The character was instantly recognisable by his spherical head, styled like an early Max Fleischer cartoon. This was initially made from papier-mâché, but later rebuilt out of fibreglass.
Frank, usually dressed in a 1950s-style sharp suit, was portrayed as an aspiring pop star from the village of Timperley near Altrincham, Greater Manchester. His character was optimistic, enthusiastic, and seemingly unaware of his failings. Although seemingly middle-aged, he still lived at home with his mother, to whom he made frequent references. His mother was apparently unaware of her son's popularity. Frank sometimes had a sidekick in the form of "Little Frank", a hand puppet who was otherwise a perfect copy of Frank.
Comedy character Mrs Merton started out as Frank's sidekick on his radio show "Radio Timperley", and the similarity of the characters is evident, exuding a sense of great ambition which belies a domestic lifestyle in the north of England. Sidebottom's former "Oh Blimey Big Band" members include Mark Radcliffe and Jon Ronson, and his driver was Chris Evans.
Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite
Frank Sidebottom Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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!
Performs his feat on Saturday at Bishops Gate
The Hendersons will dance and sing
As Mr. Kite fly's 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 summer sets 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" by Frank Sidebottom describe a circus performance that will be held for Mr. Kite's benefit. The song paints a vivid picture of the carnival atmosphere, with trampolines, acrobatics, horse displays, and even a hogshead of fire. The Hendersons, a family of performers, will be there to dance and sing, and Mr. Kite himself will perform his feat on Saturday at Bishops Gate. The production is touted as being second to none, and Henry the Horse will even dance the waltz.
The lyrics capture the excitement and wonder of a circus performance, with the various acts described in detail. Each section of the song builds on the previous one, ramping up the excitement until Mr Kite finally tops the bill. The imagery used is whimsical and imaginative, with men and horses performing tricks, and hogsheads of fire adding to the drama. Overall, the song is a celebration of the joys of the circus and the thrill of a live performance.
Line by Line Meaning
For the benefit of Mr. Kite
This show is happening solely for the entertainment of Mr. Kite
There will be a show tonight on trampoline
Tonight there will be a show featuring a trampoline as a main attraction
The Hendersons will all be there
The Hendersons will be in attendance for the show
Late of Pablo Fanques Fair-what a scene
The Hendersons were in a previous show called Pablo Fanques Fair, and it was quite the spectacle
Over men and horses hoops and garters
The show will contain elements such as jumping over men and horses, hoops, and garters
Lastly through a hogshead of real fire!
The final act of the show will involve Mr. Kite going through a barrel filled with real fire
In this way Mr. K. will challenge the world!
By performing in this show, Mr. Kite will be challenging the world to match his level of entertainment
The celebrated Mr. K.
Mr. Kite is a well-known and celebrated figure
Performs his feat on Saturday at Bishops Gate
Mr. Kite's performance will take place on Saturday at Bishops Gate
The Hendersons will dance and sing
The Hendersons will provide additional entertainment by singing and dancing in the show
As Mr. Kite fly's through the ring don't be late
Don't be late to the show, as Mr. Kite will be performing an aerial act that shouldn't be missed
Messrs. K and H. assure the public
Both Mr. Kite and Mr. Henderson guarantee that their show will be of the highest quality
Their production will be second to none
Their show will be the best of its kind and can't be beat
And of course Henry The Horse dances the waltz!
Henry The Horse will also be performing in the show by dancing the waltz
The band begins at ten to six
The live music for the show will begin at ten to six
When Mr. K. performs his tricks without a sound
Mr. Kite will be performing his tricks silently during this part of the show
And Mr. H. will demonstrate
Mr. Henderson will also have his own demonstration during the show
Ten summer sets he'll undertake on solid ground
Mr. Henderson will be performing ten complex moves on solid ground
Having been some days in preparation
The show has been preparing for this performance for several days
A splendid time is guaranteed for all
Everyone who attends the show is guaranteed to have a great time
And tonight Mr. Kite is topping the bill
Mr. Kite is the main attraction of the show tonight
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind