The Secrets Behind the Falsetto Child's Voice in ‘Bungalow Bill’ by the Beatles
Many fans speculated about the falsetto child's voice in the Beatles song 'Bungalow Bill', with some even pointing to Yoko Ono as the voice behind it. However, the truth might be a little more complex and intriguing than that. Let's delve into the fascinating story of this unique vocal part in one of the band's lesser-known tracks.
Who Actually Sang the Falsetto Child's Voice?
The falsetto voice in 'Bungalow Bill' is often mistakenly attributed to Yoko Ono, who was indeed involved in the song's recording. However, it turns out that the vocals were performed by Patty Harrison and Mary McCartney, the children of George Harrison and Paul McCartney respectively, as revealed by the entry on The Continuing Story Of Buffalo Bill.
According to the source, "The most notable feature of the song, however, is the appearance by Yoko Ono on the line 'Not when he looked so fierce.' It was the first and only time a female lead vocal appeared on a Beatles recording, reflecting Ono's increasing studio presence at the time as well as her shaky grasp of melody."
Why the Children?
Initially, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr considered having a child singing to avoid the question of who was the voice behind the falsetto. This decision was made to add a layer of fun and anonymity to the song.
Geoff Emerick, the renowned recording engineer responsible for the Beatles' sound, explained, "John's idea was that if a child sang, it would make it look like a bunkum king had a dream and it was all just a soliloquy, the sort of thing you might hear in a play."
However, the children, Patty Harrison and Mary McCartney, were not experienced singers. They were simply asked to give a funny, unpolished vocal to make the song sound more whimsical and whimsical. In an interview, Ringo Starr mentioned, "They couldn't really sing, but they did a terrific job! We thought it was great."
Yoko Ono and the Studio Presence
Despite Yoko Ono's appearance and contribution to the song, it's important to note that her voice was used for a different line. The line "Not when he looked so fierce" was a tribute to the tiger's mother, as explained by Paul McCartney: "That's actually Yoko Ono imitating Buffalo Bill's mom. She sings 'Not when he looked so fierce' speaking about the tiger."
Yoko's involvement in the song represents a pivotal moment in her relationship with the Beatles. She was gradually becoming more involved in their creative processes, leading up to her marriage to John Lennon in 1969.
However, her vocal performance on the track was reportedly not well-received by everyone involved in the project. The band members seemed to be aware of the limitations of her singing abilities. Patty Homework, one of the child singers, later recounted, "We knew we weren't singers, and we definitely knew it was John's idea to put us in the song, but the line from Yoko was the only part where she did really sing."
Conclusion
The falsetto child's voice in 'Bungalow Bill' is a fascinating tale that demonstrates the creativity and collaboration within the Beatles. It also highlights the growing influence of Yoko Ono during a crucial period in the band's history. Who knew that a simple subversion of a child's voice could lead to such an interesting and different musical experience?
In conclusion, while Yoko Ono's contribution to the song cannot be overlooked, it's the children, Patty Harrison, and Mary McCartney, who are the true voices behind the falsetto in 'Bungalow Bill'. Their performance adds a unique and whimsical twist to the song, making it a cherished track for Beatles fans.