The Story of the Groovy Tune: The Meaning Behind The Song “Hey Bulldog” by The Beatles
Introduction
Beatlemania conquered the world in the 1960s, and The Beatles were constantly topping charts everywhere. The band’s experimentation with music and lyrics left a significant mark not just in the music industry but in British history as well. “Hey Bulldog,” from the album Yellow Submarine, is one of the less-known Beatles songs, but it holds a significant place in their discography. This article delves into the tune’s inspirations, recording process, and the hidden meaning behind its lyrics.
The Recording Process
“Hey Bulldog” was recorded on February 11th, 1968, in Abbey Road Studios in London. The song was written and rehearsed during the Magical Mystery Tour sessions. The composition was originally intended to be used in the animated fantasy film, Yellow Submarine, and consequently, it was not a significant priority for the band.
According to engineer, Geoff Emerick, the band had “never put as much work into a track as we did on ‘Hey Bulldog.’” The band had an impressive work ethic and a fierce desire to create something unique, so it’s no surprise that they so meticulously crafted this groovy tune.
The Raucous Sound and Lyrics
“Hey Bulldog” is known for its raucous, bouncy sound, created through John Lennon’s dirty and distorted guitar riffs, Paul McCartney’s clavinet, George Harrison’s distorted lead guitar, and Ringo Starr’s heavy drumming. These sounds merge together to produce an upbeat, funky rhythm that begs the listener to move to the beat.
The lyrics closely match the groovy vibe of the music. Lines such as “big man, walking in the park wigwam” and “big man, he’s got an alligator hat” create a surreal, dream-like atmosphere. Taken at face value, the lyrics can be interpreted as gibberish, but with closer listening, one can unearth the meaning behind the song.
The Secret Message
Many people believe that “Hey Bulldog” has no deeper meaning, but upon closer inspection, one can see a much-revealed message. The song’s message is about the pressure of trying to create something special or innovative.
The line “you can talk to me, if you’re lonely, you can talk to me” suggests that John Lennon will listen if someone is feeling lost or anxious about their work or vocation. The song mentions “going to see a show tonight, but I won’t be back.” This could be interpreted as the pressure of performing and the weight that comes with it.
One of the more poignant moments occurs in the final verse, where Lennon sings, “If you bulldog, hey bulldog, don’t feel afraid to stick your tongue out.” This line may well be Lennon’s way of telling people to take risks and not be ashamed of their creativity. Taking risks and thinking outside of the box is what makes music and art genuinely innovative.
Conclusion
While “Hey Bulldog” is not the most recognizable Beatles composition, it remains a crucial piece of their musical output. It highlights the band’s immense dedication to their craft and their drive to create something new and innovative. The lyrics speak of the pressures of music and art in general and encourage listeners to take leaps of faith and allow creativity to take its course. In short, “Hey Bulldog” is an excellent example of how a pop song can be fun, but it can also hold essential messages and meanings that continue to resonate with fans, decades after its release.
