Maxwell's Silver Hammer. Any Meaning to the Song?
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Audley's Piano:
Well that's my foggy memory. There were no dancers on their backs, and it's not as strange as I remember it. Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance is unusual. It must have been the drinking water.
Or those funny cigarettes you were smoking!
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Scarlett14:
Nancy R:
Scarlett14:
I really love "Maxwell's Silver Hammer"...I've tried doing research on it myself as I have had questions about it, especially in regard to any relationship to a real life incident that could have inspired the writing of the song. I read this in Wikipedia just now... "On 9 August 1967 Kenneth Halliwell killed his lover Joe Orton with nine hammer blows to the head, and then overdosed on sleeping pills.[9] Their bodies were discovered late the following morning, when a chauffeur arrived at the door of their Noel Road flat in Islington to collect Orton for a meeting with The Beatles regarding a screenplay he had written for them." I have never heard this before so I don't know how accurate it is at all.
This is the first I've heard how he killed him, but the rest is true.
Thanks, Nancy, that's interesting. So it seems like the song is referring back to the incident which the Beatles obviously had heard about. I never know whether to believe what I read in Wikipedia about anything or anybody...what's written there can even be changed by the general public, is that correct do you know?
Yes, they can be changed by the general public, but I think it has to be verified first by somebody. I could be wrong! I don't know that Paul was using the murder as part of the song though!
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Audley's Piano:
Well that's my foggy memory. There were no dancers on their backs, and it's not as strange as I remember it. Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance is unusual. It must have been the drinking water.
I think Paul used/hired the same guy who had produced....very successfully...the Barbra Streisand TV specials. Can't recall his name. I sort of hated seeing Paul do "showbiz" lounge-act stuff like that. It wasn't the image I had of him or the Beatles....or wanted to have. Was that the same show that he and Stevie Wonder sang 'Ebony and Ivory'?....Another "low point" for me.
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I just think of MSH as another in a long line of Paul's character songs like Michelle, Elanor Rigby, Lovely Rita, Rocky Raccoon, Hey Jude, Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey and more recently Mr. Bellamy etc etc. George Harrison was amazed how Paul could come up with these characters and storys. Maxwell.... I think it could of been a single as it is a great sing-a-long kind of song in the Yellow Submarine vein but with a darker story.
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Erik in NJ:
I think Shattner did an album back in the late 60s and I believe some videos. One of the covers was "Lucy in the Sky" and he still makes fun of himself for it! I also remember him doing Rocket Man. Both were done in his Captain Kirk style elocution and are hilariously funny in retrospect.
Ask and ye shall receive!!!!!
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Erik in NJ:
Because Lennon often thought his songs were so much better and in reality most weren't. He was also lazy and only did enough takes of his songs to get them to sound reasonable--never spending the time in the studio to perfect them like Paul did.
The thing was John only appreciated songs that had a lyric that reflected one's true self, one's true emotions, one's personal experiences, and indeed most of John songs were about stuff that he'd experienced himself and wanted to share with the rest of the world. To Lennon Paul's songs were meaningless, about nothing, some made-up stories and stuff. I think Paul has always had a disposition to make up stories, a great fiction writer ("Paperback Writer"). Paul always starts a song from having the melody, and it's only after he's composed the music that he starts work on the lyric. A perfect example of that is "Scrambled Eggs" which later evolved into "Yesterday". Lennon was quite the opposite, he started with the lyric, and then he worked on the melody. The songs that had a poor lyric he dubbed "throw-aways". By this he didn't refer to the melody, but to the lyric, which was most important to him in a song. Lennon called some Paul songs granny-shit-music, or musac (as in the infamous "How Do You Sleep?") but this always referred more to the lyric than melodic side of things. Sometimes Paul plays with a funny sounding word such as "paradventure", or "pataphysical", or a whole phrase as for example "drink to me, I can't drink no more", and first kind of works out the melody using the given word or phrase, and it's only later that he complements it with yet more made up lyrics. That's how "Maxwell Silver Hammer" was concieved, too, imho
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Pawel:
The thing was John only appreciated songs that had a lyric that reflected one's true self, one's true emotions, one's personal experiences, and indeed most of John songs were about stuff that he'd experienced himself and wanted to share with the rest of the world. To Lennon Paul's songs were meaningless, about nothing, some made-up stories and stuff.
I'm glad you explained this about John, Pawel. If I were a composer of songs this is how I would go about it...it would be about the message I wanted to share with others and the music would be secondary (not that I'm putting down doing it the opposite way). But it would also NEED to be secondary with me because I don't know anything about composing music. Words would be very easy for me to put together. I once wrote a poem in a dream and when I woke up it was still so clear to me, I had to get out a pen and paper and write it down. (I hear this is how the "Yesterday" melody came to Paul so I guess that's not unusual in the creative process.) Funny thing was, the words did not reflect anything that I had ever felt or experienced but they did make perfect sense. Are there official lyrics to "Scrambled Eggs" or did Paul just use those words so he could have a title? I know Jimmy Fallon came up with his own lyrics to that one.
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Scarlett14:
Pawel:
The thing was John only appreciated songs that had a lyric that reflected one's true self, one's true emotions, one's personal experiences, and indeed most of John songs were about stuff that he'd experienced himself and wanted to share with the rest of the world. To Lennon Paul's songs were meaningless, about nothing, some made-up stories and stuff.
I'm glad you explained this about John, Pawel. If I were a composer of songs this is how I would go about it...it would be about the message I wanted to share with others and the music would be secondary (not that I'm putting down doing it the opposite way). But it would also NEED to be secondary with me because I don't know anything about composing music. Words would be very easy for me to put together. I once wrote a poem in a dream and when I woke up it was still so clear to me, I had to get out a pen and paper and write it down. (I hear this is how the "Yesterday" melody came to Paul so I guess that's not unusual in the creative process.) Funny thing was, the words did not reflect anything that I had ever felt or experienced but they did make perfect sense. Are there official lyrics to "Scrambled Eggs" or did Paul just use those words so he could have a title? I know Jimmy Fallon came up with his own lyrics to that one.
No, Paul told Jimmy the lyrics. Jimmy did not "come up with them."
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Good to know!
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Listened to this song today, and I really noticed the one part, in the second verse, where Paul kind of loses it while singing. Most of us have heard the alternative Anthology version, where Paul devolves into nonsense syllables at one point, but even on the album version, things are bit dodgy, as they say. It starts with the line, "So he waits behind," where "behind" is stretched out like he just noticed something in the studio that took him by surprise. Then he laughs through the word "writing" in the phrase, "Writing fifty times," and then he gets goofy at the end of the phrase, "I must not be so-oh-oh-ohh." Then he recovers his composure. Has anyone heard what caused him to do this? It sure doesn't sound planned at all to me.
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Bruce M.:
Beatles4Ever&Ever:
Nancy R:
It's probably as meaningless as most of their crazy songs! (plus, Edison rhymed with medicine)
I recall watching some TV show years ago....tribute to the Beatles by various artists....and hearing the immortal Peggy Lee ("Is That All There Is?") sing that song. I sorta' had to suppress giggles! She did sort of give it a torchy, smoldering touch, however; took it all so seriously!
It was a 1970 episode of the Ed Sullivan Show, consisting of various singers doing Beatles songs, mostly badly. You can read a full review of the episode at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0724957/ Money quote: Weirdest of all is Peggy Lee's turn. She stands stock-still onstage, speak-singing "Maxwell's Silver Hammer". Onto the stage in sidelong gait come a pair of Peter Gennaro's dancers, covered in weird metallic canisters. When Miss Piggy ... I mean, Miss Peggy Lee gets to the chorus, these two dancers whack themselves in their respective heads with little ball-pean hammers to get the "clang, clang!" effect. Truly weird.
Sounds like stoner-vision of the highest order.
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Sounds like Maxwell had some anger issues:-)
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45 Years Ago: The Beatles Begin Recording ?Maxwell?s Silver Hammer? by Dave Lifton July 9, 2014 2:50 PM http://ultimateclassicrock.com/beatles-maxwells-silver-hammer/ Since Charles Manson has been in the news again - I thought of him & his blame the Beatles song: Helter Skelter The timing is all wrong ... but Maxwell seems to be a type of Manson btw - I love the song, never have been crazy about the lyrics
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Audley's Piano:
Looking around the Net, I've read the thoughts of others, and the reported statements by Sir Paul, by John who is said to have hated it, and by others. But, appearing on Abbey Road, an album which also refers to the breakup, I was wondering about the character of Maxwell Edison. Does he refer to anyone? Living near the Hollywood area and being somewhat versed in the history of the origins of the town, founded by Thomas Edison for his studio location, I find myself wondering about it.
The Beatles were such icons...living on Mt Olympus...that one thought every word of every song they did had significant meaning/social significance. I mean it was The Beatles!!!! I recall being in Hawaii on vacation...in the early 70's, not all that old, and seeing this "street singer" performing all the Abbey Road songs and telling us the meaning of each. When he got to the subject song, he said it was a significant statement/commentary about violence in society. It all made sense to me. I ate it up. It would never have occurred to me at the time that the song was just....a little Paul ditty, novelty piece, that drove the other Beatles bonkers when recording it; one that Paul made them do over and over and over again.
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Beatles4Ever&Ever:
Audley's Piano:
Looking around the Net, I've read the thoughts of others, and the reported statements by Sir Paul, by John who is said to have hated it, and by others. But, appearing on Abbey Road, an album which also refers to the breakup, I was wondering about the character of Maxwell Edison. Does he refer to anyone? Living near the Hollywood area and being somewhat versed in the history of the origins of the town, founded by Thomas Edison for his studio location, I find myself wondering about it.
The Beatles were such icons...living on Mt Olympus...that one thought every word of every song they did had significant meaning/social significance. I mean it was The Beatles!!!! I recall being in Hawaii on vacation...in the early 70's, not all that old, and seeing this "street singer" performing all the Abbey Road songs and telling us the meaning of each. When he got to the subject song, he said it was a significant statement/commentary about violence in society. It all made sense to me. I ate it up. It would never have occurred to me at the time that the song was just....a little Paul ditty, novelty piece, that drove the other Beatles bonkers when recording it; one that Paul made them do over and over and over again.
In Hawaii in the early 70's? You didn't happen to catch the Brady's trying to foil Vincent Price?...... When we were kids at school, they used to get us to sing Yellow Submarine and Maxwell's Silver Hammer. I always thought it a nursery rhyme-type song, until many, many years later. Not even the teachers cottoned on at the time.
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toris:
Beatles4Ever&Ever:
Audley's Piano:
Looking around the Net, I've read the thoughts of others, and the reported statements by Sir Paul, by John who is said to have hated it, and by others. But, appearing on Abbey Road, an album which also refers to the breakup, I was wondering about the character of Maxwell Edison. Does he refer to anyone? Living near the Hollywood area and being somewhat versed in the history of the origins of the town, founded by Thomas Edison for his studio location, I find myself wondering about it.
The Beatles were such icons...living on Mt Olympus...that one thought every word of every song they did had significant meaning/social significance. I mean it was The Beatles!!!! I recall being in Hawaii on vacation...in the early 70's, not all that old, and seeing this "street singer" performing all the Abbey Road songs and telling us the meaning of each. When he got to the subject song, he said it was a significant statement/commentary about violence in society. It all made sense to me. I ate it up. It would never have occurred to me at the time that the song was just....a little Paul ditty, novelty piece, that drove the other Beatles bonkers when recording it; one that Paul made them do over and over and over again.
In Hawaii in the early 70's? You didn't happen to catch the Brady's trying to foil Vincent Price?...... When we were kids at school, they used to get us to sing Yellow Submarine and Maxwell's Silver Hammer. I always thought it a nursery rhyme-type song, until many, many years later. Not even the teachers cottoned on at the time.
In my school, they had a class of kids sing "With A Little Help From My Friends," but they didn't sing "I get high"! I would have killed to be with the Bradys in Hawaii, perhaps with a silver hammer. I still think it's funny that the album version has Paul laughing through the "writing fifty times" part. No wonder they spent so long on it, if Paul kept screwing up (I know the music was basically finished by this point); they must have decided this was the best take they were gonna get, so they just left the laughter and clowning in there.
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favoritething:
toris:
Beatles4Ever&Ever:
Audley's Piano:
Looking around the Net, I've read the thoughts of others, and the reported statements by Sir Paul, by John who is said to have hated it, and by others. But, appearing on Abbey Road, an album which also refers to the breakup, I was wondering about the character of Maxwell Edison. Does he refer to anyone? Living near the Hollywood area and being somewhat versed in the history of the origins of the town, founded by Thomas Edison for his studio location, I find myself wondering about it.
The Beatles were such icons...living on Mt Olympus...that one thought every word of every song they did had significant meaning/social significance. I mean it was The Beatles!!!! I recall being in Hawaii on vacation...in the early 70's, not all that old, and seeing this "street singer" performing all the Abbey Road songs and telling us the meaning of each. When he got to the subject song, he said it was a significant statement/commentary about violence in society. It all made sense to me. I ate it up. It would never have occurred to me at the time that the song was just....a little Paul ditty, novelty piece, that drove the other Beatles bonkers when recording it; one that Paul made them do over and over and over again.
In Hawaii in the early 70's? You didn't happen to catch the Brady's trying to foil Vincent Price?...... When we were kids at school, they used to get us to sing Yellow Submarine and Maxwell's Silver Hammer. I always thought it a nursery rhyme-type song, until many, many years later. Not even the teachers cottoned on at the time.
In my school, they had a class of kids sing "With A Little Help From My Friends," but they didn't sing "I get high"! I would have killed to be with the Bradys in Hawaii, perhaps with a silver hammer. I still think it's funny that the album version has Paul laughing through the "writing fifty times" part. No wonder they spent so long on it, if Paul kept screwing up (I know the music was basically finished by this point); they must have decided this was the best take they were gonna get, so they just left the laughter and clowning in there.
Ha! I'm thinking Jan could've done with the silver hammer.... Might've left Carol off the hook. She was a babe. Well, I say that now, cos at the time I was "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia"... I am getting older now.... mind you, not so old I'm starting to get a thing for Alice. This song might not be a masterpiece in its own right, but it is an underrated gem that showcases McCartney's wonderful versatility... and so beautifully sits as the pickle/condiment/mustard/tomato sauce in the sandwich that separates two of the greatest Beatle songs of all time - Something and Oh! Darling.
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favoritething:
toris:
Beatles4Ever&Ever:
Audley's Piano:
Looking around the Net, I've read the thoughts of others, and the reported statements by Sir Paul, by John who is said to have hated it, and by others. But, appearing on Abbey Road, an album which also refers to the breakup, I was wondering about the character of Maxwell Edison. Does he refer to anyone? Living near the Hollywood area and being somewhat versed in the history of the origins of the town, founded by Thomas Edison for his studio location, I find myself wondering about it.
The Beatles were such icons...living on Mt Olympus...that one thought every word of every song they did had significant meaning/social significance. I mean it was The Beatles!!!! I recall being in Hawaii on vacation...in the early 70's, not all that old, and seeing this "street singer" performing all the Abbey Road songs and telling us the meaning of each. When he got to the subject song, he said it was a significant statement/commentary about violence in society. It all made sense to me. I ate it up. It would never have occurred to me at the time that the song was just....a little Paul ditty, novelty piece, that drove the other Beatles bonkers when recording it; one that Paul made them do over and over and over again.
In Hawaii in the early 70's? You didn't happen to catch the Brady's trying to foil Vincent Price?...... When we were kids at school, they used to get us to sing Yellow Submarine and Maxwell's Silver Hammer. I always thought it a nursery rhyme-type song, until many, many years later. Not even the teachers cottoned on at the time.
In my school, they had a class of kids sing "With A Little Help From My Friends," but they didn't sing "I get high"! I would have killed to be with the Bradys in Hawaii, perhaps with a silver hammer. I still think it's funny that the album version has Paul laughing through the "writing fifty times" part. No wonder they spent so long on it, if Paul kept screwing up (I know the music was basically finished by this point); they must have decided this was the best take they were gonna get, so they just left the laughter and clowning in there.
I never really was a fan of the Brady's....and would not have paid them the slightest attention! I have always liked little "mistakes" the Beatles left in songs...i.e., Paul giggling in the subject song on that one line. (The absolute funniest performance of that song was one done by the immortal Peggy Lee....in her "Is That All There Is?" style; so serious and never cracking even the slightest smile...or indicating in any way that she got the joke. Now THAT was hilarious!!!! It was on a Beatles' Tribute show on TV that, for whatever reason, had all these "older" stars singing all the songs....no contemporaries of the Beatles were included. ) I love when John gets the lyrics slightly wrong in "Please Please Me"...singing "I" when it should be "you". Love the little background talking in "Hey Jude". Heck, I even love the Anthology version of "And Your Bird Can Sing" when John and Paul have that giggling fit.
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I crack up every time I hear them in the laughing version of And Your Bird Can Sing!
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It's English Alfred Hitchcock black humor (?). Paul's morbid side? It's spritely and moves along nicely, quickly, while imparting a chill. Made me wonder a little bit about Paul's so-called usual cheery wholesomeness.