The structure of “Do You Want To Know A Secret” is very similar to most of the songs in Please Please Me album, 1963, being that it follows the ‘verse/ verse/ bridge/ verse’ pattern. One identifiable difference is the Spanish-flavored introduction, which adds a distinguished touch to the song and creates an air of anticipation.Another noticeable trait of the song which makes it uniquely similar to “Love Me Do” is that each verse is lyrically identical. These are the only two Beatles songs in their whole catalog to follow this skimpy pattern. Much experimentation continued to develop as Lennon and McCartney matured as songwriters, as evidenced even as early as their next album (witness the confusing but identical structure of “It Won’t Be Long” and “Little Child”). It should be noted, though, that there are enough intricacies held within these uncharacteristically long 14 bar verses to make up for the skimpiness of the song’s structure.Once again, the songwriters opted not to include a solo of any kind to the song. Being that the song is quite short in length (1:56) some may suggest that it needed one. If they decided to include a solo, though, the extended identical verse would no doubt have been repeated a fourth time, which would have made the skimpy song structure very noticeable, as in “Love Me Do.” Leaving it the way they did appears to have been the wisest choice because most listeners don’t notice the three identical verses without putting it under close scrutiny.Now, enjoy both songs.
