“Yellow Submarine”: Beatles gateway drug for children

<!–

–>

<!–

–>

“I figured,” McCartney says, “since Ringo was so great with kids, maybe it wouldn’t be the stupidest idea to have him sing a nursery rhyme right away.”

Even today, “Yellow Submarine” with its palatable singalong remains the gateway drug for children who get to know the Beatles in this way. The song inspired the 1968 animated film of the same name, as well as the unofficial sequel, Octopus Garden, which later ended up on Abbey Road.

George Martin, former producer of comedy records like The Goon Show, was able to draw on his experience: He conjured up a whole range of sound effects to generate an underwater atmosphere. Lennon blew into the water and, along with McCartney, gave orders to the imaginary submarine crew.


More about the Beatles


A few friends, Marianne Faithfull and Brian Jones, were even invited to the studio to lend a hand.

<!–

–>

<!–

–>

ttn-30