About The Song
"I Am the Walrus" is a surreal and enigmatic masterpiece by The Beatles, released in 1967 as part of the Magical Mystery Tour album. Written by John Lennon, the song stands out as a prime example of the band's experimentation with avant-garde elements, both musically and lyrically. The title itself carries an air of whimsy and nonsense, setting the stage for a song that defies conventional songwriting norms. "I Am the Walrus" is a sonic journey that pushes boundaries, challenges expectations, and has left an indelible mark on the psychedelic rock genre.
Lennon's lyrics in "I Am the Walrus" are a collage of seemingly disconnected phrases, surreal imagery, and obscure references. The chorus features the memorable lines "I am the walrus, goo goo g'joob," adding an element of playful absurdity to the song. The verses are a tapestry of vivid, dreamlike scenes, incorporating elements of Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking-Glass" and other literary influences. The deliberate use of nonsensical language and disjointed imagery invites listeners to interpret the song in their own way, contributing to its enduring mystique.
Musically, "I Am the Walrus" is a tour de force of studio experimentation and production techniques. The song incorporates a wide range of instruments, including strings, horns, and electronic effects, creating a dense and layered soundscape. The opening features a distorted radio broadcast, adding to the overall disorienting atmosphere. The orchestral arrangement, conducted by Beatles producer George Martin, adds a cinematic quality to the song. The shifting time signatures and unconventional chord progressions contribute to the avant-garde nature of the composition, making "I Am the Walrus" a challenging yet rewarding listening experience.
The recording process for "I Am the Walrus" reflected The Beatles' commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the studio. The band, particularly John Lennon, embraced emerging recording technologies and techniques, resulting in a production that was ahead of its time. The meticulous attention to detail, coupled with the willingness to experiment with unconventional sounds, set a new standard for the possibilities of the recording studio as an instrument in itself.
In the context of the 1960s counterculture, "I Am the Walrus" became an anthem for a generation seeking alternative modes of expression and embracing the unconventional. The song's cryptic lyrics and avant-garde musical elements resonated with the spirit of the times, mirroring the cultural shifts and experimentation that defined the era. Even today, "I Am the Walrus" remains a testament to The Beatles' willingness to break free from musical conventions and explore new frontiers, leaving an enduring legacy as one of the most innovative and distinctive tracks in their discography.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
I am he
As you are he
As you are me
And we are all together
See how they run
Like pigs from a gun
See how they fly
I'm crying
Sitting on a cornflake
Waiting for the van to come
Corporation tee shirt
Stupid bloody Tuesday
Man, you been a naughty boy
You let your face grow long
I am the eggman (Ooh)
They are the eggmen, (Ooh)
I am the walrus
Goo goo g' joob
Mister city p'liceman sitting pretty
Little p'licemen in a row
See how they fly
Like Lucy in the sky
See how they run
I'm crying
I'm crying, I'm crying, I'm crying
Yellow matter custard
Dripping from a dead dog's eye
Crabalocker fishwife pornographic priestess
Boy you been a naughty girl
You let your knickers down
I am the eggman (Ooh)
They are the eggmen (Ooh)
I am the walrus
Goo goo g' joob
Sitting in an English
Garden waiting for the sun
If the sun don't come
You get a tan from standing in the English rain
I am the eggman
They are the eggmen
I am the walrus
Goo goo g' joob g' goo goo g' joob
Expert texpert choking smokers
Don't you think the joker laughs at you?
See how they smile
Like pigs in a sty, see how they snied
I'm crying
Semolina pilchards
Climbing up the Eiffel Tower
Element'ry penguin singing Hare Krishna
Man, you should have seen them kicking Edgar Allan Poe
I am the eggman (Ooh)
They are the eggmen (Ooh)
I am the walrus
Goo goo g' joob
Goo goo g' joob
G' goo goo g' joob
Goo goo g' joob, goo goo g' goo g' goo goo g' joob joob
Joob joob...