Baby, You're a Rich Man

Album: Magical Mystery Tour

Year: 1967

Written by: Lennon & McCartney

As was common earlier in The Beatles's career, Baby, You're a Rich Man was recorded in just one day. It was written as a hybrid of sorts, as John once described in an interview: 

"That's a combination of two separate pieces, Paul's and mine, put together and forced into one song. One half was all mine. [Sings] 'How does it feel to be one of the beautiful people, now that you know who you are, da da da da.' Then Paul comes in with [sings] 'Baby, you're a rich man,' which was a lick he had around."

Many fans believe that this song refers to Beatles manager and dear friend Brian Epstein, but neither John nor Paul ever confirmed that it was.

In keeping with The Beatles' wonderful tradition of experimentation, Baby, You're a Rich Man features an interesting instrument. John plays the clavioline, which is the wailing, Indian-like sound heard throughout the song (and which always sounded a little like the bagpipes to me). As usual, John double-tracks his lead vocal, while he, Paul, and George all provide backing vocals. It's possible, though unconfirmed, that Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones also sings along during outro.