The Beatles — Baby, You’re a Rich Man
Album: Magical Mystery TourAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1400
Length: 2:56
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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How does it feel to be
One of the beautiful people
Now that you know who you are
What do you want to be
And have you traveled very far
Far as the eye can see
How does it feel to be
One of the beautiful people
How often have you been there
Often enough to know
What did you see when you were there
Nothing that doesn't show
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man, too
You keep all your money in a big brown bag
Inside a zoo, what a thing to do
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man, too
How does it feel to be
One of the beautiful people
Tuned to a natural E
Happy to be that way
Now that you've found another key
What are you going to play
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man, too
You keep all your money in a big brown bag
Inside a zoo, what a thing to do
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man, too
One of the beautiful people
Now that you know who you are
What do you want to be
And have you traveled very far
Far as the eye can see
How does it feel to be
One of the beautiful people
How often have you been there
Often enough to know
What did you see when you were there
Nothing that doesn't show
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man, too
You keep all your money in a big brown bag
Inside a zoo, what a thing to do
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man, too
How does it feel to be
One of the beautiful people
Tuned to a natural E
Happy to be that way
Now that you've found another key
What are you going to play
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man, too
You keep all your money in a big brown bag
Inside a zoo, what a thing to do
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man
Baby you're a rich man, too
Comments (81)add comment
Skydog wrote:
I just give 10s to all Beatles songs
me too
I just give 10s to all Beatles songs
me too
Critty wrote:
My goodness, this was brilliant indeed.
Unparalleled segue from the Pixie’s “Greens and Blues” into this song.
My goodness, this was brilliant indeed.
GODLIKE!!! ICONIC!!! I bought this album right after it came out. I was 12 yrs old. Thanx RP! 
number7 wrote:
While it's true you were 50 years younger and that means a lot, everything did feel much different. Things were more spread out, you could drive I-95 without being surrounded by cars, there was a lot more unclaimed green space, there was a lot less to watch on a screen, we didn't even have answering machines, let alone wireless phones or phones in our pockets. No walkmans yet, no devices to isolate us in public places. Kennedy & King hadn't yet been assassinated, Nixon hadn't yet scammed us, we weren't collectively aware of what a fiasco Viet Nam was and we had yet to have an anti-government president (Reagan changed that). The weather was better and there were few people who were acutely aware of how we were destroying the planet.
I often think that RP is the closest thing to what it felt like to listen to the radio because it has a collective-experience-vibe that's been long lost.
It was a lifetime ago.
1967 was a different time, it even felt different.
I often think that RP is the closest thing to what it felt like to listen to the radio because it has a collective-experience-vibe that's been long lost.
pkendrick535 wrote:
"you're a rich gay jew" - where's that in the lyrics?
The poster got it wrong: The story was that he's saying "Baby, you're a rich fag jew", but let's face it, he's not.
I have no doubt that Lennon was frank and sardonic (and funny) about things we'd consider politically incorrect nowadays, but I've read more about his affection for Brian Epstein than any disdain. One story suggested that they may have had a tryst themselves. Is it true? Don't know. Don't care.
"you're a rich gay jew" - where's that in the lyrics?
The poster got it wrong: The story was that he's saying "Baby, you're a rich fag jew", but let's face it, he's not.
I have no doubt that Lennon was frank and sardonic (and funny) about things we'd consider politically incorrect nowadays, but I've read more about his affection for Brian Epstein than any disdain. One story suggested that they may have had a tryst themselves. Is it true? Don't know. Don't care.
Unparalleled segue from the Pixie’s “Greens and Blues” into this song.
hempmandan wrote:
I just give 10s to all Beatles songs
Beatles songs have to be rated differently. I can only rate them compared to other Beatles songs, not the general pool...
I just give 10s to all Beatles songs
vanillagorilla wrote:
I can't hear those lyrics at all. I love the analog psychedelia of this period. It was also very accessible to regular pop fans. I can understand people that don't like psychedelic music or 60's pop not liking it. A lot of lyrics were whimsical and you can interpret them how you like, but I always thought that in this song was "rich man" refers to people taking acid.
I read somewhere that John wrote it to take a poke at Brian Epstein and all the money he was making off them, hence the lyric that he had "you're a rich gay jew"pretty scathing especially since Epstein ended up taking his own life not too much later, it was well known that Brian was in love with John.
I can't hear those lyrics at all. I love the analog psychedelia of this period. It was also very accessible to regular pop fans. I can understand people that don't like psychedelic music or 60's pop not liking it. A lot of lyrics were whimsical and you can interpret them how you like, but I always thought that in this song was "rich man" refers to people taking acid.
vanillagorilla wrote:
This is what I hate about music journalism. Irresponsible journalist with sketchy sources will not hesitate to misconstrue, distort or otherwise misrepresent if it improves the likelihood of being published. This is an example where no one but John knew what he intended. The fact that Epstein was gay obviously didn't bother the Four too much as they were making more money with Epstein than they ever made in their entire lives. Epstein unfortunate suicide had nothing to do with the fact he was gay or may have been attracted to John. It's manifestly unfair to lay it at John's feet as depressed persons are recognized by the fact they have everything they want but can't enjoy any of it. Brian found financial and professional success insufficient to sustain him. Period.
I read somewhere that John wrote it to take a poke at Brian Epstein and all the money he was making off them, hence the lyric that he had "you're a rich gay jew"pretty scathing especially since Epstein ended up taking his own life not too much later, it was well known that Brian was in love with John.
This is what I hate about music journalism. Irresponsible journalist with sketchy sources will not hesitate to misconstrue, distort or otherwise misrepresent if it improves the likelihood of being published. This is an example where no one but John knew what he intended. The fact that Epstein was gay obviously didn't bother the Four too much as they were making more money with Epstein than they ever made in their entire lives. Epstein unfortunate suicide had nothing to do with the fact he was gay or may have been attracted to John. It's manifestly unfair to lay it at John's feet as depressed persons are recognized by the fact they have everything they want but can't enjoy any of it. Brian found financial and professional success insufficient to sustain him. Period.
daigoro wrote:
Not in the slightest.
This song is just a mess.
Not in the slightest.
daigoro wrote:
I know! Neat, eh?
This song is just a mess.
I know! Neat, eh?
vanillagorilla wrote:
I read somewhere that that story was not true.
I read somewhere that John wrote it to take a poke at Brian Epstein and all the money he was making off them, hence the lyric that he had "you're a rich gay jew"pretty scathing especially since Epstein ended up taking his own life not too much later, it was well known that Brian was in love with John.
I read somewhere that that story was not true.
tonyjory wrote:
He had a cruel streak, no doubt. He loved to rile people up, he was often a complete arsehole, but, boy, I know what I remember best about him. Musical genius.
Dazzerb wrote:
You may not like this song but none of your descriptions are accurate in any way.
how can anyone think this is good music> Tone deaf, out of tune with zero melody. PSD quick
You may not like this song but none of your descriptions are accurate in any way.
tonyjory wrote:
Philip Norman's 1981 and best Beatles biography, "Shout. The True Story of the Beatles", claimed that, during a studio session, Epstein told the boys that he had been invited to write his (Epstein's) autobiography and requested any ideas for a title, to which Lennon quickly retorted. "How about 'Queer Jew'?".
GuiltyFeat wrote:
The mirror is telling you lies.
In answer to the question posed by this lyric, as one of the beautiful people I would say it feels pretty marvelous, thanks for asking.
The mirror is telling you lies.
pkendrick535 wrote:
"you're a rich gay jew" - where's that in the lyrics?
"you're a rich gay jew" - where's that in the lyrics?
This song is just a mess.
Dazzerb wrote:
Sure Dazzerb. That's why the Beatles never passed the audition and failed as a band to make a dent on musical history.
But seriously folks...Surely this was posted solely to solicit responses that shit on the originator. After all, no sane person really thinks that way.
how can anyone think this is good music> Tone deaf, out of tune with zero melody. PSD quick
Sure Dazzerb. That's why the Beatles never passed the audition and failed as a band to make a dent on musical history.
But seriously folks...Surely this was posted solely to solicit responses that shit on the originator. After all, no sane person really thinks that way.
vanillagorilla wrote:
"you're a rich gay jew" - where's that in the lyrics?
I read somewhere that John wrote it to take a poke at Brian Epstein and all the money he was making off them, hence the lyric that he had "you're a rich gay jew"pretty scathing especially since Epstein ended up taking his own life not too much later, it was well known that Brian was in love with John.
"you're a rich gay jew" - where's that in the lyrics?
My wife (yep, got married a year ago) said this to me the other day: "You know, I don't hear the Beatles on the radio anymore. What's up with that?"
I agreed. Wonder why?
I agreed. Wonder why?
They have fun
i have never liked the beatles, sorry 
number7 wrote:
It's almost like you were 50 years younger . . . oh, wait. ; )
It was a lifetime ago.
1967 was a different time, it even felt different.
1967 was a different time, it even felt different.
It's almost like you were 50 years younger . . . oh, wait. ; )
I read somewhere that John wrote it to take a poke at Brian Epstein and all the money he was making off them, hence the lyric that he had "you're a rich gay jew"pretty scathing especially since Epstein ended up taking his own life not too much later, it was well known that Brian was in love with John.
It was a lifetime ago.
1967 was a different time, it even felt different.
1967 was a different time, it even felt different.
gjr wrote:
actually this is both,
verse by Lennon, chorus by McCartney of unfinished songs they each had
as another rp listener pointed out: "there are john songs and there are paul songs"
nuf ced
nuf ced
actually this is both,
verse by Lennon, chorus by McCartney of unfinished songs they each had
hempmandan wrote:
Actually, I agree with this viewpoint. They were so amazingly different and cutting-edge in their time. So there is that in their favour - and also it applies to this song especially. I think I also love this because of memories.... I think we are all guilty of that sometimes
Beatles songs have to be rated differently. I can only rate them compared to other Beatles songs, not the general pool...
Actually, I agree with this viewpoint. They were so amazingly different and cutting-edge in their time. So there is that in their favour - and also it applies to this song especially. I think I also love this because of memories.... I think we are all guilty of that sometimes
Dazzerb wrote:
How can anyone like U2?
how can anyone think this is good music> Tone deaf, out of tune with zero melody. PSD quick
How can anyone like U2?
Dazzerb wrote:
Lol!!! this is the BEATLES! Rave on Britannia!!!!
hail the first British non violent musical revolutionaries!!!!! They are GODLIKE. :-D
how can anyone think this is good music> Tone deaf, out of tune with zero melody. PSD quick
Lol!!! this is the BEATLES! Rave on Britannia!!!!
hail the first British non violent musical revolutionaries!!!!! They are GODLIKE. :-D
how can anyone think this is good music> Tone deaf, out of tune with zero melody. PSD quick
Bill! Great transition!!
Good Morning Universe !!
i was thinking this seems like two songs. i love most of it, except the rich man chorus. turns out it's one of those lennon mccartney things...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby,_You%27re_a_Rich_Man
worth a read. it does seem to have a dual meaning - i thought it could be sarcasm aimed at the materialistic, or about inner riches.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby,_You%27re_a_Rich_Man
worth a read. it does seem to have a dual meaning - i thought it could be sarcasm aimed at the materialistic, or about inner riches.
I saw what you did, Bill. Playing "Baby You're a Rich Man" after a (fabulous) Harry Richman song.
Beatles songs have to be rated differently. I can only rate them compared to other Beatles songs, not the general pool...
From the first time I heard it in the 60's it was the music and chord changes that caught me combined with somewhat esoteric lyrics that I understandably didn't understand
10, next please Bill
This song certainly found another key
One of my favorite bass lines ever is at the beginning of this song... Love that bottom!
Nice seque from Harry Richman's Puttin' On The Ritz! :)
In answer to the question posed by this lyric, as one of the beautiful people I would say it feels pretty marvelous, thanks for asking.
Lazarus wrote:
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches loves this song, and this entire album... we be dancing...
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches loves this song, and this entire album... we be dancing...
as another rp listener pointed out: "there are john songs and there are paul songs"
nuf ced
nuf ced
For Beatles, no comments, just 10.
Fab Four cooking with gas on this disk ...
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches loves this song, and this entire album... we be dancing...
This is one of my favorites intros of all time.
If not this cut, or even this album (and I'm conceding both points just for the sake of this point) then, at the very least, this band—is the definition of RP's designation "Godlike"!
And some of the lyrics are SO good:
"What did you see?"
"Nothing that couldn't be seen"
"And now that you've got the key,
"what are you going to play?"
And some of the lyrics are SO good:
"What did you see?"
"Nothing that couldn't be seen"
"And now that you've got the key,
"what are you going to play?"
Tom_Mo wrote:
I was with you up to this point. Kind of hard to see a racist slur as a "tribute". Perhaps "tongue in cheek" would be more accurate?
Nonetheless, it was interesting to read your post; I was unaware of any of this until now.
. . . Strangely, it was not a dig at Brian, but a tribute. . . .
I was with you up to this point. Kind of hard to see a racist slur as a "tribute". Perhaps "tongue in cheek" would be more accurate?
Nonetheless, it was interesting to read your post; I was unaware of any of this until now.
takuma wrote:
I have to add my two cents to this thread. First, John DID have an anti-Semitic streak to him. I say this as a fan of Lennon's, not a Lennon hater. Suggest you read Larry Kane's book about the Beatle's 64 and 65 tours. Kane is Jewish and a huge Lennon fan, but he discusses the anti-Jewish sentiment in the group. I also suggest you read an early edition of "Lennon Remembers" where John made a very nasty anti-Semitic statement about the Eastman family, claiming that the Eastman's changed their name from "Epstein". But you won't find it in later editions of the book. I wonder why. As for "rich fag Jew" at the end of BYARM, one needs the original mono single to clearly hear it. Later pressings of the single won't help you much. You must have the original single. My theory as to why this line was at first masked (on the MMT vinyl album) and virtually eliminated on the remastered CD is that what was considered a semi-private, inside joke in May of '67 (when it was recorded), was deemed tasteless by August of '67, the month Brian died. Personally, I don't believe John was being unnecessarily mean. True, John was both anti-Semitic and a homophobe at that point in his life, but John's friendship with Brian was complicated, to say the least. For other reasons, I could make the case that the entire song, from start to finish, was about Brian. I think John added the "offending" phrase as a way of telling Brian, "Yes, Brian. This song is about you. Love, John" Strangely, it was not a dig at Brian, but a tribute. In the words of Dr. Winston O' Boogie: "You should have been there."
ICHawk wrote:
Lennon takes a playful but barely audible swipe at Brian Epstien in the fade out. Any guesses?
"BABY YOU'RE A RICH MAN"
The Beatles, Magical Mystery Tour
RUMOR: On one of the tracks the line "Baby you're a rich man too" is sung as "Baby you're a rich fag Jew," a dig at Brian Epstein. Or some think it's "rich fat Jew" and claim it as evidence of Beatle anti-Semitism.
FINDINGS: Negative. The two stereo tracks are nearly identical. It's always possible to hear words as similiar-sounding words, but basically, the lyrics jibe with the published version.
QUOTED EXERPT FROM William Poundstone's Big Secrets, (c) 1983.I have to add my two cents to this thread. First, John DID have an anti-Semitic streak to him. I say this as a fan of Lennon's, not a Lennon hater. Suggest you read Larry Kane's book about the Beatle's 64 and 65 tours. Kane is Jewish and a huge Lennon fan, but he discusses the anti-Jewish sentiment in the group. I also suggest you read an early edition of "Lennon Remembers" where John made a very nasty anti-Semitic statement about the Eastman family, claiming that the Eastman's changed their name from "Epstein". But you won't find it in later editions of the book. I wonder why. As for "rich fag Jew" at the end of BYARM, one needs the original mono single to clearly hear it. Later pressings of the single won't help you much. You must have the original single. My theory as to why this line was at first masked (on the MMT vinyl album) and virtually eliminated on the remastered CD is that what was considered a semi-private, inside joke in May of '67 (when it was recorded), was deemed tasteless by August of '67, the month Brian died. Personally, I don't believe John was being unnecessarily mean. True, John was both anti-Semitic and a homophobe at that point in his life, but John's friendship with Brian was complicated, to say the least. For other reasons, I could make the case that the entire song, from start to finish, was about Brian. I think John added the "offending" phrase as a way of telling Brian, "Yes, Brian. This song is about you. Love, John" Strangely, it was not a dig at Brian, but a tribute. In the words of Dr. Winston O' Boogie: "You should have been there."
Is it so wrong to like just about everything these guys did??
.....wasn't a big 'I Wanna Hold Your Hand' era guy, but the rest of it post that was great!!!!
Is that a bad thing, I ask u?
.....wasn't a big 'I Wanna Hold Your Hand' era guy, but the rest of it post that was great!!!!
Is that a bad thing, I ask u?
Apparently the "you keep all your money in a big brown bag inside a zoo" refers to the belief Lennon had that Epstein kept a stash of cash in a club call The Zoo...
Dedicated to all the 1% er's out there.
ICHawk wrote:
Lennon takes a playful but barely audible swipe at Brian Epstien in the fade out. Any guesses?
"BABY YOU'RE A RICH MAN"
The Beatles, Magical Mystery Tour
RUMOR: On one of the tracks the line "Baby you're a rich man too" is sung as "Baby you're a rich fag Jew," a dig at Brian Epstein. Or some think it's "rich fat Jew" and claim it as evidence of Beatle anti-Semitism.
FINDINGS: Negative. The two stereo tracks are nearly identical. It's always possible to hear words as similiar-sounding words, but basically, the lyrics jibe with the published version.
QUOTED EXERPT FROM William Poundstone's Big Secrets, (c) 1983. ICHawk wrote:
Lennon takes a playful but barely audible swipe at Brian Epstien in the fade out. Any guesses?
I know what you are talking about and I don't think its audible. Supposedly John did substitute some word play reflecting on Brian's religious and sexual orientations when a bit drunk at parties - not his finest hour.Hey, Bill ... How does it feel to be one of the beautiful people? {chuckle.}
This has always been my favorite Beatles album, even over Sgt Pepper's.
toterola wrote:
Yeah, thinking about the "spaghetti scene" photos in the album insert still freaks me out to this day!
This was my first rock album. No wonder I'm such a freakin' mess! 
Yeah, thinking about the "spaghetti scene" photos in the album insert still freaks me out to this day!
ICHawk wrote:
Oh... I do know...you naughty boy you!!!
Lennon takes a playful but barely audible swipe at Brian Epstien in the fade out. Any guesses?
Oh... I do know...you naughty boy you!!!
The albums released this year were outstanding. The Beatles also release Sgt Peppers this year and Jimi his first
Even Lennon's ho-hum songs are great!!!
I love how the rhythm guitar is tuned and mixed in this song.
Lennon takes a playful but barely audible swipe at Brian Epstien in the fade out. Any guesses?
Awesome! 
fab 4!!!
fab 4!!! That_SOB wrote:
Musta been between the 300th and 1000th hit of Ozley's.
Hmm, perhaps you mean Owsley?
Musta been between the 300th and 1000th hit of Ozley's.
Hmm, perhaps you mean Owsley?
toterola wrote:
Musta been between the 300th and 1000th hit of Ozley's.
This was my first rock album. No wonder I'm such a freakin' mess!
Musta been between the 300th and 1000th hit of Ozley's.
Wonder why this one has only been rated 70 times? Strange. Anyway, great song, never understood it, but have always loved it!
I'm almost embarrased to say it, but I've never heard this before now.
/hangs head in shame
/hangs head in shame
This was my first rock album. No wonder I'm such a freakin' mess!
Love this!
I hope and think that we will be served more from this magic album! #9
I'm walking through a headshop and this music is playing in the background.
The BEATLES did it first!