Maxwell's Silver Hammer

The Beatles · Abbey Road (Remastered) [2009]

Joan was quizzical, studied pataphysical

Science in the home

Late nights all alone with a test tube

Oh, oh, oh, oh

Maxwell Edison, majoring in medicine

Calls her on the phone

Can I take you out to the pictures Jo-o-o-oan?

But as she's getting ready to go

A knock comes on the door



Bang, bang Maxwell's silver hammer

came down upon her head

bang, bang Maxwell's silver hammer

made sure that she was dead



Back in school again Maxwell plays the fool again

Teacher gets annoyed

Wishing to avoid and unpleasant scene-e-e-ene

She tells Max to stay when the class has gone away

So he waits behind

Writing fifty times I must not be so-o-o-o

But when she turns her back on the boy

He creeps up from behind



Bang, Bang Maxwell's silver hammer

came down upon her head

Bang, bang Maxwell's silver hammer

made sure that she was dead



P.C. thirty one said we've caught a dirty one

Maxwell stands alone

Painting testimonial pictures, oh, oh, oh, oh

Rose and Valerie screaming from the gallery

Say he must go free

The judge does not agree, and he tells them so-o-o-o

But, as the words are leaving his lips

A noise comes from behind



Bang, Bang Maxwell's silver hammer

came down upon his head

Bang, bang Maxwell's silver hammer

made sure that he was dead

Silver hammer man

Maxwell's Silver Hammer

Released on The Beatles' iconic Abbey Road album, 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer' stands as a stark departure from the band's earlier pop sensibilities. The track features a distinctive, percussive guitar riff and a dramatic, almost theatrical vocal delivery that underscores the song's satirical lyrics. It serves as a commentary on the perceived hypocrisy of the time, utilizing a dark, gothic aesthetic that contrasts sharply with the album's preceding upbeat tracks. This recording exemplifies The Beatles' willingness to experiment with darker themes and unconventional musical structures during their final studio sessions, cementing the song's status as a cult classic within the band's discography.