Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me and My Monkey

Zoo Freaks, you're tuned into THE ZOO with the Zoo Crew, spinning the wild vibes of The Beatles with their track "Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me and My Monkey" from the iconic White Album. This raw, psychedelic rocker, penned by John Lennon, captures the electric buzz of 1968. Lennon revealed in a 1980 interview with San Francisco DJ Dave Sholin that the song was inspired by his blossoming love with Yoko Ono, saying, "It was about me and Yoko. Everybody seemed to be paranoid except for us two, who were in the glow of love." The title, a playful twist on a Maharishi Mahesh Yogi saying, had "and my monkey" tacked on by Lennon, sparking endless debates about its meaning—some, like Paul McCartney, speculated it hinted at heroin, though Lennon denied it. George Harrison noted the song’s core phrases, like "come on is such a joy," were straight from the Maharishi’s teachings during their Rishikesh retreat in early 1968.

The track’s frenetic energy came alive during recording sessions in June and July 1968 at EMI Studios. The Beatles, fresh off their psychedelic phase, leaned into a gritty rock sound, with Lennon’s searing vocals and Harrison’s jagged guitar riffs stealing the show. Fun fact: the final mix was sped up by running the tape at 43 hertz instead of 50, bumping the key from D to E major for that extra manic edge. Paul McCartney’s frantic handbell shaking and background whoops added to the chaos, making it one of their most visceral performances. Fans on Reddit rave about Harrison’s riffs, with one user, beardlesshipster, gushing, "Someone handed George Harrison that Gibson SG and he just fucking took off." The song’s also been covered by artists like Fats Domino, who Lennon praised in a 1972 interview, and Soundgarden during a 1989 Peel session, showing its lasting bite.

Now, let’s rewind to how The Beatles kicked off their legendary journey. Formed in Liverpool in 1960, the Fab Four—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—started as a scrappy skiffle group called The Quarrymen. Rooted in 1950s rock and roll, they honed their chops playing gritty clubs in Hamburg and Liverpool’s Cavern Club. Their early sound blended pop, rock, and skiffle, but it was their songwriting prowess and charisma that sparked Beatlemania by 1963. Manager Brian Epstein polished their image, and producer George Martin shaped their innovative sound, leading to global domination. From "Please Please Me" to genre-bending works like Sgt. Pepper’s, they redefined music, blending pop ballads, psychedelic rock, and classical elements. Their cultural impact, embodying the 1960s counterculture, cemented them as the most influential band ever.

Zoo Freaks, you can dive deeper into The Beatles’ world on their official website, packed with news, discography, and archival gems. Connect with them on Facebook, where millions share memories and updates, or follow their vibrant Instagram for throwback photos and videos. On X, they keep the conversation alive with fans posting about tracks like this one—check out @BeatlemaniaUK’s love for this song’s raw energy. For fan-driven vibes, About The Beatles offers detailed song histories, and the Beatles Fans Facebook group is a lively spot for Zoo Freaks to swap stories and trivia. Keep it locked to THE ZOO for more classic spins!