dccxvii. THE BEATLES: Maxwell's Silver Hammer

dccxvii. THE BEATLES

Maxwell's Silver Hammer (1969)
Paul, vocals, bass, keyboards
George, guitar, backing vocal
Ringo, drums, backing vocal
George Martin, organ
Mal Evans, anvil
(3:27)

from: Abbey Road

• Paul had become interested in Alfred Jarry's Ubu the King, and his concept of pataphysics, philosophy of the absurd and surrealism.
• Paul: "I am the only person who ever put the name of pataphysics into the record charts, c'mon! It was great. I love those surreal little touches."
• The theme of the song (said Paul) was a way to deal with unexpected problems (like murder!) when everything goes well.
• John refused to be involved in recording the song. "Just more of Paul's granny music."
• To make his bass sound like a tuba, Paul slurred the notes.