On
the 1st of June, 1967, The Beatles released their eight studio album
‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’. It is no coincidence that the same
twelve months witnessed the birth of an infamous social phenomenon. The album
had epitomized the ‘Hippie’ ideology which spawned the same year. A proportion
of the Western Youth was lead into a cultural rebellion against the mainstream.
‘Sgt Pepper’ came from The Beatles own disenchantment with the current state of
society. This inspired a youth also affected by disturbances surrounding events
such as Vietnam and Civil Rights. ‘Sgt Pepper’ commanded the ‘Hippie’
generation into the ‘Summer of Love’ becoming its soundtrack[1]. It captured a psyche of
two sides. Promoting love and community, and broadening of the mind through
drugs.
One
track, ‘With A Little Help from My Friends’ symbolizes the sacred ‘Hippie’
belief of community. Simplistic lyrics
combined with a pleasant melody echo a clear message. Life can be better if you
form a circle of people who support you. The role of Lead vocalist on the track,
Ringo Star also reflects this. The humble personality associated with Ringo
brings meaning to the notion proposed by the lyrics. The personal issues known
about the drummer are reflected[2]. He feels vulnerable that listeners
may “walk out” on him if he sings the song incorrectly. There is an underlying
message that it is not only a case that people “want” somebody to love. In fact,
people “need” it. This proposal is even more profound when taking into account
events at the time. A key reason for the emergence of the ‘Summer of Love’ was
due to the disenchantment much of the youth were feeling[3]. People rebelled against
the establishment partly through not seeing a place for themselves within
current society. A society which discriminated, suppressed and entered war.
“With a Little Help” instead insists on people living alternatively. A
lifestyle of unity and compassion.
Another
key hit of the album, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”, reflects the flip side of
counter-culture psyche. Many believe it
to be a potential reference to the promotion of LSD. A drug which many believed
aided the exploration of one’s mind. Despite John Lennon claiming otherwise,
there are many indications this notion could be proposed. Firstly, the song’s
initials could be interpreted as ‘L S D’. Furthermore, there are constant
indications of the track attempting to mirror the effects of a ‘trip’[4]. Imagery such as ‘eyes’ and
‘picture’ appeal to the senses which are distorted when taking the drug.
Furthermore “Marmalade Skies” and “Tangerine Trees” conjure up fantasies stereo typically associated when tripping. Technical components of the song
further the notion the track advocates drug use. Synth keyboards and vocal
distortion are heard in the background throughout. For the listener this offers the potential for experiencing an alternative reality. The
illegality of LSD lead to it becoming a symbol of freedom for the youth.
Rejection of restrictions the establishment dictated. The Beatles arguably
followed the same ideology. “Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds” potentially stands
as the anthem for this common ground they shared with the 1960’s youth.
By analyzing two
tracks from the album it is clear how ‘Sgt Pepper’ not only epitomized, but
reflected the fundamental principles of the ‘Summer of Love’. In doing this,
the album sparked a unique cultural moment in modern American history.
[1] Begaja,
K, ‘The Summer of Love: Hippie Culture and the Beatles in 1967’, TICNJ Journal
of student scholarship, April 2014 page2
[2] Unterberger,
D, Song reviews of Sgt pepper lonely hearts club band, Allmusician, ‘With a
Little Help From My friends, and ‘Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds’
[3] Goldberg,
P, ‘A Big day in the life: When Sgt pepper blew our minds’, 30th
may, 2012, The Huffington Post
[4] Unterberger, D, Song reviews of Sgt
pepper lonely hearts club band, Allmusician, ‘With a Little Help From My
friends, and ‘Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds’
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