'Helter Skelter'. The intensity of the drumming and the physical toll it took on his hands offer a convincing explanation. However, the absence of the remark in the mono mix further supports the theory that it was an oversight rather than a deliberate choice.

Additional Resources

If you're interested in more insights, check out:

"What Did Ringo Starr Mean When He Shouted 'I've Got Blisters on Mah Fingahs!' at the End of the Song 'Helter Skelter'?" Isolated Drums and Bass Track of 'Helter Skelter'