Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!

The Beatles

About Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!

"Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" is a song recorded by the English rock band the Beatles for their 1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. It was written and composed primarily by John Lennon and credited to Lennon-McCartney. Most of the lyrics came from a 19th-century circus poster for Pablo Fanque's Circus Royal appearance at Rochdale. It was one of three songs from the Sgt. Pepper album that was banned from playing on the BBC, supposedly because the phrase "Henry the Horse" combined two words that were individually known as slang for heroin. Lennon denied that the song had anything to do with heroin. 


Year:
1967
73 
#4

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For the benefit of Mr. Kite
There will be a show tonight on trampoline
The Hendersons will all be there
Late of Pablo Fanques Fair-what a scene
Over men and horses hoops and garters
Lastly through a hogshead of real fire!
In this way Mr. K. will challenge the world!

The celebrated Mr. K.
Performs his feat on Saturday at Bishops Gate
The Hendersons will dance and sing
As Mr. Kite fly's through the ring don't be late
Messrs. K and H. assure the public
Their production will be second to none
And of course Henry The Horse dances the waltz!

The band begins at ten to six
When Mr. K. performs his tricks without a sound
And Mr. H. will demonstrate
Ten summer sets he'll undertake on solid ground
Having been some days in preparation
A splendid time is guaranteed for all
And tonight Mr. Kite is topping the bill

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The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They became the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed act in the history of popular music. Their best-known lineup consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, they later utilised several genres, ranging from pop ballads to psychedelic rock, often incorporating classical and other elements in innovative ways. In the early 1960s, their enormous popularity first emerged as "Beatlemania", but as their songwriting grew in sophistication, they came to be perceived by many fans and cultural observers as an embodiment of the ideals shared by the era's sociocultural revolutions. more »

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Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Inspiration Origin
The lyrics for "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" were largely taken from a 19th-century circus poster that John Lennon had purchased in an antique shop.
Album Appearance
The song was included in the Beatles' 1967 album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."
Writing Credits
Despite being mainly written by John Lennon, the song is credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership, as was the case with almost all Beatles compositions.
Unique Instrumentation
Beatles producer George Martin played the harmonium, piano, and organ to create the unique, carnival-like sound of the song.
Experimental Effects
The song features innovative audio effects, including the use of a tape loop of a calliope playing to create a swirling sound.
Rainbow Poster Influence
Most of the names and phrases used in the song came directly from the antique poster Lennon purchased, including Mr. Kite, the Hendersons, and Pablo Fanque.
Creative Recording Process
To achieve the circus-like atmosphere in the song, George Martin chopped up the audio tapes and then randomly glued them together.
Album Impact
Some consider "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" as one of the key tracks in "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," showing the band's innovative studio techniques at their peak.
Influence on Popular Culture
The song has inspired several cover versions and been referenced in pop culture, including the 2007 musical film "Across the Universe."
Historical References
The song's lyrics refer to real people and events, with "Pablo Fanque" being the stage name of a well-known black circus performer in Victorian Britain, and "The Hendersons" referring to a famous acrobatic troupe of the time.

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