From Revolver to The White Album
As news breaks that Revolver, the Beatles’ seventh album, is set for a new reissue, fans are once again reminded of the group’s astonishing creative run. Yet for many, it is their ninth studio album — the White Album — that remains the crown jewel of their catalogue. Released in 1968, this sprawling double record showcased an extraordinary range of styles, from delicate ballads to thunderous rock. Much of its music was born during the band’s stay in India, where they pursued transcendental meditation under the guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
But those weeks in Rishikesh were not entirely serene. For George Harrison, who cherished the Maharishi’s teachings, it was a time of devotion and spiritual discovery. For John Lennon, it became the spark for one of his sharpest and most controversial songs.
The Rumor That Changed Everything
Tension erupted when rumors began to circulate — allegations that the Maharishi had behaved inappropriately toward actress Mia Farrow, who was also present at the retreat. The claims were never proven, but they unsettled the group. Lennon, never one to avoid confrontation, decided it was time to leave. Later, he recalled being the one who informed the Maharishi of their departure.
When asked why, Lennon offered a famously cryptic reply: “If you’re so cosmic, you’ll know why.”
Lennon’s Anger Becomes a Song
The incident left Lennon seething. He immediately began to shape his frustration into song. Early drafts of what would become “Sexy Sadie” carried blunt, unambiguous attacks, with lyrics that mentioned the Maharishi by name: “Maharishi, what have you done?” The song, in its rawest form, was more accusation than art.
Harrison’s Intervention
It was George Harrison who stepped in. Harrison, who maintained respect for the Maharishi long after the band left India, urged Lennon to reconsider. He argued that the lyrics were unfair, that they attacked a man based on a rumor that would linger long after the truth was forgotten. To soften the blow, Harrison suggested a new name: “Sexy Sadie.” By cloaking the critique in the guise of a fictional character, Lennon could channel his disillusionment without launching a direct personal attack.
Lennon agreed, and the song was reworked under its now-familiar title.
A Departure Turned Into Art
By Lennon’s own admission, the song was written in haste, “right before we left, with the bags packed.” That raw immediacy remains in its sneering tone, its cutting piano chords, and its biting refrain: “You made a fool of everyone.”Though never released as a single, “Sexy Sadie” has endured as one of the White Album’s most notorious tracks — a moment where spiritual hopes dissolved into cynicism.
Legacy of the White Album
In the years since, the White Album has only grown in stature. Certified 24 times platinum, it stands as one of the most successful records in history, its messy brilliance capturing the sound of a band both united and fracturing. For Harrison, the Indian retreat remained a source of genuine inspiration. For Lennon, it left behind one of his most barbed compositions.
And so, behind the White Album’s shimmering tapestry of music lies a story of faith, doubt, rumor, and reinvention — proof once again that for the Beatles, even discord could become art.