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

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)Songwriter Interviews

The Brazilian rocker sees pictures in his riffs. When he came up with one of his gnarliest songs, there was a riot going on.

Does Jimmy Page Worship The Devil? A Look at Satanism in Rock

Does Jimmy Page Worship The Devil? A Look at Satanism in RockSong Writing

We ring the Hell's Bells to see what songs and rockers are sincere in their Satanism, and how much of it is an act.

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.