The poster from which the song was inspired.
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.
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
For the benefit of Mr. Kite
There will be a show tonight on trampoline
The Hendersons will all be there
Late of Pablo Fanques Fair
What a scene
Over men and horses, hoops and garters
Lastly through a hogshead of real fire
In this way Mr. K. will challenge the world
[Verse 2]
The celebrated Mr. K.
Performs his feat on Saturday at Bishops Gate
The Hendersons will dance and sing
As Mr. Kite flies through the ring
Don't be late
Messrs. K and H. assure the public
Their production will be second to none
And of course Henry The Horse dances the waltz!
[Verse 3]
The band begins at ten to six
When Mr. K. performs his tricks without a sound
And Mr. H. will demonstrate
Ten summer sets he'll undertake
On solid ground
Having been some days in preparation
A splendid time is guaranteed for all
And tonight Mr. Kite is topping the bill
Personnel[]
- John Lennon - Lead And Backing Vocals, Organ (1963 Hammond L-100), Chord Harmonica (Hohner Chromatic Bass Harmonica), Tape Loops
- Paul McCartney - Bass Guitar (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
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