Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite! (Takes 1 & 2)
The Beatles · Anthology (Part 2) [1996]
For the benefit of Mr. Kite
there will be a show tonight on trampoline
The Hendersons will all be there
late of Pablo Fanques'fair, what a scene
Over men and horses hoops and garters
and lastly through a hogshead of real fire
In this way Mr. K will challenge the world
The celebrated Mr. K
performs his feats on Saturday at Bishopsgate
The Hendersons will dance and sing
as Mr. Kite flies through the ring, don't be late
Messers 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 somersets 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
there will be a show tonight on trampoline
The Hendersons will all be there
late of Pablo Fanques'fair, what a scene
Over men and horses hoops and garters
and lastly through a hogshead of real fire
In this way Mr. K will challenge the world
The celebrated Mr. K
performs his feats on Saturday at Bishopsgate
The Hendersons will dance and sing
as Mr. Kite flies through the ring, don't be late
Messers 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 somersets 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
Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!
Released in 1952, this experimental recording by The Beatles features a unique vocal arrangement where the band sings in unison while a harmonica player mimics a kite's flight. The track, originally recorded by the Lennon-McCartney duo for the EMI catalog, was later included on The Beatles' official discography. Its inclusion on Anthology (Part 2) highlighted its significance as a rare studio experiment that showcases the group's early interest in unconventional vocal techniques and sound effects. The piece remains a fascinating artifact of the band's pre-fame period, demonstrating their willingness to explore creative boundaries long before achieving global stardom.