Written by: Lennon-McCartney
Recorded: 9, 10, 11 July; 6 August 1969
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Phil McDonald
Released: 26 September 1969 (UK)
Available on:
Abbey Road
Anthology 3
Paul McCartney: vocals, backing vocals, piano, guitar, Moog
George Harrison: backing vocals, lead guitar, bass guitar
Ringo Starr: backing vocals, drums
George Martin: Hammond organ
Joan was quizzical, studied pataphysical science in the home.
Late nights all alone with a test tube, oh, oh, oh, oh.
Maxwell Edison, majoring in medicine, calls her on the phone.
“Can I take you out to the pictures, Joan?”
But, as she’s getting ready to go, a knock comes from the door.
Bang! Bang!
Maxwell’s silver hammer came down upon her head.
Bang! Bang!
Maxwell’s silver hammer made sure that she was dead.
Back in school again, Maxwell plays the fool again, teacher gets annoyed.
Wishing to avoid an unpleasant scene.
She tells Max to stay when the class has gone away, so, he waits behind,
Writing fifty times “I must not be so.”
But, when she turns her back on the boy, he creeps up from behind.
Bang! Bang!
Maxwell’s silver hammer came down upon her head.
Bang! Bang!
Maxwell’s silver hammer made sure that she was dead.
P.C. Thirty one said, “We caught a dirty one” Maxwell stands alone.
Painting testimonial pictures, oh, oh, oh, oh.
Rose and Valerie, screaming from the gallery, say he must go free,
(Maxwell must go free)
The judge does not agree and he tells them so.
But, as the words are leaving his lips, a noise comes from behind.
Bang! Bang!
Maxwell’s silver hammer came down upon his head.
Bang! Bang!
Maxwell’s silver hammer made sure that he was dead,
Silver hammer man.