- Written by: Lennon-McCartney
- Recorded Dates: June 26, 27; July 1, 23, 1968
- Producer: George Martin
- Engineers: Geoff Emerick, Ken Scott
- Release Dates: November 22, 1968 (UK), November 25, 1968 (US)
- Available on Album: The Beatles (White Album)
Personnel
- John Lennon: vocals, guitar, percussion, handclaps
- Paul McCartney: backing vocals, bass, percussion, handclaps
- George Harrison: backing vocals, lead guitar, percussion, handclaps
- Ringo Starr: drums, percussion, handclaps
About The Song
The Beatles’ song “Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except for Me and My Monkey” is a complex and enigmatic song that has been interpreted in many different ways over the years.
Some believe that the song is about the paranoia and distrust that was prevalent in the late 1960s. Others believe that it is about the hypocrisy of the establishment, or the hypocrisy of individuals in general. Still others believe that the song is simply a playful and whimsical fantasy.
The song’s lyrics are full of ambiguity and double meaning. For example, the line “everybody’s got something to hide” could be interpreted to mean that everyone has something they are ashamed of, or that everyone has something they are trying to keep secret. The line “except for me and my monkey” could be interpreted to mean that the narrator and their monkey are the only ones who are honest and sincere, or that they are the only ones who are not afraid to show their true selves.
John Lennon, who wrote the song, has said that it is about “the fear of being oneself.” He also said that the monkey is a symbol of the “inner child.”
Ultimately, the meaning of “Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except for Me and My Monkey” is up to the individual listener to decide. The song is a rich and complex work of art that can be interpreted in many different ways.
Here is a more detailed analysis of the song’s lyrics:
- Verse 1: The narrator sets the scene for the song, describing a world where everyone is paranoid and distrustful. The narrator sings, “Everybody’s got something to hide / Except for me and my monkey.” This line suggests that the narrator and their monkey are the only ones who are honest and sincere.
- Chorus: The chorus of the song is simple but effective. The narrator repeats the line “everybody’s got something to hide / Except for me and my monkey.” This line emphasizes the narrator’s belief that he and his monkey are different from other people.
- Verse 2: The narrator goes on to describe the hypocrisy of the people around him. He sings, “The people in the streets / They stare at me and smile / But their eyes are empty / And their words are all lies.” This line suggests that the people in the world are not what they seem. They are pretending to be happy and friendly, but they are actually hiding their true selves.
- Chorus: The narrator repeats the chorus of the song, again emphasizing his belief that he and his monkey are different from other people.
- Bridge: The bridge of the song is a more philosophical passage. The narrator sings, “I don’t know what’s going on / But I know it’s not right / I don’t know what they’re trying to hide / But I know it’s not right.” This passage suggests that the narrator is aware of the hypocrisy and distrust that surrounds him, but he doesn’t understand it. He knows that something is wrong, but he doesn’t know what.
- Chorus: The narrator repeats the chorus of the song one last time.
- Outro: The song ends with the narrator repeating the line “everybody’s got something to hide / Except for me and my monkey.” This line leaves the listener with the impression that the narrator and their monkey are the only ones who are honest and sincere.
“Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except for Me and My Monkey” is a challenging and thought-provoking song. It is a song that makes the listener think about the world around them and their place in it. It is a song that is still relevant today, over 50 years after it was released.