Poetry Train Monday - 150 - Being For the Benefit of Mr.Kite!

I was in a rather massive Beatles mood over the weekend, putting together a playlist to groove to while I'm in my writing cave. Here's one of my absolute favorites, the lyrics for which I'm featuring today on the Poetry Train.

The history of this song, being inspired by the poster shown here, has always intrigued me. Being a fan of found poetry, these lyrics had an early influence, encouraging me to be always open to whatever inspiration presents itself. One of the aspects that most stands out is the use of highly specific images. Late of Pablo Fanques' fair and Performs his feat on Saturday/At Bishopsgate are highly evocative because of their rich detail.

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Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite!


For the benefit of Mr. Kite
There will be a show tonight
On trampoline

The Hendersons will all be there
Late of Pablo Fanques' fair
What a scene

Over men and horses
Hoops and garters
Lastly through a hogshead
Of real fire
In this way Mr. K.
Will challenge the world

The celebrated Mr. K.
Performs his feat on Saturday
At Bishopsgate

The Hendersons will dance and sing
As Mr. Kite flies through the ring
Don't be late

Messrs K. and H.
Assure the public
Their production will be second to none
And of course Henry the Horse
Dances the waltz

The band begins at ten to six
When Mr. K. performs his tricks
Without a sound

And Mr. H. will demonstrate
Ten somersets he'll undertake
On solid ground

Having been some days
In preparation
A splendid time is guaranteed for all
And tonight Mr. Kite
Is topping the bill

- John Lennon / Paul McCartney, 1967





Nikita Banerjee says Loved the song!

Akelamalu says We're always in a Beatles mood at our house. :)

Travis says I can easily be coaxed into a Beatles frame of mind.