The Beatles originally attempted to record the song on 5 March, 1963 during the same session that produced their third single, "From Me to You," and its B-side "Thank You Girl." They were unhappy with the result and that version was not released at the time. Various takes from the 5 March session, and an edit of them, were released in 1995 on the Anthology 1 compilation. Episode 1 of the Beatles Anthology features a recording of the song made in 1960.
"One After 909" is included on 2003's Let It Be… Naked, a remixed and remastered version of the original 1970 session tapes.
Each version of the song is representative of the Beatles changing styles, with the 1963 recording based on a simple 12-bar structure with few lead parts other than Harrison's solo in the middle. The 1969 recording is much faster and heavier, with Harrison playing lead riffs throughout.
On the album version of this song, Lennon is heard singing the opening lines to "Danny Boy" as the song fades out.