I Am The Walrus

The Beatles The Beatles

Unraveling the Psychedelic Mystery of 'I Am The Walrus'

The Beatles' 'I Am The Walrus' is a song that epitomizes the psychedelic era of the 1960s, known for its surreal and often nonsensical lyrics. Written by John Lennon, the song is a playful and cryptic response to the scrutiny The Beatles faced from fans and critics trying to decipher the meanings behind their lyrics. The opening lines, 'I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together,' suggest a unity of being, a common theme in the psychedelic movement, which emphasized the interconnectedness of all things.

The song's imagery is a chaotic blend of seemingly random phrases and cultural references. For example, 'Yellow matter custard, dripping from a dead dog's eye' and 'crabalocker fishwife, pornographic priestess' paint vivid, if bizarre, pictures that defy straightforward interpretation. Lennon himself admitted that some of the song's content was intended to confuse those who were overanalyzing his work. The repeated phrase 'Goo goo g'joob' is a nonsensical chorus that adds to the song's whimsical and absurd nature.

Despite its abstract lyrics, 'I Am The Walrus' does touch on themes of social commentary. The mention of 'stupid bloody Tuesday' and 'Mister City policeman sitting, pretty little policemen in a row' can be interpreted as a critique of the mundane routine of life and the establishment. The song's structure and Lennon's delivery further emphasize a feeling of rebellion against the norm. Overall, 'I Am The Walrus' is a song that invites listeners to embrace the absurdity and to question the status quo, all while enjoying the innovative music that The Beatles were known for.

Share on social media Share as link
  1. Hey Jude
  2. Yesterday
  3. In My Life
  4. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
  5. Here Comes The Sun
  6. If I Fell
  7. And I Love Her
  8. I Will
  9. Blackbird
  10. Christmas Time (Is Here Again)
View all The Beatles songs

Most popular topics in The Beatles songs

Related artists

  1. Janis Joplin
    Janis Joplin
  2. The Beach Boys
    The Beach Boys
  3. Oasis
    Oasis
  4. The Rolling Stones
    The Rolling Stones
  5. Simon & Garfunkel
    Simon & Garfunkel
  6. Paul McCartney
    Paul McCartney
  7. Bob Dylan
    Bob Dylan
  8. The Smiths
    The Smiths