The Beatles
Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite Lyrics
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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!
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 summersets 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!
The lyrics to "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite" is a joyous carnival ditty telling of an extraordinary sideshow spectacle. The song starts with boasting of a show on a trampoline which would have the Hendersons performing their acts, the group who were a legitimate Victorian circus family. The Hendersons, who once performed with Pablo Fanque's Fair, are merely one of the many park attractions in the song, described as "Hoops and Garters." This is a reference to the acrobatics that were performed by circus artists, where men and horses would jump through hoops and women would dance with garters. The song also makes a reference to the traditional 'real fire' act where a person would jump through a flaming hoop. The song ends with the assurance that both Mr. K and H are positive that their show will be second to none.
The song is written in the style of an elaborate circus announcement, and as the song progresses, the list of attractions and features grows more surreal. However, the overall construct is not entirely based on John's own imagination. Lennon found an 1843 circus poster in an antique shop in Kent while they were filming the promotional video for "Strawberry Fields Forever" in January 1967. This poster was advertising a fair held on the 15 and 16 of February 1843, which featured an appearance by Pablo Fanque's circus. The picture listed a large number of acts, including one William Kite, whom it referred to as "Mr. Kite." The poster became inspiration for this lighthearted and whimsical song.
Line by Line Meaning
For the benefit of Mr. Kite
This performance is taking place for the enjoyment of Mr. Kite.
There will be a show tonight on trampoline
Tonight's event will feature performers jumping and flipping on a trampoline.
The Hendersons will all be there
Members of the Henderson family will be present at the show.
Late of Pablo Fanques Fair, what a scene!
The Hendersons were previously performers in Pablo Fanque's traveling circus, and they will continue to amaze the audience.
Over men and horses hoops and garters
Performers will jump over obstacles like men and horses, while wearing hoops and garters.
Lastly through a hogshead of real fire!
The final act will involve a performer jumping through a real barrel of fire.
In this way Mr. K. will challenge the world!
Mr. Kite's performance will push boundaries and impress all who witness it.
The celebrated Mr. K.
Mr. Kite is highly regarded and respected in the world of performance.
Performs his feat on Saturday at Bishopsgate
Mr. Kite will display his skills and entertain audiences on the upcoming Saturday in Bishopsgate.
The Hendersons will dance and sing
The Hendersons will perform a lively dance and sing a song during the show.
As Mr. Kite flies through the ring, don't be late!
It's important to arrive on time so as not to miss the thrilling moment when Mr. Kite jumps through a ring.
Messrs. K and H assure the public
Mr. Kite and Mr. Henderson promise audience members an exceptional show.
Their production will be second to none
The quality of their performance cannot be matched by any other show.
And of course Henry The Horse dances the waltz!
A talented horse named Henry will also perform a graceful waltz dance.
The band begins at ten to six
The musical accompaniment for the performance will start at 5:50 pm.
When Mr. K. performs his tricks without a sound
Mr. Kite will perform his stunts with such grace and ease that no sound can even be heard.
And Mr. H will demonstrate
Mr. Henderson will also showcase his own impressive tricks.
Ten summersets he'll undertake on solid ground
Mr. Henderson will execute ten backflips on the ground flawlessly.
Having been some days in preparation
The performers have been rehearsing for several days to ensure the show is perfect.
A splendid time is guaranteed for all
Audience members can expect to have a wonderful time and be thoroughly entertained.
And tonight Mr. Kite is topping the bill!
Mr. Kite is the main attraction of the evening's performance and will be the most impressive act.
Contributed by Charlie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.