Introduction
The Beatles, one of the most iconic bands in music history, gave birth to a song like no other. “I Am The Walrus,” a psychedelic tune featuring nonsensical lyrics, divided critics and fans alike. But behind this seemingly absurd composition lies a deeper meaning that sparked endless discussions and interpretations over the years.
Lyrics and Composition
“I Am The Walrus” was written by John Lennon and recorded in 1967 as part of the Magical Mystery Tour album. The song features an orchestra, a choir, and multiple musical styles, including rock, blues, and even classical music. However, what sets it apart is its lyrics. John Lennon wrote them in a stream-of-consciousness style, using phrases and words inspired by various sources, from nursery rhymes to Shakespeare. The result is a collage of images without apparent coherence.
The Meaning
Despite its seemingly nonsensical lyrics, “I Am The Walrus” has a profound meaning behind it. According to Lennon, he wrote the song after discovering that a teacher had been analyzing Beatles’ lyrics with his students. He decided to create a song that would make no sense at all, to mock the idea that there was any great message hidden in their songs.
However, according to some, “I Am The Walrus” contains hidden messages that were either intentional, subconscious, or accidental. Some theories suggest that the song is a commentary on society and politics or an allegory of the band’s relationship with their fans. Others believe that the song contains references to drugs or that it was a particular salve against the pressures of fame and fortune.
The Walrus
One of the most debated aspects of the song is the meaning behind the word “walrus.” Many interpretations suggest that Lennon used the word as a symbol of something significant. Some argue that the walrus represents death or rebirth, as walruses get reborn in the Arctic each year. Others believe that the walrus is the Paul McCartney (who was called the Walrus in the song “Glass Onion”) or an allusion to Lewis Carroll’s “The Walrus and the Carpenter.”
Lennon stated that the word “walrus” came from a hallucination he had during an acid trip. However, later, he stated that he was unsure of the meaning himself and that he liked the sound of the word. “It didn’t mean anything,” he said in an interview, “hell, I took some poetic license with a lot of these lyrics, but it was just good.”
Interpretations
“I Am The Walrus” has been the subject of numerous interpretations over the years, each offering a different perspective on the song’s true meaning.
Some critics suggest that the song is a commentary on the Vietnam War, the counterculture movement, or capitalism. For instance, the line “Yellow matter custard, dripping from a dead dog’s eye” has been interpreted as a metaphor for the U.S. napalm bombs dropped in Vietnam.
Others believe that the song is a reflection of the band’s fame and their relationship with their fans. The lines “Sitting in an English garden, waiting for the sun” and “Expert textpert choking smokers, don’t you think the joker laughs at you” suggest a sense of isolation and disillusionment among the band members.
Some have even suggested that “I Am The Walrus” is a coded message that reveals the supposed death of Paul McCartney. The line “the walrus was Paul” and the image of a walrus as a symbol of death have been interpreted as proof that McCartney died in 1966 and was replaced by a look-alike.
Conclusion
“I Am The Walrus” is a song that defies straightforward interpretation. Its mysterious lyrics and eclectic composition have baffled and inspired critics and fans alike. Whether it’s a commentary on society and politics or an allegory of the Beatles’ fame, one thing remains certain: the song’s meaning remains as elusive and enigmatic as ever. As Lennon said himself: “It’s all in the mind, y’know.”
