TL;DR: John Lennon originally penned the song "Sexy Sadie" as "Maharishi," filled with expletives, expressing his disillusionment with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi after alleged misconduct. At George Harrison's urging, Lennon toned down the lyrics and changed the title to "Sexy Sadie."
Hey music lovers! 🎶 Let's dive into a fascinating chapter of The Beatles' history. 📖
The Backstory 🎬
In 1968, The Beatles traveled to Rishikesh, India, to study Transcendental Meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Their spiritual journey took a turn when allegations arose that the Maharishi had behaved inappropriately towards female devotees, including actress Mia Farrow. Feeling betrayed, John Lennon channeled his anger into songwriting.
'Maharishi' Becomes 'Sexy Sadie' 🎶
Lennon initially wrote a song titled "Maharishi," laced with expletives, directly addressing his disillusionment. However, George Harrison persuaded him to soften the lyrics and rename the track to "Sexy Sadie." Despite the changes, the song retained its core sentiment of betrayal.
Impact on Music and Culture 🌍
The Beatles' time in India significantly influenced their music, introducing Indian classical elements to Western audiences. George Harrison's use of the sitar inspired other artists to explore Indian sounds, bridging cultural gaps through music.
Your Thoughts? 💭
What do you think about this lesser-known story behind "Sexy Sadie"? 🤔 Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's get the conversation rolling! 🗣️
Stay Tuned! 🎧
Keep an eye out for more intriguing stories from the world of music. Knowledge is power, and staying informed helps us appreciate the rich tapestry of musical history. 🎼
