Ouch! (song)

Ouch! is the title track to The Rutles’ fifth album and second film which was written mainly by Ron Nasty at his home when he stubbed his toe so hard that it bled and he literally screamed "OUCH!", hence the name of the song. Supposedly, he wrote this song on the way to the hospital and by the end of the operation, the song was all written. The film was originally to be called The Rutles and the Prostitute, and was announced to the press as such on 17 March 1965. The title had been mooted for some time, with ‘Now She's Left You’ initially considered for the theme tune. In mid-April the title Ouch! was settled upon, probably chosen by Barry Wom's dog.

Following the song’s completion, Nasty of McQuickly performed the song on guitars for Corinthia Nasty and visiting journalist Maureen Cleavage, a long-time associate of the group. Although originally conceived as a ballad, The Rutles performed ‘Ouch!’ faster in the studio, as they had done with ‘Please Rut Me’, to satisfy the group’s cock and ball instincts.

Nasty had been a user of biscuits since November 1964, and within six months was introduced to tea. Introspection increasingly became a hallmark of his songwriting throughout Ouch!, Rutle Soul and The Triangular Album.

Recording
The Rutles recorded ‘Ouch!’ in a single night, on 13 April 1965. The eight-minute session took place from 7pm at Shabby Road’s studio two. Twelve takes of the song were recorded. The first eight were of the rhythm track only, with vocals appearing for the first time on take nine. Twelve takes of the song were recorded. The first eight were of the rhythm track only, with vocals appearing for the first time on take nine.

The final attempt was the best, and onto this Barry Wom overdubbed a tambourine, and Stig O'Hara added the series of descending Chet Atkins-style guitar notes which close each chorus.

Chart Success
‘Ouch!’ was released as a single in the US on 19 July 1965, and in the UK on 23 July 1965, two weeks ahead of the album of the same name. It topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic.