Baby You’re A Rich Man
The Beatles Lyrics


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How does it feel to be
One of the beautiful people
Now that you know who you are
What do you want to be
And have you traveled very far?
Far as the eye can see

How does it feel to be
One of the beautiful people
How often have you been there
Often enough to know
What did you see when you were there
Nothing that doesn't show

Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man, too
You keep all your money in a big brown bag inside a zoo
What a thing to do
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man, too

How does it feel to be
One of the beautiful people
Tuned to a natural E
Happy to be that way
Now that you've found another key
What are you going to play

Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man, too
You keep all your money in a big brown bag inside a zoo
What a thing to do
Baby, baby, you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man, too (oh)
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man (baby)
Baby you're a rich man, too
Baby you're a rich man




Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man, too

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Beatles' song Baby You’re A Rich Man are a commentary on the superficial nature of society and the obsession with wealth and status. The opening lines, "How does it feel to be one of the beautiful people, now that you know who you are," suggest that people who are considered to be rich and successful are perceived as being beautiful and powerful. The following line, "What do you want to be and have you traveled very far? Far as the eye can see," implies that the pursuit of wealth and success requires constant movement and a never-ending quest for more. The repetition of the phrase "How does it feel to be one of the beautiful people," emphasizes the importance of beauty and status in society.


The chorus, "Baby you're a rich man, you keep all your money in a big brown bag inside a zoo, what a thing to do," suggests that money and wealth can be easily accumulated and stored, yet it is meaningless without purpose. The line "Inside a zoo, what a thing to do," symbolizes the absurdity of accumulating wealth without utilizing it for a greater purpose. The bridge of the song, "Tuned to a natural E, happy to be that way, now that you've found another key, what are you going to play," suggests that true happiness comes from being yourself, finding your purpose in life, and pursuing it without regard to societal expectations.


Overall, the song is a commentary on the emptiness of seeking wealth and status without a greater purpose. It encourages listeners to find their purpose and pursue it without regard to societal expectations.


Line by Line Meaning

How does it feel to be
As one of the beautiful people, how does it feel to have achieved such status?


One of the beautiful people
Someone who is wealthy and influential and therefore considered beautiful in society's eyes


Now that you know who you are
After achieving status as one of the beautiful people, do you now have a better sense of your own identity?


What do you want to be
Do you have a specific goal in mind or are you content with your current status?


And have you traveled very far?
Have you ventured outside of your privileged lifestyle to experience other cultures or hardships?


Far as the eye can see
As far as your wealth and influence can take you.


How often have you been there
How often have you experienced the privileged lifestyle of the beautiful people?


Often enough to know
Have you experienced it enough to understand its true value and meaning?


What did you see when you were there
Did you witness any experiences that opened your eyes to the world beyond wealth and power?


Nothing that doesn't show
Did your experiences reveal anything that contradicts the superficial image of the beautiful people?


Baby you're a rich man
You have achieved great wealth and affluence


You keep all your money in a big brown bag
Despite having so much wealth, you hold onto it tightly and keep it hidden away


Inside a zoo, what a thing to do
Your wealth is like a wild animal that is kept caged and out of reach of the rest of the world


Tuned to a natural E
You are in harmony with your natural surroundings and your circumstances


Happy to be that way
You are content and satisfied with your current state


Now that you've found another key
Have you discovered another aspect of yourself or your life that you would like to pursue?


What are you going to play
What new experiences or ventures will you pursue with this newfound knowledge or interest?




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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