The silly Beatles song Ringo Starr. hated: “Not very….

The silly Beatles song Ringo Starr. hated: “Not very good really

 

The Beatles are one of the most iconic and influential bands in music history, with a catalog full of timeless classics that have defined generations. However, not every track in their extensive catalog was a favorite of all band members, and one particular song that Ringo Starr, the band’s drummer, openly criticized is “Octopus’s Garden.” Although the song became a popular track among fans, Ringo himself had strong reservations about it, calling it “not very good, really.” This critique offers an interesting glimpse into the sometimes contentious relationships and differing opinions within The Beatles, despite their collective success.

“Octopus’s Garden” was written by Ringo Starr during the band’s time in 1968 when they were in the midst of a turbulent period, both personally and professionally. The song was featured on their iconic album *Abbey Road*, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time. Despite its critical acclaim and subsequent popularity, “Octopus’s Garden” was a departure from the more experimental, introspective themes found in much of the album. It’s a whimsical, light-hearted song about a fantastical underwater world, with lyrics such as “I’d like to be under the sea, in an octopus’s garden in the shade,” which is at odds with the deeper, more philosophical subjects explored in the other tracks on *Abbey Road*.

Ringo Starr’s main issue with the song was not necessarily its light-hearted nature but rather his own assessment of its quality. In interviews over the years, Ringo has explained that while he was happy to contribute to the song and enjoyed the process of creating it, he never felt it was as strong or as meaningful as some of the other songs on the album. He even went so far as to call it “not very good, really,” despite its cheerful melody and the positive reception it received from fans. It’s worth noting that this remark wasn’t a critique of the band’s effort or creativity but rather his personal reflection on the finished product.

The song, however, has endured over the years and remains a fan favorite. Its charm lies in its simplicity and innocence, qualities that Ringo Starr, in hindsight, may not have fully appreciated at the time. The Beatles’ other members—Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison—were also generally supportive of the track. They recognized that it was a fun, lighthearted addition to the album, showcasing Ringo’s ability to bring a different flavor to the band’s music. The song’s playful nature and catchy tune made it a standout for many listeners, even if Ringo himself felt it was not up to par with some of their more serious and groundbreaking work.

Ringo’s comments also serve as a reminder of how subjective art can be, even among the most talented and successful artists. For a band like The Beatles, who were constantly pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sounds, a simple, playful track like “Octopus’s Garden” might not have seemed as groundbreaking or ambitious as some of their other works. Yet, it is exactly this contrast to their more experimental music that helped give *Abbey Road* its unique character and appeal.

Despite his personal reservations, “Octopus’s Garden” found a place in The Beatles’ legacy. It has been covered by various artists over the years and remains an essential part of the Beatles’ catalog. It also stands as a testament to the diversity of styles and ideas that The Beatles were able to incorporate into their work, even if not every member agreed on every track’s merit.

In the end, Ringo Starr’s opinion of “Octopus’s Garden” shows that even within a legendary group like The Beatles, not every song will be universally loved, even by its own creators. While he may have dismissed the track as “not very good, really,” its enduring popularity with fans suggests that what Ringo saw as a misstep was, in fact, a beloved piece of The Beatles’ vast and varied musical legacy.