The Beatles – Mean Mr. Mustard: A Hidden Gem of Psychedelic Rock
The later years of The Beatles’ career were a period of remarkable artistic exploration. Gone were the tight song structures and pop sensibilities of their early hits, replaced by a kaleidoscopic blend of psychedelic rock, avant-garde experimentation, and introspective lyricism.
Nestled within this sonic tapestry lies “Mean Mr. Mustard”, a seemingly whimsical song that, upon closer examination, reveals a deeper layer of eccentricity and intrigue.
Background
Composed by John Lennon in India during the band’s transcendental meditation retreat in 1968, “Mean Mr. Mustard” was originally intended for inclusion on the sprawling double album known as the White Album.
However, it ultimately found its home as part of the celebrated medley on the B-side of Abbey Road, released in 1969. This placement, seamlessly segueing from the epic “Sun King,” adds to the song’s curious charm, presenting it as a fleeting glimpse into a whimsical soundscape.
The inspiration for the song reportedly stemmed from a newspaper article Lennon read about a miserly man named John Alexander Mustard.
“Mean Mr. Mustard” may not be a radio-friendly single or a cornerstone of the Beatles’ vast catalog. However, it serves as a testament to the band’s willingness to experiment and push boundaries during their most artistically adventurous period.
It’s a hidden gem for dedicated fans, a fleeting glimpse into the kaleidoscopic minds of John Lennon and The Beatles in their later years.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
[Segue: Verse 1]
Mean Mister Mustard sleeps in the park
Shaves in the dark trying to save paper
Sleeps in a hole in the road
Saving up to buy some clothes
Keeps a ten-bob note up his nose
Such a mean old man
Such a mean old man[Verse 2]
His sister Pam works in a shop
She never stops, she’s a go-getter
Takes him out to look at the Queen
Only place that he’s ever been
Always shouts out something obscene
Such a dirty old man
Dirty old man