What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
A form of communication used for patients suffering with “locked-in syndrome,” where the patient becomes paralyzed but brain activity remains intact. It suggests the narrator feels like merely a shadow of a human being, not able to express even the slightest form of doubt to the outside world while being caged with it inside their mind.
The French film, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly tells the poignant story of someone who suffered from just this illness.
And he wants you all to sing along
So let me introduce to you
The one and only Billy Shears The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
Billy Shears is an alias of Ringo Starr’s. “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band” seamlessly transitions into the next track, “A Little Help From My Friends," featuring Starr on lead vocals.
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
McCartney has plenty of grandchildren, with names including Reiley, Bailey, Miller, Sam, Sid, Elliott, and Arthur. However there is no Vera, Chuck, or Dave, at least yet.
The Beatles have always had fun naming their fictional characters, like many of the others these ones have their origin in pure spontaneity, a Lennon remarked:
When I’m Sixty-Four was something Paul wrote in the Cavern days. We just stuck a few more words on it like ‘grandchildren on your knee’ and ‘Vera, Chuck and Dave’. It was just one of those ones that he’d had, that we’ve all got, really; half a song. And this was just one that was quite a hit with us. We used to do them when the amps broke down, just sing it on the piano.
In the Isle of Wight, if it's not too dear The Beatles – When I'm Sixty-Four
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
The Isle of Wight has been a resort destination in England since Victorian times.
The scenery is just beautiful.
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
Even the most mundane chores will be wonderful with the company of his lover.
It’s also a nice way to relax if you are retired, enjoy the fragrances and the sunshine, maybe have a little dirt fight? Maybe dare each other to eat a worm? That might be going a little too far… the point is there is much pleasure to be found in a garden.
When your lights have gone
You can knit a sweater by the fireside
Sunday mornings go for a ride The Beatles – When I'm Sixty-Four
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
This verse encapsulates the appeal of the song. It is written from the hopeful naivete of a young amorous boy (McCartney was only 16 when he first wrote the song!) and therefore represents the timeless longing of ideal domestic love.
The lines come off as quaint and borderline adorable representing a slow yet enjoyable and active existence of two lovers grown old together.
Where rocking horse people eat marshmallow pies The Beatles – Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
Towering over your head The Beatles – Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
Cellophane is a thin, transparent material made from regenerated cellulose. The imagery presented in the lyrics gives the sense of tall, colorful, yet translucent flowers, which could only be derived from the imagination.
Cellophane tape is also frequently used in the making of kaleidoscopes, so this may follow from the kaleidoscope eyes of the last line. The cellophane in a kaleidoscope is reflected into colorful symmetrical shapes that could be described as looking like flowers.
Got the bill and Rita paid it The Beatles – Lovely Rita
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
Meter maids are always given this cold-hearted stereo type, however this one is charming and provided good company for dinner. As soon as the narrator expresses his interest, this meter maid picked up the tab! What a gal!! More like a meter maiden.
Sounds like she’s “Heaven-Cent” (very bad pun)
And wonder why they don't get in my door The Beatles – Fixing a Hole
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
1,410