DAY TRIPPER/WE CAN WORK IT OUT
by BEATLES

Their ninth UK Official Singles Chart Number 1, and fifth consecutive chart-topper – The Beatles’ chart chronology slightly upset by the Number 26 placing of a reissue of Ain’t She Sweet in 1964 – following A Hard Day’s Night, I Feel Fine, Ticket To Ride and Help!, Day Tripper/ We Can Work It Out was also the first double A-side single to be recognised by the Official Chart to top the rankings. As with the lion’s share of Beatles’ songs, it was credited to Lennon/ McCartney, with John taking credit for Day Tripper and Paul for We Can Work It Out.

Recorded during the sessions for Rubber Soul, the single was released the same day as the album – December 3, 1965 – but wasn’t included as the band didn’t want to rip fans off. Because of this, The Beatles became one the few acts to be at Number 1 in the singles and album charts at the same time with the unique distinction of the single not being on the album, and was the ninth occasion where they had the chart double.

Day Tripper/ We Can Work It Out entered the chart at Number 2, rising one spot a week later in time to be crowned the Christmas Number 1 1965, staying there for five weeks, as well as making them the first act to score three consecutive UK Christmas Number 1s. A feat that was later equalled by Spice Girls in the 1990s and bettered by LadBaby who managed five Christmas Number 1s on the bounce from 2018 - 2022.

The seventh best-selling single of the 1960s, Day Tripper / We Can Work It Out sold 1.4 million copies.