About The Song
(Watch the video below)
"Baby, You're a Rich Man" is a psychedelic and experimental song by The Beatles, released as a B-side to their single "All You Need Is Love" in 1967. The song is credited to the Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership and reflects the band's exploration of unconventional musical and lyrical themes during the height of the psychedelic era.
Written primarily by John Lennon, "Baby, You're a Rich Man" features a distinctive and intricate musical arrangement. The song begins with a hypnotic, Eastern-influenced keyboard riff played by Paul McCartney on a clavioline, contributing to the overall psychedelic atmosphere. The lyrics, penned by Lennon, are often interpreted as a commentary on materialism and the superficial nature of wealth, with the titular phrase suggesting that one's value goes beyond monetary wealth.
The song also includes unusual elements, such as radio broadcasts and sound effects, adding to its avant-garde and experimental nature. The production, overseen by George Martin, showcases the studio experimentation that characterized The Beatles' work during this period. The combination of innovative production techniques and a diverse range of musical influences makes "Baby, You're a Rich Man" a unique and intriguing addition to The Beatles' catalog.
The vocal performances on the track, delivered by both John Lennon and Paul McCartney, add to its complexity. The harmonized vocals and layered arrangements contribute to the dreamlike quality of the song. The lyrical content, while open to interpretation, aligns with the countercultural and philosophical themes prevalent in the late 1960s.
While not as well-known as some of The Beatles' major hits, "Baby, You're a Rich Man" is appreciated by fans and critics for its experimentation, creativity, and contribution to the broader cultural and musical landscape of the psychedelic era. The song exemplifies The Beatles' willingness to push boundaries and evolve their sound, showcasing their ability to capture the spirit of the times while maintaining a sense of artistic innovation.
Video
Lyrics
Let's sing along with the lyrics!
How does it feel to be
One of the beautiful people?
Now that you know who you are.
What do you want to be?
And have you travelled very far?
Far as the eyes can see
How does it feel to be
One of the beautiful people?
How often have you been there?
Often enough to know
What did you see when you were there?
Nothing that doesn't show
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man too
You keep all your money in a big brown bag inside a zoo
What a thing to do
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man too
How does it feel to be
One of the beautiful people?
Tuned to a natural E
Happy to be that way
Now that you've found another key
What are you going to play?
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man too
You keep all your money in a big brown bag inside a zoo
What a thing to do
Baby, baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man too
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man
Baby, baby you're a rich man too (fade out)