"Sweet Little Sixteen" is a rock and roll song written and first recorded by Chuck Berry, who released it as a single in January 1958.

Recorded December 29–30, 1957 The Beach Boys' 1963 song "Surfin' U.S.A." features lyrics by Brian Wilson and an uncredited Mike Love set to the music of "Sweet Little Sixteen."

His version was produced by Phil Spector, and was recorded between 17 October and 14 December 1973.

Spector cut the tempo of the song and gave it the Wall of Sound treatment, and Lennon turned in one of his most passionate vocal performances.

A year later, fellow Beatle Paul McCartney recorded the tune, while making a film during one afternoon in the "backyard" of Abbey Road Studios during the production of One Hand Clapping.