Octopus’s Garden

Octopus's Garden is built on a highly functional, diatonic framework characteristic of early rock and roll and country-western influences. The use of the I-vi-IV-V progression is a departure from the more experimental harmonic language found elsewhere on Abbey Road, reflecting Ringo Starr's more straightforward songwriting style. George Harrison's lead guitar work adds melodic sophistication to these basic chords, particularly through the use of country-style double-stops and fluid transitions between the E major and C# minor sections.

Ringo Starr wrote the song while vacationing on comedian Peter Sellers' boat in Sardinia in 1968. After ordering fish and chips, he was served squid for the first time, describing it as 'a bit rubbery' and tasting like chicken. The boat's captain then shared facts about octopuses, explaining how they travel along the sea bed to collect stones and shiny objects to build gardens. This imagery, combined with Starr's desire to escape the mounting hostility within the band, led to the song's creation.

Inspired by a boat captain's story in Sardinia, this track represents Ringo Starr's second composition for the band and features George Harrison's intricate lead guitar. The version found on the Love album is a specialized mashup that blends the original master with orchestral elements from 'Good Night' and rhythmic layers from 'Lovely Rita'.