Vegetables

Album: Smiley Smile (1966)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Paul McCartney was in the studio when Brian Wilson was mixing this song - you can hear him in the background munching on celery. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jim - St Louis, MO
  • Wilson wrote this when he was struggling with the hallucinogenic drug LSD, which can cause a childlike regression over time. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Andrew - Covington, OH
  • In 1847 the Bible Christian organization took the lead in establishing the first national vegetarian Society which was formed at Ramsgate, England. At its inaugural meeting the word "vegetarian" was coined. The word should not be confused with the word "vegetable," it was derived from the Latin "vegetus," meaning whole, vigorous, active. Around the same time in America the teenage Louisa Alcott's father was exchanging vegetarian recipes with his friends the essayists Ralph Emerson and Henry Thoreau. (From the book Food for Thought: Extraordinary Little Chronicles of the World by Ed Pearce)

Comments: 4

  • Anonymous from AnonymousActually, Paul only appeared on the SMiLE version. The Smiley Smile version was rerecorded completely and as such doesn't have Paul on it. Also, Sean, what information did you use?
  • Claire from Colorado Springs, Coactually, paul wasn't munching celery, he was snapping carrots in half. I like the beatles much more than the beach boys, so i know this kind of stuff.
  • Darrell from EugeneI like vegetables, but to write a whole song about them? LSD was obviously a factor. I should know.
  • Sean from Chicago, IlIt has since been DEBUNKED that McCartney had any participation in the recording of "Vegetables" other than sitting in the control room.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.