Sexy Sadie
The BeatlesȀ Lyrics


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Sexy Sadie what have you done
You made a fool of everyone
You made a fool of everyone
Sexy Sadie ooh what have you done.

Sexy Sadie you broke the rules
You laid it down for all to see
You laid it down for all to see
Sexy Sadie ooh you broke the rules.

One sunny day the world was waiting for a lover
She came along and turned on everyone
Sexy Sadie, the greatest of them all.

Sexy Sadie how did you know
The world was waiting just for you
The world was waiting just for you
Sexy Sadie ooh how did you know.

Sexy Sadie you'll get yours yet
However big you think you are
However big you think you are
Sexy Sadie ooh you'll get yours yet.

We gave her everything we owned just to sit at her table
Just a smile would lighten everything
Sexy Sadie she's the latest and the greatest of them all.

She made a fool of everyone
Sexy Sadie.





However big you think you are
Sexy Sadie.

Overall Meaning

The song "Sexy Sadie" by The Beatles was written by John Lennon and is about the spiritual guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The song was originally titled "Maharishi" but Lennon changed it to "Sexy Sadie" because he felt this name would better suit the lyrics which describe Sadie as a manipulative woman who took advantage of people's faith in her.


The lyrics express the disappointment and betrayal felt by Lennon and the other Beatles when Maharishi allegedly made advances toward Mia Farrow's sister during a meditation retreat in India. The refrain "Sexy Sadie, what have you done?" reflects the sense of betrayal and disillusionment felt by Lennon toward his former spiritual leader who he believed had let him down.


The line "We gave her everything we owned just to sit at her table" refers to the Beatles' generosity towards Maharishi, as they had donated a significant amount of money to his organization and had put their trust in him as a spiritual leader. The song essentially serves as a warning to others to be cautious of those who use their position of power to manipulate others.


Line by Line Meaning

Sexy Sadie what have you done
Addressing Sexy Sadie, the singer questions her for what she has done.


You made a fool of everyone
The singer blames Sexy Sadie for causing humiliation and embarrassment to everyone.


You made a fool of everyone
The singer reiterates that Sexy Sadie is responsible for everyone's foolishness and stupidity.


Sexy Sadie ooh what have you done.
The singer expresses shock and disbelief towards Sexy Sadie's actions.


Sexy Sadie you broke the rules
The singer accuses Sexy Sadie of violating established norms and principles.


You laid it down for all to see
The singer acknowledges that Sexy Sadie acted publicly without concern for others.


You laid it down for all to see
The singer repeats that Sexy Sadie didn't care about exposing her actions to everyone.


Sexy Sadie ooh you broke the rules.
The singer expresses disappointment and disapproval towards Sexy Sadie's behavior.


One sunny day the world was waiting for a lover
The singer recalls a time when people were looking for a romantic partner.


She came along and turned on everyone
The singer explains that Sexy Sadie appeared and seduced everyone.


Sexy Sadie, the greatest of them all.
The singer praises Sexy Sadie for being the most attractive and desirable person.


Sexy Sadie how did you know
The singer questions Sexy Sadie about how she was aware of her own desirability.


The world was waiting just for you
The singer affirms that everyone was hoping to meet someone like Sexy Sadie.


The world was waiting just for you
The singer repeats that Sexy Sadie's arrival was eagerly awaited by everyone.


Sexy Sadie ooh how did you know.
The singer repeats his earlier question, conveying his sense of amazement.


Sexy Sadie you'll get yours yet
The singer warns Sexy Sadie that she will face the consequences of her actions soon.


However big you think you are
The singer suggests that Sexy Sadie has an exaggerated sense of importance.


However big you think you are
The singer repeats that Sexy Sadie may overestimate her significance to others.


Sexy Sadie ooh you'll get yours yet.
The singer repeats his previous warning, emphasizing that Sexy Sadie will suffer the consequences of her actions.


We gave her everything we owned just to sit at her table
The singer explains that people were willing to sacrifice their possessions to gain access to Sexy Sadie's company.


Just a smile would lighten everything
The singer acknowledges that Sexy Sadie had the power to make people happy with just a smile.


Sexy Sadie she's the latest and the greatest of them all.
The singer repeats his earlier assertion that Sexy Sadie is the most desirable person around.


She made a fool of everyone
The singer reiterates that Sexy Sadie caused people to feel foolish and naive.


Sexy Sadie.
The song ends with a repetition of the titular character's name, conveying a sense of disappointment and frustration towards her actions.


However big you think you are
The song ends with a repetition of the warning towards Sexy Sadie, suggesting that her downfall is inevitable.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON, JOHN WINSTON LENNON, PAUL MCCARTNEY, PAUL JAMES MCCARTNEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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