The Beatles - Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite! Lyrics

The Beatles Lyrics

"Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!"

For the benefit of Mr. Kite,
There will be a show tonight
On trampoline.

The Hendersons will all be there.
Late of Pablo Fanque's 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!

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!

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Thanks to Jonny for correcting these lyrics.

Writer(s): Paul McCartney, John Lennon

John Lennon wrote this song based on an old circus poster he bought on a break during the filming of the videos for "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "Penny Lane". John said, "'Mr. Kite' was a straight lift. I had all the words staring me in the face one day when I was looking for a song. It was from this old poster I'd bought at an antique shop." The poster advertised Pablo Fanque's Circus Royal appearance at Rochdale.

The "Being for the benefit of..." phrase was often used in the 19th century when testimonial performances were advertised in Britain.

The name "Henry The Horse" was made up by John Lennon, because it sounded musically better than "Zanthus", the original horse's name in the circus poster.

"Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!" lyrics

The Beatles Lyrics