BEING FOR THE BENEFIT OF MR KITE
(Lennon-McCartney)
1967
John Lennon took little credit for the lyrics for the number that closed the
first side of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. "It was from this
poster that I'd bought in an antique shop... advertising a show which
starred Mr Kite. It said the Hendersons would also be there, late of Pablo
Fanques Fair. There were hoops and horses and someone going through a
hogshead of real fire... all at Bishopsgate... I hardly made up a word." As
Paul added later, "...you couldn't make that up!"
A number of interesting sound effects were also added. John intended to
create a carnival atmosphere and wanted to use a fairground steam organ.
Such an instrument was not available, so George Martin got hold of a
recording of a calliope and cut up the tapes, mixed them up and reassembled
them.
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 Bishopsgate
The Hendersons will dance and sing
As Mr Kite flies 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 summersets 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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