"A World Without Love" is a song recorded by the English duo
Peter and Gordon and released as their first single in February
1964, reaching number one in the UK Singles Chart in April. The
song was written by Paul McCartney and attributed to
Lennon/McCartney. The B-side was "If I Were You" written by
Peter and Gordon. In June 1964, "A World Without Love" topped
the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. It was included on the duo's
debut album in the UK, and in the US on an album of the same
name. It is one of two songs written by Lennon/McCartney to
reach number one in the US by an artist other than The Beatles.
The other is
Lucy In The Sky With Diamondsby Elton John.
"A World Without Love" is one of The Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.
McCartney did not think the song was good enough for The
Beatles. Prior to giving the song to Peter and Gordon, he
offered it to Billy J. Kramer, who rejected it.
McCartney described John Lennon's reaction to the song: "The
funny first line always used to please John. 'Please lock me
away –' 'Yes, okay.' End of song."
This song was never released by The Beatles and the only
known recording of the song by any member of The Beatles is the
original demo of the song performed by McCartney which is now
in the possession of Peter Asher.