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12.23am
7 November 2022
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Shamrock Womlbs said
meanmistermustard said
Was listening to the isolated tracks of this and John’s guitar has a real relaxing oceany floating feel to part of it which really suits the theme of the song, the backing vocals are gorgeous, the bubble effects are so much fun to hear, and the watery effects on the vocals during the solo are so cool. For a song they could have turned out in 5 minutes they really pulled the stops in making this a fun song.
And the intro is sooo cool!
I think the intro/outro and solo guitar are all George. John is doing the excellent yeoman’s work of guitar accompaniment. What surprised me just now (listening to the isolated) is that it’s finger-picked. I could have sworn it was plectral.
“…John Lennon’s finger-picked rhythm guitar on [track] four…”
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Rube, BeatlebugNow today I find, you have changed your mind
5.24pm
1 December 2009
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Listening now, and the significance of the final lyric (“…no-one there to tell us what to do”) only just occurred to me – how it seemingly alludes to the argument with Paul that eventually led to the circumstances under which the song was originally written. (And possibly the “storm” was meant to represent recent stormy relations between the band, as well as literally?)
That the song finishes with its most bitter line really can transform it from a charming country-rock children’s song into something a bit darker and cynical…great great song and performance!
The following people thank vonbontee for this post:
Ahhh Girl, Sea Belt, sigh butterfly, Rube, BeatlebugGEORGE: In fact, The Detroit Sound. JOHN: In fact, yes. GEORGE: In fact, yeah. Tamla-Motown artists are our favorites. The Miracles. JOHN: We like Marvin Gaye. GEORGE: The Impressions PAUL & GEORGE: Mary Wells. GEORGE: The Exciters. RINGO: Chuck Jackson. JOHN: To name but eighty.
4.32pm
11 June 2023
Offline ^ Yeah, that lyric shows off Ringo’s freedom by writing his own song, and Paul must go along with it as another Beatle (they’d all already put up with #9 together). I like takes on Octopus’s Garden that aren’t just “children’s song,” which I don’t see it as…
Along those Paul vs Ringo lines, O’sG sounds like a similarly-themed but musical contrast to Paul’s “Why Don’t We Do It in the Road?” (of course w some “Yellow Submarine ” tossed in). Ringo’s a lot more discreet while still being more descriptive. Instead of blatantly “doing it in the road,” Ringo’s lines such as, “in the shade,” “we would be warm…. In our little hideaway,” “We know we can’t be found,” “shout and swim about… they’re safe.” Intimate privacy vs a shouty public, potentially dangerous display. Final evidence sealing this in as a hot&heavy song: look at the song coming after, “I Want You (She’s So Heavy),” feels like a natural progression lyrics-wise–was McCartney mad he couldn’t get into the exclusive-and-reclusive Octopus’s Garden ?
Also, one of the loveliest-sounding songs in their catalog.
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Von Bontee, Rube, Richard5.40pm
14 December 2009
Offline Nice post, Quackman, welcome to the forum! 
I think John, Paul and George all specified the song as one of their favourites on the album, in separate interviews conducted around the time of its release.
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Rube, RichardPaul: Yeah well… first of all, we’re bringing out a ‘Stamp Out Detroit’ campaign.
4.27am
4 October 2023
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I’ve never been a huge fan of Ringo in general however I have to confess this track is one of my favourite Beatles tracks in general. I absolutely love the guitar work in this song, the intro is so iconic to me and the solo is something I would dream of recreating and learning to play myself if I ever played guitar. I also love the harmonies in this song especially the “Lies beneath the ocean waves!” and “Happy and they’re safe!” I always find myself quoting it to myself when thinking of this song. It is also such a catchy and well produced song there are so many different levels and layers I love. I also quite like the “Love” version of this song from the 2006 remix album, the orchestration at the start is genius and then it breaks into the actual song with “I’d ask my friends to come and see” which you can’t help but sing along to. I’ve also always thought the use of sound effects from Yellow Submarine is genius and fits so well. Overall I love this track and so many thing’s about it. Props to you Ringo
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Mr. Moonlight, Rube4.23pm
22 February 2024
Offline Yeah no, my favorite Beatles song is definitely Octopuses Garden. It might be becase I’m a percussionist and Ringo Starr is like my idol, or because the song is just THAT good. Honestly idk why I enjoy the song so much.
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Richard, norwegianwood, Mr. Moonlight
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