This site uses cookies: Find out more.
This site uses cookies: Find out more.
Buy Tickets
13th April, 2017

Song Facts: I Am The Walrus…

Written during the Summer of Love, and shortly after the release of ‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’, The Beatles’ song ‘I Am The Walrus’ is certainly one of their most obscure.

‘I Am The Walrus’ was John Lennon’s final contribution for 1967 and sees the songwriter at his surrealistic best writing lyrics such as “sitting on a cornflake”, “semolina pilchards” and of course “goo goo g'joob”.

John had decided to write his next song with such confusing lyrics after becoming amused at hearing that a class in his former High School were analysing Beatles lyrics as part of their studies.

 

 

The final part of the song came together when John’s friend and former member of the Quarrymen, Pete Shotton visited and John asked him to recall a nonsensical playground nursery rhyme that they used to recite:

“Yellow matter custard, green slop pie, All mixed together with a dead dog's eye, Slap it on a butty, ten foot thick, Then wash it all down with a cup of cold sick.”

The songs’ lyrics also included the phrase “Lucy in the sky”, a reference to The Beatles’ earlier song ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ from Sgt Pepper.

 

 

The band began recording the song at Abbey Road Studios on 5th September 2017, just nine days after the death of their manager and mentor Brian Epstein.

John had originally wanted ‘I Am The Walrus’ to be the band’s next single after ‘All You Need Is Love’, but Paul McCartney and George Martin felt that ‘Hello Goodbye’ was the more commercial song.

It was instead included on the soundtrack of the Magical Mystery Tour and first released as the b-side to Hello Goodbye. ‘I Am The Walrus’ became one of the highlights of the film.

 

 

The title of the song came from Lewis Carroll’s poem The Walrus And The Carpenter, from the book Through The Looking Glass. Lennon later realised with dismay that he'd identified with the villain of the piece.

The eggman of the chorus, while possibly a reference to Carroll's Humpty Dumpty, was more likely The Animals’ lead singer Eric Burdon following a particularly notable incident recounted to Lennon at a London party.

The identity of the Walrus on the other hand is still somewhat up for discussion. Was it John himself? Was it Paul? Or was it someone else entirely? Have your say by sharing this post on social media using #beatlesstory.

Dave Milner

Dave is Marketing and PR Executive at The Beatles Story and holds an MA in 'Music Since 1900'.

No comments exist

Subscribe for General Information

Subscribe for Educations

Subscribe for Travel Trade

Subscribe for Press

Do you want to be a Paperback Writer?
01st April, 2020

Do you want to be a Paperback Writer?

Do you want to be a Paperback Writer? Well now could be your chance!In 1000 words or less, we’re asking Beatles fans to tell us exactly what they think of the Fab Four.It could be an explanation of your favourite song, which lyrics resonate wit
Beatles in China: Beatlemania catching on
28th January, 2017

Beatles in China: Beatlemania catching on

The Beatles Story attracts over 250,000 visitors a year and Chinese tourists to the award-winning attraction made up 3% of those during 2016. 披头士故事展览馆2016年吸引了超过250,000名游客来访,其中中国游客占到了3%
Becoming The Beatles: Victor Spinetti
24th November, 2021

Becoming The Beatles: Victor Spinetti

The comic actor Victor Spinetti had a rare distinction as the only non-Beatle to appear in the films A Hard Day’s Night (as T.V. Director), Help! (as Foot) and Magical Mystery Tour (as Army Sergeant).Vittorio Giorgio Andre 'Victor'
SIGN UP

Sign up to our e-newsletter for the latest news, offers and updates.

Great Date Guide North West       Great Date Guide North West                     

 

The Beatles Story - Britannia Vaults - Albert Dock - Liverpool - L3 4AD

 

This Website Was Designed By ALT Agency Birmingham