This is a bent video—not surprising when you remember how close George was to the Monty Python gang (some of who appear here). It is one of my favorite post-Beatles tunes by George.
How can you not love the trans-gender nanny, the bobbies, images of barbed-wire, freaky costumed dancers, gargoyles, fantastic women in lingerie, and the spooky Mr. Grief. And George ends this twisted tune so typically: "Know that the Lord is well and inside of you." No matter how twisted things become, you're still walking with The Lamplighter.
I've been on a George-jag lately, re-immersing myself in the Wilburys, and listening to the Concert for Bangladesh. And, of course, the great Beatles remix album, Love, that has rarely left my playlist since it was released.
Crackerbox Palace
by George Harrison
I was so young when I was born
My eyes could not yet see
And by the time of my first dawn
Somebody holding me . . . they said
I welcome you to Crackerbox Palace
We've been expecting you
You bring such joy in Crackerbox Palace
No matter where you roam know our love is true
While growing up or trying to
Not knowing where to start
I looked around for someone who
May help reveal my heart - someone said
While you're a part of Cracerbox Palace
Do what the rest all do
Or face the fact that Crackerbox Palace
May have no other choice than to deport you
I welcome you to Crackerbox Palace
We've been expecting you
You bring us joy in Crackerbox Palace
No matter where you roam know our love is true
Sometimes are good . . . sometimes are bad
That's all a part of life
And standing in between them all
I met a Mr. Grief - and he said
I welcome you to Crackerbox Palace
Was not expecting you
Let's rap and tap at Crackerbox Palace
Know that the Lord is well and inside of you
(Chorus)
---o0o---
Crackerbox Palace - Wow, what a fantastic video! George was able to blend comedy and some deeper spiritual thinking into one song, while at the same time making a terrific song!!! Only someone that skilled at his craft could do this without it sounding trite. The characters are terrific, each representing the playfulness of childhood, as well as representing the temptations one faces in life.
ReplyDeleteMy only complaint, and it's by no means a bad one, is that George is singing a lot like Lennon. Hard not to, when he was around him for so many years. And being around any singer for any extended amount of time will leave a subliminal imprint on how you sing afterwards. I have found my self emulating my cousin Ty Willman (Green Apple Quick Step, Novatone, Mass Sugar) and my friend Randy (who was the lead singer in the cover band I was in for 2 years) on multiple occasions.
Two fantastic videos. What a great way to end the week. And also, congrats on keeping the content up on your blog. I'm not sure if you took my previous comment as a challenge or not, but you have cleared the bar.
Thanks Jack!!!
-Kyle