Written during the psychedelic era of The Beatles, “I Am the Walrus” is an enigmatic journey through Lennon’s mind, filled with bizarre imagery and cryptic references. It’s about the interconnectedness of humanity, with the line “I am he as you are he as you are me” emphasizing our universal connection. Lennon, fascinated by the absurd, wanted to challenge those who tried to dissect Beatles’ songs, hence the nonsensical lines. While it might not be about a specific person, it was Lennon’s way of thumbing his nose at critics and fans who overanalyzed their work. The song captures the chaotic essence of the ’60s counterculture movement, with its abstract lyrics and evocative imagery.
Ever been lost in a swirl of colors and sounds? That’s the feel of “I Am the Walrus”. Ready for a journey into the depths of one of the most iconic songs ever? Let’s get you on board.
“I Am the Walrus” Lyrics Meaning
Beginning with the lines, “I am he as you are he as you are me,” the song dives straight into its central theme – unity. These words point to an intertwined existence where individual identities blur. As the song progresses, it’s evident that the imagery is both chaotic and intended to baffle. “Sitting on a corn flake” and “Yellow matter custard dripping from a dead dog’s eye” are just two instances of Lennon’s love for the abstract. It’s clear that Lennon revels in the song’s absurdity.
“Corporation T-shirt, stupid bloody Tuesday” reflects the disdain for the rigid corporate culture and possibly the mundanity of routine. By juxtaposing such vivid visuals like “Mister City policeman sitting, Pretty little policemen in a row” with trippy elements like “Elementary penguin singing Hare Krishna,” Lennon might be poking fun at society’s norms and the growing hippie movement simultaneously.
The repeated chorus, “I am the egg man… I am the walrus,” could signify Lennon’s multifaceted personality. The egg could symbolize fragility, while the walrus represents strength or even absurdity.
“Sitting in an English garden waiting for the sun” hints at the typical British weather, but also a deeper yearning for enlightenment, while “If the sun don’t come you get a tan from standing in the English rain” adds a touch of Beatles’ characteristic wit.
Lastly, the chaotic ending, sampling Shakespeare’s “King Lear”, offers listeners no respite from the song’s labyrinth, further emphasizing the deliberate enigma Lennon created.
The Story Behind “I Am the Walrus”
The ’60s, a time of cultural revolution, saw The Beatles at the peak of their experimentation, both musically and personally. “I Am the Walrus” stands as a testament to this era and to John Lennon’s brilliant, albeit often perplexing, mind.
The backdrop to this song’s creation was Lennon’s foray into the world of acid trips and transcendental meditation. John, especially, was deeply influenced by the psychedelic movement, resulting in music filled with abstract lyrics and diverse instrumentation. In many ways, “I Am the Walrus” encapsulates this phase of the band, a period marked by profound introspection, exploration, and sometimes just sheer whimsy.
Lennon himself admitted in interviews that parts of the song were written to baffle the teachers who forced students to analyze Beatles’ lyrics. He loved the idea of these academics puzzling over the meaning of a “yellow matter custard dripping from a dead dog’s eye.”
The title, “I Am the Walrus,” was inspired by Lewis Carroll’s poem “The Walrus and the Carpenter.” Lennon, having recently read the poem, felt a connection to the walrus, though he later realized that the walrus was the villain in Carroll’s tale!
Adding to the song’s depth, the inclusion of lines from Shakespeare’s “King Lear” in the outro was not random. It’s believed to be a nod to the play’s themes of madness and introspection, perhaps reflecting Lennon’s own inner turmoil and exploration of self during that period. All in all, “I Am the Walrus” offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of rock’s most iconic figures at a pivotal time in his artistic journey.