Maxwell's Silver Hammer

The Beatles

About Maxwell's Silver Hammer

"Maxwell's Silver Hammer" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles from their 1969 album Abbey Road. It was written by Paul McCartney, although credited to Lennon–McCartney. "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" is a pop song with dark, eccentric lyrics about a student named Maxwell Edison who commits murders with a hammer. The lyrics are disguised by the upbeat, catchy, and "childlike" sound of the song. The recording sessions for the track were an acrimonious time for the Beatles, as McCartney pressured his bandmates to work at length on the song. John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr were vocal in their dislike of the song. Author Ian MacDonald began his description of the song by saying, "If any single recording shows why The Beatles broke up, it is 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer'." 


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Joan was quizzical; studied pataphysical
Science in the home.
Late nights all alone with a test tube.
Oh, oh, oh, oh.

Maxwell Edison, majoring in medicine,
Calls her on the phone.
"Can I take you out to the pictures,
Joa, oa, oa, oan?"

But as she's getting ready to go,
A knock comes on the door.

Bang! Bang! Maxwell's silver hammer
Came down upon her head.
Bang! Bang! Maxwell's silver hammer
Made sure that she was dead.

Back in school again Maxwell plays the fool again.
Teacher gets annoyed.
Wishing to avoid and unpleasant
Sce, e, e, ene,

She tells Max to stay when the class has gone away,
So he waits behind
Writing fifty times "I must not be
So, o, o, o"

But when she turns her back on the boy,
He creeps up from behind.

Bang! Bang! Maxwell's silver hammer
Came down upon her head.
Bang! Bang! Maxwell's silver hammer
Made sure that she was dead.

P. C. Thirty-one said, "We caught a dirty one."
Maxwell stands alone
Painting testimonial pictures.
Oh, oh, oh, oh.

Rose and Valerie, screaming from the gallery
Say he must go free
(Maxwell must go free)
The judge does not agree and he tells them
So, o, o, o.

But as the words are leaving his lips,
A noise comes from behind.

Bang! Bang! Maxwell's silver hammer
Came down upon his head.
Bang! Bang! Maxwell's silver hammer
Made sure that he was dead.

Whoa, oh, oh, oh.
Silver hammer man

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The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They became the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed act in the history of popular music. Their best-known lineup consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, they later utilised several genres, ranging from pop ballads to psychedelic rock, often incorporating classical and other elements in innovative ways. In the early 1960s, their enormous popularity first emerged as "Beatlemania", but as their songwriting grew in sophistication, they came to be perceived by many fans and cultural observers as an embodiment of the ideals shared by the era's sociocultural revolutions. more »

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Written by: John Lennon, Paul Mccartney

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Maxwell's Silver Hammer" is a song by the British band, The Beatles from their 1969 album "Abbey Road". It was written by Paul McCartney, but credited to Lennon–McCartney.
Lyrics Content
The song is about a medical student named Maxwell who uses his silver hammer to kill people.
Music Style
"Maxwell's Silver Hammer" is characterized as a pop song with elements of music hall and with dark, dramatic lyrics which contrast with the upbeat, catchy tune.
Recording Process
The song is notable for its time-consuming recording process. McCartney made the rest of the band do numerous takes, much to the annoyance of the other band members.
Instruments Used
The Beatles used many unusual instruments in the recording of this song, including an anvil which was struck in time with the song whenever the word 'hammer' was sung.
Controversy
There was some controversy regarding the song within the band, with John Lennon famously disliking it and saying it was more of McCartney's "granny music."
Late-Release Impact
Despite being composed several years earlier, the song wasn't released until 1969. Its late release had no impact on its popularity.
Song Inclusion
"Maxwell's Silver Hammer" made it to the final cut of the band's famous "Abbey Road" album, even though it was initially recorded for the "White Album."
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by various artists over the years, including a notable version by Steve Martin for the film adaptation of the Broadway musical "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."
Film Appearance
"Maxwell's Silver Hammer" was animated and included in the 1969 film "Yellow Submarine," despite the song not being released until after the film was in theaters.

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