For the benefit of Mr. Kite There will be a show tonight on trampoline The Hendersons will all be there Late of Pablo-Fanques Fair, what a scene Over men and horses hoops and garters Lastly through a hogshead of real fire! In this way Mr. K. will challenge the world! The celebrated Mr. K. Performs his feat on Saturday at Bishopsgate The Hendersons will dance and sing As Mr. Kite flies through the ring don't be late Messrs. K and H. assure the public Their production will be second to none And of course Henry The Horse dances the waltz! The band begins at ten to six When Mr. K. performs his tricks without a sound And Mr. H. will demonstrate Ten somersets he'll undertake on solid ground 'ving been some days in preparation A splendid time is guaranteed for all And tonight Mr. Kite is topping the bill.
About "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!"
From the original Beatles Album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (1967)
JOHN 1968: "'Mr. Kite' was a straight lift. I had all the words staring me in the face one day when I was looking for a song. It was from this old poster I'd bought at an antique shop. We'd been down to Surrey or somewhere filming a piece. There was a break, and I went into this shop and bought an old poster advertising a variety show which starred Mr. Kite. It said the Henderson's would also be there, late of Pablo Fanques Fair. There would be hoops and horses and someone going through a hogs head of real fire. Then there was Henry the Horse. The band would start at ten to six. All at Bishopsgate. Look, there's the bill-- with Mr. Kite topping it. I hardly made up a word, just connecting the lists together. Word for word, really."
JOHN 1972: "The story that Henry the Horse meant 'heroin' was rubbish."
JOHN 1980: "It's all just from that poster. The song is pure, like a painting. A pure watercolor."