Octopus's Garden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids "Octopus's Garden" |
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Cover of the song's sheet music
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| Song by the Beatles | |
| from the album Abbey Road | |
| Released | 26 September 1969 |
| Recorded | 26 and 29 April, 17 – 18 July 1969 |
| Studio | EMI, London |
| Genre | Pop, rock |
| Length | 2:48 |
| Label | Apple |
| Songwriter(s) | Richard Starkey |
| Producer(s) | George Martin |
"Octopus's Garden" is a popular song by The Beatles. Ringo Starr, the band's drummer, wrote this song for their 1969 album, Abbey Road. It is one of only two songs Ringo wrote for the Beatles.
George Harrison, another member of The Beatles, helped Ringo work on the song. Harrison thought it was a lovely and peaceful song. He said it could make you feel calm and happy.
The Story Behind the Song
Ringo Starr got the idea for "Octopus's Garden" in 1968. He was on a boat in Sardinia, owned by comedian Peter Sellers. Ringo ordered fish and chips, but he was served squid instead! It was his first time trying squid. He said it was "OK" but "a bit rubbery."
The boat's captain then told Ringo something interesting. He explained how octopuses collect shiny objects and stones. They use these items to build special "gardens" on the ocean floor. This idea inspired Ringo to write a song about a peaceful place under the sea.
The song includes the words, "Oh what joy for every girl and boy / Knowing they're happy and they're safe." Because of these lyrics, many people think of "Octopus's Garden" as a song for children. It is often compared to other kid-friendly Beatles songs like "Yellow Submarine". The famous Muppets have even performed this song many times on their shows!
How the Song Was Made
The Beatles recorded the main music for "Octopus's Garden" on April 26, 1969. The band members played their instruments:
- George Harrison and John Lennon played electric guitars.
- Paul McCartney played the bass guitar.
- Ringo Starr played the drums.
The Beatles themselves were listed as the producers for this song. They worked hard, needing 32 tries to get the recording just right.
For the backing vocals, Paul McCartney and George Harrison sang together. Their voices were changed using special studio equipment to make them sound bubbly. George Harrison also added a fun sound effect. He blew bubbles into a glass of milk using a straw, which was recorded and added to the song!
Who Played on the Song?
Here are the musicians who performed on "Octopus's Garden":
- Ringo Starr – Lead vocal, drums, percussion, and cool sound effects.
- George Harrison – Backing vocal, lead guitar, and synthesizer.
- Paul McCartney – Backing vocal, bass, and piano.
- John Lennon – guitar.
See also
In Spanish: Octopus's Garden para niños
