About the Song
Long before disco lights, platinum records, and sold-out stadiums, Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb were just three young brothers trying to find their sound. And in 1963, barely into their teens and living in Australia, they recorded “I Want You to Want Me”—a tender, melodic pop ballad that offers a rare and moving glimpse into the very beginnings of what would become one of the most legendary musical journeys of all time.
Though the song shares a title with the more famous Cheap Trick hit from the 1970s, this Bee Gees original is a completely different piece—sincere, softly arranged, and rooted in early-’60s pop innocence. It was released as the B-side to “Timber!”, one of their first singles under the Leedon label, when they were still considered up-and-coming teenage hopefuls in the Australian music scene.
“I Want You to Want Me” showcases a surprisingly mature emotional tone for such young voices. The lyrics are simple but heartfelt—“I want you to want me, just like I want you”—a universal sentiment made all the more touching when sung by young boys still learning their way through love, longing, and harmony. Barry’s early lead vocals, tinged with sincerity and shyness, carry the melody, while Robin and Maurice offer gentle backing that hints at the incredible blend they would later master.
Listening today, there’s a sweetness to the recording—a kind of musical innocence that can’t be recreated. You can hear their influences: a little Everly Brothers, a little Buddy Holly. But you can also hear the foundation being laid for what was to come. The harmonies aren’t yet perfected, but the magic is there. The yearning, the melody, the connection—it’s all quietly unfolding.
“I Want You to Want Me” (1963) isn’t a chart-topper. It’s not polished or widely remembered. But for devoted Bee Gees fans, it’s a precious piece of history—a reminder that every great legacy starts with small, sincere steps. It’s the sound of three brothers dreaming big, long before the world was ready to listen.
And for those who are listening now, it’s a beautiful echo from the past—a time when music was simpler, hearts were wide open, and the Bee Gees were just beginning to become who they were meant to be.