The Beatles - I Am The Walrus (REACTION)

[@JPMadden]

John Lennon learned that a poetry class at his old school was analyzing the lyrics of Beatles songs. He decided to write crazy lyrics that meant nothing or were obscure references or inside jokes. The end of the song is very hectic, because there is a choir of boys singing "oompah, oompah, stick it up your jumper," a choir of girls singing "everybody's got one," and a scene from a Shakespeare play that Lennon taped off BBC radio. It's the death of Oswald, from King Lear, act IV, near the end of scene 6.

[@joescott8877]

I just found out about the Lear "lyrics" a few years ago. I had always been hearing "Did you dance, Father? Bless you!" But it's "Sit you down, father--rest you." Either seem appropriate to say to an old Lion looking back on his life.

[@KjellBakke-511]

Yep. I believe John said, after completing the song, "Let the buggers figure that one out."

[@bobwoolerOriGinal]

*men and women, not boys and girls

[@jameshannagan4256]

Of course we always thought he was saying "smoke pot, smoke pot, everybody smoke pot" because that's what we wanted it to say, and to be fair that's what is sounds like a fair bit.

[@MsAppassionata]

@@jameshannagan4256 I never thought that. I thought they were saying “Jump up, jump up. Everybody jump up”. 😂

[@thetheRedundant]

This is only three years after “I Want to Hold Your Hand”. It’s like they’re a completely different band. Amazing.

[@gdalcorso1]

four years

[@davidwhite8220]

Stylistic innovation is one of the many great things about the Beatles. Then there's stylistic diversity (not connected with time: Helter Skelter, Blackbird). And just great quality of songs "as written". And great quantity of great quality.

[@kirbygene]

It doesn't seem possible that any artist could stretch that far in such a short time. I remember back in the day that some people wondered if John and Paul had popped into our time stream from the future. It was that strange to people how the same band could evolve that quickly.

[@kevanbodsworth9868]

@@kirbygene I would not minimise the influence and help from George Martin who could realise their word descriptions of what they were looking to achieve

[@pmarmar8892]

... after they discovered LSD..

[@Bassman2353]

You guys GOTTA hear "Hey Bulldog". One of the few Beatles songs that knock on this door. But "Rain" is a must listen, too.

[@RazzleDazz72]

Hey Bulldog is gangsta.

[@-Sherri-]

Hey Bulldog please!!!

[@joescott8877]

If La liked the SNAP Ringo brought to his snare here, and he did, he'll LOVE the snap he brings to it in "Rain"!

[@RazzleDazz72]

The side A studio tracks on Yellow Submarine are some of my favorites, and it’s them at peak psychedelic. In addition to Hey Bulldog I also love Only A Northern Song and It’s All Too Much.

[@mpemberton7760]

@@joescott8877 Man, that snare snap on Rain drives that song...Ringo so on time!

[@Bigdong-kl2fh]

The earth is over 1 billion years old, and I was blessed enough to witness the Beatles from beginning to end.

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

@@Bigdong-kl2fh I like your quote !! I was commenting to my friend the other day that were 61 years old and for the entire duration of my life up to this point, The Rolling Stones have been a touring band that still cuts new albums!! It’s really mind blowing when you think about it!!! They’ve survived through all of those horrendous changes in the music industry. Hair bands with no talent( just good hair) instrumentally challenged synth pop in the 80s. 2 good grunge bands in the 90s when everyone went grunge, etc, etc. and the worst , talentless crap with 3rd grade lyrical content, redundant themes and zero or next to zero proficient musicians playing on the album. That would be rap music or hip hop, whatever they call that trash these days. The stones are still standing tall!! Finally the Beatles, still charting music 54 years after they broke up!!! I wonder if these rap artists will be on stage 50 years from now selling out soccer stadiums? Etc, etc. what do you think?

[@Bigdong-kl2fh]

@edwardcapobianco2975 People won't remember these acts in 5 years let alone 60 years. The Beatles music will be dissected 100 years from now.

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

@@Bigdong-kl2fh so very very true

[@seanmcghee2373]

Same here - pure magic

[@robertjohnson4957]

I think along the same lines. Out of all the musicians in the world, Joe Satriani is my favorite. More than the mighty mighty, magnificent Beatles(since they are the subject). And sometimes I think how amazingly fortunate it is that I’m alive to have been able to go and see him live 8 times and meet him once. I could just as easily be fixated on some long dead jazz musician, or Chopin as my favorite. But fortunately for me, I like Satriani more.

[@alta58043]

In 8 years the Beatles changed the music world so much that the rest of the music community has been trying to catch up to for 50 years.

[@anthonycantu8879]

How is it that four guys, out of Liverpool, could totally and forevermore change the world of music.

[@kellahella5286]

IMO no other group changed, innovated, and conquered, in as short a time as the Beatles.

[@nancyridenour1815]

Yes & ,,, they weren’t Rock 💛

[@danduntz2539]

@@nancyridenour1815 Oh they absolutely were, but they didn’t stay there.

[@gerrycoogan6544]

​@@nancyridenour1815 The Beatles invented rock. Before that there was only pop.

[@davidfeltz8697]

It is a fact!

[@daveman15]

Peak Beatles. What can you say? Genius all around, but special props to John Lennon, and George Martin with the orchestral arrangement.

[@robjohnson5872]

Imagine - just 4 years passed from "I Want to Hold Yor Hand" until Magical Mystery Tour - with numerous albums in between. So many different sounds and innovations and techniques used. This was November of 67, and Rock and Roll was exploding in so many new directions as the Beatles changed everything.

[@IAMCAVE]

Yeah, imagine that.

[@kjmorley]

"The Beatles invited everyone down a rabbit hole with Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, mixing genres like a mad alchemist crafting potions of joy and wonder. In California, the "Summer of Love" was in full bloom, and the air pulsed with the psychedelic riffs of Jimi Hendrix and the poetry of Janis Joplin. Over in London, Pink Floyd tinkered away with echoes and synthesizers, making music that seemed to be beamed in from some far-off, mystical dimension. The world was in a groove, a kaleidoscope of sounds and ideas, and as records spun, so did perspectives. The boundaries between rock, soul, folk, and jazz melted like the sun setting over Monterey, and nothing - absolutely nothing - would ever sound the same again!"

[@michaelt6218]

The Beatles are one of one, in a class of their own. This song is a perfect example. Totally unique and incomparable.

[@johndrx165]

Psychedelic masterpiece!

[@ws3764]

La....it's so cool that you constantly recognize Ringo. He's a MAGNICANT drummer!!! And you certainly see it👍

[@thomassharmer7127]

John had chips on every available shoulder 😆, but what he did with his anger, insecurities and his hang-ups to focus his creativity was genius.

[@EverendeverGroup]

For some reason not yet understood by science, John and Paul's voices trigger an undetermined pleasure trigger in the ear. When they harmonize together, it has been known to cause eargasms.

[@mauriciovargas3913]

If you'd start a Religión, I'd follow ya! Better words never uttered before or after.

[@AleisterCrowley.]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqjYenuIlMpnr6s

[@fredsanford5954]

Story is that John heard people were analyzing Beatles' lyrics for 'hidden meaning' or other Deep Thoughts. He was never one to take himself too seriously, so he wrote I Am The Walrus saying "let the fuckers analyze THAT".

[@PeterSokol-bl5vz]

You are an idiot.

[@hilarymiseroy]

Semolina Pilchard was John's nickname for Sergeant Pilcher of the Scotland Yard Drug Squad who waged a campaign against the British rockers at the time.

[@innertube47]

Wasn’t it his English teacher who told him he would never make a writer and then years later John heard he was analysing his lyrics in class

[@jordan390a]

@@innertube47 Yes, that too...!

[@samuraijacques952]

I always thought that's what Glass Onion was about

[@parsleyqueen]

When I saw that they were doing THIS song I thought "oh, this gonna be FUN!" La and Che never disappoint! 💜☮

[@paxonearth]

I'm SO glad you all loved it. John is at the height of his powers here. Absolutely killer track that only gets better with age.

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

I’ve been anxiously awaiting the reactions to I am the walrus from the 2 hippest bros in the reaction business. Chee always talks about how John is the rock and roll voice! Well Chee, here it is man, this is one of John’s most legendary vocal performances on any Beatles record without a doubt. Lyrics are all John too!!!

[@KennyCamaro2364]

Love your reaction guys. This is mind blowing stuff. It’s baffled me for 50 years…

[@Guy_Fawkes_News]

The Beatles song that changed everything. Nothing in music would ever be the same again.

[@janicez2630]

Its just amazing that they did so much of their amazing music recorded on 4 track...wild, and so innovated. They started so much!

[@thomasmcdonough6642]

The Walrus blew america away on the radio

[@Airborne76]

💯💯💯💯💯💪💪💪😎😎😎

[@Airborne76]

Yes!!! 💯💯💯😊😊😊

[@GreenOlives4952]

Goo goo - ka- choob

[@mattleppard1970]

Total genius. Absoutely perfect.

[@mkaye818]

this is so jaw droopingly amazing. there are no words for how progressive it is in every way.

[@nortonmachado1596]

I thing that "I am the walrus" shocked everyone! "Happiness is a warm gun" is waiting for your video guys!

[@elementrypenguin3116]

Lennon’s voice is awesome!!

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

the dialogue in the background was taken directly from a radio performance of "king lear." this was during the beatles "psychedelic" period which began with "tomorrow never knows" the last song from the 1966 "revolver" album and ended with this album their last in 1967. side one of the album is music from their u. k. tv film "magical mystery tour" and ends with "i am the walrus." (the movie sux but the music sequences are GREAT!) side two consists of all the beatles' 1967 singles. the beatlles kept evolving exploring different genres and even when they followed the ended up leading the industry. the beatles were PURE MAGIC!

[@michaelrogers7426]

Love how you called this Gangster! This song was revolutionary! This is layered and deep. Ringo shines.

[@wendyt7958]

Such a killer song...you said. Perfect rock pocket. John was dark and Paul was light. Perfect

[@peterlewis90]

That tune is badass, it seems to be more felt that understood

[@waynemoon5359]

The backing vocals always reminded me of what the Munchkins from the Wizard of Oz would sound like on acid.

[@bellodrade]

Or the Oompa Loompas on 'shrooms.

[@nevinashe6014]

A very honest AND insightful reaction. Loved it. Great job guys.

[@Estiv1961]

The Beatles were pioneering genius mad scientist that trailblazed all the techniques that are now standard recording practices.

[@jamesdrynan]

Repeated listens are definitely mandatory. There is so much going on here, it's quite remarkable.

[@dianel222]

I realized that growing up listening to The Beatles may be one of the reasons my taste in music is so eclectic. 💜💜💜 Watching this reaction had me listen through another’s ears.

[@Brucemcleod2345]

This is one of my favourite Beatles songs. I’ve never got sick of this as there always something interesting to listen in it.

[@deanhovey8348]

One of the most innovative tracks ever

[@MichaelBrown-x1q]

You guys both Shook your heads right when John started singing!!! So funny!!!! Great taste as usual guys!!!

[@pauljonesesquire]

Man I've been listening to this track for decades and it never sounded the same twice, John was something else as they all were when they played together.

[@stevemd6488]

From the poem "The Walrus and the Carpenter". One of the greatest songs ever.

[@johnsilva9139]

From Lewis Carrol I believe.

[@stevemd6488]

@@johnsilva9139 Yea Lennon said later he didn't realize the Walrus was the antagonist

[@janemmanuelbestac7310]

the time has come , the walrus said , to talk of many things ,of sailing ships of sealing wax of cabbages and kings-

[@jordan390a]

My favorite Beatles song....From an amazing album..!

[@kkampy4052]

So many layers, so much imagery, so much everything.

[@waynemoon5359]

Thanks guys. Always a great reaction.

[@robinfoster7597]

The talking bits at the end are where John plugged a radio into the console and tuned it in and out with the tuning knob. I thinks it's a BBC radio play of "King Lear". Great reaction, thanks :)

[@toma411]

Undoubtedly one of their best songs. Some days it's my favourite. And honestly, listening to it again, it sounds very similar to early hip-hop. So cool

[@lynnegunn2425]

the expressions on your face as you discover this music are priceless!!!!😄😄😄❤

[@justinreiter]

Me to. I have been waiting for ya'll to hit this. Bring it. Drill into to it Fellas. Imagine hearing it at the time. WTF. Keep on, keep'n on Fellas. Cheers. We up outta here.

[@lorilxn1597]

I love that whole album, wth, I love all of their music 😊

[@franckb8279]

My favorite Beatles song sung by John. Crazy beautiful one.

[@TeresaMount-t9o]

I haven’t heard this one for a long, long time. It was nice to hear it again thank you both!

[@davidbryant3017]

This isn't music, this is an experience. You feeeel these songs!

[@CJ-Fischer]

Music and Art put together and at it’s finest ❤

[@AnonSnark]

a thousand percent this. love this channel.

[@carol-mariefleming8689]

Love this reaction! I, too, have been waiting for you guys to hear this. This is my favorite on the album. This and Strawberry Fields.

[@johns7097]

This came out when I was eight years old. My friend's big brother had the album and I loved this song since the first time I heard it.

[@Pokafalva]

Imagine being in your mid teens in the 1960s, as I was, when this came out, and a lot of other orginal music also. Incredible time, and it's great to see those of a different generation appreciating this kind of music also. Do continue to dig and delve into old music - it will be a journey you will not regret...

[@jimdev81]

I love to find folk who can listen, analyze, and react to music that has impacted me deeply, without trying to figure out every hidden meaning, frustrate themselves by not immediately understanding an artist’s intention, etc.. you two fine gents just seem to love music, dig a groove, be genuinely surprised by something new and different, and honestly enjoy great, cool songs. I will honestly continue to enjoy your reactions because they are cool, savvy, and show a love for great music…thanks lads!

[@edf9682]

I absolutely love your deep dives into the Beatles guys!! I knew you’d love this! Yes that’s definitely John! ❤🎸

[@36karpatoruski]

LENNON!!!

[@gregharmon3797]

I knew this would blow your minds, love your reactions

[@rodneylewisboyd734]

You two are the best music reaction guys.

[@thejmf]

Sampling a BBC broadcast of King Lear live on the BBC - one of their most innovative songs

[@neilmartin99]

The rumor was that they were chanting "everybody smokes pot" towards the end of the song. John Lennon always insisted they were saying "everybody's got one."

[@johnsilva9139]

I had always heard it as "everybody smokes pot". Very surprised to hear they may be saying something else.

[@samuraijacques952]

I heard it was "oompah oompah stick it up your jumper"

[@williamstlouis3368]

Your reactions are so damn good. Way to go, guys. Keep up the good work. Peace out.

[@joescott8877]

Been WAITIN for THIS one!! You guys did NOT disappoint, LOL. Beautiful reaction all around to one of John & The Beatles' BEST!

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Totally Psychedelic! Dipped in Acid.😅 Trippin'!

[@ginapurpura1182]

Beatle time is my fave - great reaction, guys!

[@KennyCamaro2364]

Phenomenal song Laa and Chee. It’s been blowing my mind for 50 years..

[@tackysum]

The lyrics sound like he just dropped a tab and let his mind go ... wherever. In the Playboy inter view he claimed he wrote the first line after an acid trip, then waited a week and did it again and wrote the second line. Don't know if I believe that, but it makes a good story. Love your reactions fellas.

[@NVprods]

Genius.

[@justjack0715]

I love watchin' you young guy's rock out! Best channel out there. TY!

[@neilmartin99]

John had me at "crabalogger fish wife." 😆🤣

[@samguberman2288]

Goo Goo Gjoob, utterly fantastic, must have been like music from another planet when this came out...and in a way it was , planet Beatles.

[@dandundon9503]

You both had the reactions we had back in the day!

[@paulgregory4715]

My number one song. "Sitting in an English garden waiting for the Sun, if the..." is wonderful poetry.

[@vandalayindustries3057]

One of my favorite things about you guys is that you're so zoned in on the music that you don't miss a thing. And it's obvious that you have more than a passing familiarity with the principles of music - and more importantly, your deep appreciation of good music is both evident and sincere.

[@StellaLotus]

Hey, I love watching and listening to your reactions! Big props. I want to go quick deep but short. Man, we are getting there and of course we're there and realizing it. We are unity, we're united. So good. We still have our differences which is love, cultures, colors, we are sharing and it's beautiful. I'm a rocker old school, my father would play Beatles with me when I was like four or something and his joy...etc..and then at the same time Eric B Rakim NYC!! Baby all day every day, in and out never any doubt! Goo goo GA Joob!

[@artharrison9586]

Nobody else was doing this in popular music at the time. They were at the top of their popularity and could have kept up the pop music that had gotten them to this point but they said the hell with it and took it all over the edge. This was where pop music morphed into psychedelic rock.

[@mariaportengen2959]

Again, a real Masterpiece, the Beatles, simply the worlds best. 🎶🎶👍🙋‍♀️

[@DavidDill-k6s]

This is not a masterpiece! You never give me your money = Masterpiece!

[@NBKenC]

I've been waiting for you to get to this one!

[@brianjones8751]

My favorite Beatles song

[@VereinPlatzhirschamHirschenpla]

This song is special.

[@vicprovost2561]

A brief but profound understatement!

[@ohfour-seven6228]

Ah, one of my favorites. I can't wait for you to hear Baby You're A Rich Man, from this same album. It is one of their funkiest songs, with a touch of Bollywood. When this song hit the radio, all my friends were blown away. However, a lot of the dj's decided it wasn't good music and started refusing to play it and breaking the records on the air. But we all absolutely loved it!!!

[@jameshannagan4256]

One of my favorite Beatles songs ever.

[@ohfour-seven6228]

@@jameshannagan4256 Wow, how cool, because it's one of mine as well!

[@johnmarshall2722]

I´ve just decided to rewind the first two minutes of your video to see your reactions again. I tell my wife I have a secret: that late at night, I like to watch videos of people ´pleasing themselves´ (reaction videos - The Beatles, naturally ;-). It´s lovely being with someone when they hear the boys for the first time.

[@vicprovost2561]

Spot On, seeing younger people get off on the music we love is a freaking a buzz!

[@DTMBYLEZ70]

Walrus- a masterpiece-nuff said

[@stevecass19]

John spitting lyrics is something

[@davidc2882]

The song that got me into the Beatles back in the day.

[@14gilbertst]

RIP JOHN!! I'm Crying Too........"Oh, untimely death."

[@bigdunc91]

Incredible song.

[@ML-un1oi]

Can not think of a better way to start off the weekend!! Excellent reaction, fellas!!

[@winterwomanes3828]

The talking in the background where you hear "bury my body" is King Lear Act IV Scene VI

[@57too]

So glad you listeed to the ORIGINAL and the ending which is important. It wasn't fluff, it meant something about Paul's demise a half year before (then they got Vivian Stanshall - with dyed hair to fill in, he was a good look a ike, even though he was 2" taller than the original Paul. Vivian Stanshall had green eyes, Paul's were brown, Viv wrote 'Hey Jude' (besides most of Sgt. Pepper and on.) and has been Paul every since, It's all in Uharriot's books.

[@falcon215]

Yeah, no.

[@YEAHno-rv2ym]

Fun to watch you guys really listen. Teaching us how to really hear music.

[@susanwalton9482]

You truly can hear the future 'gangster' in this song - thanks for the reaction!

[@mikefetterman6782]

John was the imagery wordsmith of the group. He could paint mental pictures better than anyone before him. Paul could make you feel at home, or warm, or some imagery of familiar scenes. John would add so much mystery and unused adjectives on things to have fun with word play. His songs famously had very little personal meaning, just clever phrasing and wordplay.

[@rickmeister]

I remember the very first time I heard this album. My best bud was the same age as me (16) and the other guy in our "trio" was 17 and he worked at a large record store part-time so he had access to all the new vinyl. My Dad was the one with a top-of-the-line stereo. My parents had gone out for a nice dinner and the three of us were ready to blast. 57 years ago!!!

[@wendyryder2708]

Sounds like you had a very GROOVY time!

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

When I saw that you've gotten to I Am The Walrus, I heard "F*CK YEAH!!" spring from my lips. I'm so glad you guys get this. It's brutal and raw and complex and brilliant. And you'll see that the more psychedelic the song, the more brutally Ringo drums, anchoring the songs. Trivia: the eggman is Eric Burdon, of House of the Rising Sun fame. Eric said that his Puerto Rican girlfriend would break an egg on him before oral sex, and it was fantastic. So John called him the Eggman. The more you know... 🌈

[@keithmorgan742]

Hey!!! Thank you guys for giving this song a chance. It's truly abstract, and there is no way to know exactly what the lyrics mean. Lennon wasn't trying to say anything overtly meaningful; he was just singing what he felt sounded good and weird. He probably couldn't tell you what it meant. It's just a song to listen to and like.

[@patticrichton1135]

No, actually he became tired of people always trying to analyze their songs and lyrics and trying to find deep or hidden meanings in them (which most of the time were not there ) and decided to write a song with absolutely ridiculous words strung together and after they completed it, he said "let's see them analyze THIS" only he used a little stronger language than I did!

[@glennhall9257]

Great song and reaction 👍

[@seerofallthatisobvious1316]

"Here's another clue for you all, the walrus was paul." - John Lennon from the Beatles song "Glass Onion"