Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!

Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite! is a song released on the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album, in 1967.

Inspiration
The song, which was written by John Lennon, was inspired by a 19th century poster (about 1843), which he had found in an antique store in Surrey. Many of the elements in the song are based off of the poster.

It is commonly believed that the line "And of course Henry the Horse dances the waltz" was a reference to the drug heroin (as both "henry" and "horse" are slang names for it); the original line on the poster referred to the horse as Zanthus.

The real Mr. Kite was an all-round performer who worked with Panquo Fanque and Mr J. Henderson, who was employed as a wire walker, trampolinist (somerset thrower, according to the poster) and clown.

Personnel

 * John Lennon - Lead And Backing Vocals, Organ (1963 Hammond L-100), Chord Harmonica (Hohner Chromatic Bass Harmonica), Tape Loops
 * Paul McCartney - Bass Guitar (1964 Rickenbacker 4001S), Reverse Lead Guitar (1964 Fender Esquire), Backing Vocals
 * George Harrison - Maracas, Bass Harmonica (Hohner Chromatic Bass Harmonica)
 * Ringo Starr - Drums (1964 Ludwig Super Classic Black Oyster Pearl), Tambourine
 * George Martin - Piano (1964 Hamburg Steinway Baby Grand), Harmonium (Mannborg Harmonium), Hammond Organ (Hammond RT-3), Wurlitzer Organ, Glockenspiel, Tape Loops
 * Mal Evans - Harmonica (Hohner Cromatic)
 * Neil Aspinall - Harmonica (Hohner Cromatic)
 * Geoff Emerick - Tape Loops