Lyrical Clues
Help!
Act Naturally
An interesting choice of song for Ringo here. If you listen to the lyrics they tell the story of someone who's about to be catapulted to fame. Does this mean that the twin will become famous because he acts like Ringo?
Yesterday
"Suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be. There's a shadow hanging over me."
Could this be Paul mourning about Ringo's death?
Could this be Paul mourning about Ringo's death?
Rubber Soul
Nowhere Man
"He's a real nowhere man, sitting in his nowhere land."
Is Ringo the nowhere man since his identity has been ripped away from him? Is the nowhere land where he now rests in peace?
Is Ringo the nowhere man since his identity has been ripped away from him? Is the nowhere land where he now rests in peace?
In My Life
"With lovers and friends I still can recall. Some are dead and some are living."
Well, it's plural, so who could the dead friends be? We know that Stuart is one of them, but who is the other...?
Well, it's plural, so who could the dead friends be? We know that Stuart is one of them, but who is the other...?
Wait
"We'll forget the tears we cried."
Are the group having to forget about the past and the death of their friend so that they can focus more on the future?
Are the group having to forget about the past and the death of their friend so that they can focus more on the future?
We Can Work It Out (B-side)
"Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting my friend."
The first part is a reference to how the original Ringo died at the young age of 24. The latter part is a reference to how the other three Beatles argued about where to bury Ringo's body.
The first part is a reference to how the original Ringo died at the young age of 24. The latter part is a reference to how the other three Beatles argued about where to bury Ringo's body.
Revolver
I'm Only Sleeping
"I'm only sleeping."
It is reported that Ringo's last words to his bandmates were "don't worry, I'm only sleeping". It turns out that he was actually dead.
It is reported that Ringo's last words to his bandmates were "don't worry, I'm only sleeping". It turns out that he was actually dead.
"Leave me where I am."
It is reported that Ringo's last words were a request that he stay where he was, and not taken to a hospital. He thought he was fine.
It is reported that Ringo's last words were a request that he stay where he was, and not taken to a hospital. He thought he was fine.
"Running everywhere at such a speed."
The elephant.
The elephant.
"Please don't spoil my day, I'm miles away."
It is said that when Paul rang John to tell him the news, John said this when answering the call.
It is said that when Paul rang John to tell him the news, John said this when answering the call.
"Keeping an eye."
John reportedly took Ringo's eye from the site of the accident. He kept it in his pocket for the rest of his life, until Mark David Chapman shot him and took the eye to prison.
John reportedly took Ringo's eye from the site of the accident. He kept it in his pocket for the rest of his life, until Mark David Chapman shot him and took the eye to prison.
Love You To
"A lifetime is so short, a new one can be bought."
Pretty blatant here. A new lifetime being bought because the old one was cut too short...
Pretty blatant here. A new lifetime being bought because the old one was cut too short...
"I turned around it's passed."
This is a reference to how George looked away and when he turned around, Ringo was dead.
This is a reference to how George looked away and when he turned around, Ringo was dead.
"Love me while you can."
We should've loved Ringo!
We should've loved Ringo!
"We'll screw you in the ground."
Ringo was screwed into the ground by the elephant foot.
Ringo was screwed into the ground by the elephant foot.
She Said She Said
"I know what it's like to be dead."
It is rumored that John was haunted by the ghost of Ringo for the rest of John's life. He heard Ringo's ghost say this exact phrase 1,000,000 times per day.
It is rumored that John was haunted by the ghost of Ringo for the rest of John's life. He heard Ringo's ghost say this exact phrase 1,000,000 times per day.
For No One
"A love that should have lasted years."
A love that should have lasted years? So, a love that was cut short...
A love that should have lasted years? So, a love that was cut short...
Doctor Robert
Doctor Robert is often described as the first ever country song. Mayhaps the change in genre was better suited for Timothy?
"You're a new and better man, he helps you to understand, he does everything he can."
The song is based on the doctor that transformed Timothy Moyd into Ringo Starr. Doctor Robert changed Timothy into a new and better man. (Clue submitted by Matthew DiTullio)
The song is based on the doctor that transformed Timothy Moyd into Ringo Starr. Doctor Robert changed Timothy into a new and better man. (Clue submitted by Matthew DiTullio)
"If you're down, he'll pick you up."
Ringo was certainly down on the pavement!
Ringo was certainly down on the pavement!
"Well well well, you're feeling fine."
The last words Ringo ever heard from his doctor. The doctor was lying
The last words Ringo ever heard from his doctor. The doctor was lying
Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band
Getting Better
"I have to admit it's getting better, a little better all the time."
Is this Paul telling us that every day Timothy's getting a little better at what he's doing?
Is this Paul telling us that every day Timothy's getting a little better at what he's doing?
She's Leaving Home
"Wednesday morning at five o'clock..."
This is the approximate time Ringo succumbed to his injuries.
This is the approximate time Ringo succumbed to his injuries.
Good Morning, Good Morning
"Nothing to do to save his life, call his wife in."
What was said at the zoo?
What was said at the zoo?
"And you're on your own, you're in the street."
Is this lyric telling us that Ringo was splattered all over the street after getting trampled by the elephant?
Is this lyric telling us that Ringo was splattered all over the street after getting trampled by the elephant?
Sgt. Pepper Reprise
"1... 2... 3... 4..."
During the count-in for the reprise you can hear John quietly in the mix saying the word 'Bye'. What's interesting however is that he's saying it as Paul counts in the number 3. If you turn your attention back to the Pepper cover you'll see that Ringo is the third person along from right to left. Is this John associating a goodbye with Ringo?
During the count-in for the reprise you can hear John quietly in the mix saying the word 'Bye'. What's interesting however is that he's saying it as Paul counts in the number 3. If you turn your attention back to the Pepper cover you'll see that Ringo is the third person along from right to left. Is this John associating a goodbye with Ringo?
Magical Mystery Tour
The Fool On The Hill
"Or the sound he appears to make."
Is Timothy Moyd the fool on the hill, who is doomed to be ignored for the sound he appears to make?
Is Timothy Moyd the fool on the hill, who is doomed to be ignored for the sound he appears to make?
"The man with the foolish grin is keeping perfectly still."
...or is the fool the real Ringo, who is buried in a hill and is perfectly still? The foolish grin may be a reference to how witty and charming he was to the people in his last moments, oblivious of what was about to happen.
...or is the fool the real Ringo, who is buried in a hill and is perfectly still? The foolish grin may be a reference to how witty and charming he was to the people in his last moments, oblivious of what was about to happen.
Flying
This one should be obvious.
Blue Jay Way
"There's a fog upon L.A."
There was a fog upon Los Angeles on the day Ringo died. However, Ringo was not in Los Angeles at the time, so this is irrelevant.
There was a fog upon Los Angeles on the day Ringo died. However, Ringo was not in Los Angeles at the time, so this is irrelevant.
"Now they've lost themselves instead."
Ringo lost his life!
Ringo lost his life!
"Please don't belong."
George is saying that Timothy doesn't belong in the Beatles.
George is saying that Timothy doesn't belong in the Beatles.
"Please don't be long."
This is apparently what John told the ambulance that was carrying Ringo's body.
This is apparently what John told the ambulance that was carrying Ringo's body.
"Sitting here in Blue Jay Way."
Blue Jay Way was the name of the street Ringo was riding his bike on. After being flattened, his body was indeed "sitting there" on Blue Jay Way.
Blue Jay Way was the name of the street Ringo was riding his bike on. After being flattened, his body was indeed "sitting there" on Blue Jay Way.
I Am the Walrus
"I am the walrus!"
When this line is played backwards, you can hear "Something's wrong with my eye!" Witnesses at the scene of Ringo's death said that Ringo's eye socket popped out after the elephant trampled him. Could this be a reference to the gruesome injury?
When this line is played backwards, you can hear "Something's wrong with my eye!" Witnesses at the scene of Ringo's death said that Ringo's eye socket popped out after the elephant trampled him. Could this be a reference to the gruesome injury?
"Goog goog ga joob."
These were the final words of Humpty Dumpty before he fell off the wall and split his head open. Why was this remark used in this song? Was it intended as a reference to a head injury?
"New man, they take the fortune."
This is heard just after the middle 8 and before John goes into the final verse. This line is heard after the second 'They are the eggmen" and initially sounds like it's a phrase being said in reverse. Who could this new man be, and why are they 'taking the fortune'? Is it Timothy, the new guy, as he steps in and takes all of Ringo's wealth and fame?
These were the final words of Humpty Dumpty before he fell off the wall and split his head open. Why was this remark used in this song? Was it intended as a reference to a head injury?
"New man, they take the fortune."
This is heard just after the middle 8 and before John goes into the final verse. This line is heard after the second 'They are the eggmen" and initially sounds like it's a phrase being said in reverse. Who could this new man be, and why are they 'taking the fortune'? Is it Timothy, the new guy, as he steps in and takes all of Ringo's wealth and fame?
"Sitting in an English garden, waiting for the sun..."
When this line is played backwards, you can hear, "Worst of all, he's in the dark chills, remember this please." Is this a reference to Ringo having gone to hell. John has said in interviews that this song's lyrics were pure nonsense made to rhyme. What if this isn't true? What if this song is a reference to Ringo's death?
When this line is played backwards, you can hear, "Worst of all, he's in the dark chills, remember this please." Is this a reference to Ringo having gone to hell. John has said in interviews that this song's lyrics were pure nonsense made to rhyme. What if this isn't true? What if this song is a reference to Ringo's death?
"Slave, thou hast slain me. Villain, take my purse.
If ever thou wilt thrive, bury my body
And give the letters which you find'st about me
To Edmund, Earl of Gloucester. Seek him out
Upon the English party. O, untimely death!
Death!
I know thee well: a serviceable villain,
As duteous to the vices of thy mistress
As badness would desire.
What, is he dead?
Sit you down, father. Rest you."
This song features a sampled recording of a BBC production of Shakespeare's King Lear . Does the inclusion of these lines hint at Ringo's death?
If ever thou wilt thrive, bury my body
And give the letters which you find'st about me
To Edmund, Earl of Gloucester. Seek him out
Upon the English party. O, untimely death!
Death!
I know thee well: a serviceable villain,
As duteous to the vices of thy mistress
As badness would desire.
What, is he dead?
Sit you down, father. Rest you."
This song features a sampled recording of a BBC production of Shakespeare's King Lear . Does the inclusion of these lines hint at Ringo's death?
Hello, Goodbye
"You say goodbye and I say hello."
Paul giving a goodbye to the original Ringo, and saying hello to the new one?
Paul giving a goodbye to the original Ringo, and saying hello to the new one?
Strawberry Fields Forever
"It's getting hard to be someone."
Timothy starting to buckle a little under the pressure of being a somebody rather than a nobody?
Timothy starting to buckle a little under the pressure of being a somebody rather than a nobody?
All You Need is Love
"Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game."
Is the whole conspiracy a game? Have the clues been put in specifially for the clue hunters to search for, most finds win? Perhaps this is what they couldn't tell us? Either that, or they're now treating Ringo's death and cover up like a game to see how long they could last before someone twigged?
Is the whole conspiracy a game? Have the clues been put in specifially for the clue hunters to search for, most finds win? Perhaps this is what they couldn't tell us? Either that, or they're now treating Ringo's death and cover up like a game to see how long they could last before someone twigged?
"Yes he's dead. We loved you yeah, yeah, yeah. Loved you yeah, yeah, yeah."
Right towards the end of the song John suddenly sings "Yes he's dead". Is John confirming was he suspect? After this, the group then start to sing She's Loves You, but in a past tence and from them to an individual. Who are they saying they loved? The guy John just confirmed as dead?
Right towards the end of the song John suddenly sings "Yes he's dead". Is John confirming was he suspect? After this, the group then start to sing She's Loves You, but in a past tence and from them to an individual. Who are they saying they loved? The guy John just confirmed as dead?
The Beatles (White Album)
Ale!
This perplexing one-second track in between "The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is a clear reference to the fact that Ringo had ale in his system when he fell off his bike.
I'm So Tired
At the end of the song, John mumbles a bit of supposed gibberish, but when played backwards, the gibberish becomes "Well he's dead man, miss him, miss him, miss him!"
"I'd give you everything I've got for a little peace of mind."
This line played backwards says "I'm no simpleton without my history with you." Is this John saying that the band and himself could still carry on just fine after Ringo's death?
This line played backwards says "I'm no simpleton without my history with you." Is this John saying that the band and himself could still carry on just fine after Ringo's death?
Blackbird
"Take these broken wings and learn to fly."
Possibly a message to Timothy about how he felt when he became the new Ringo?
Possibly a message to Timothy about how he felt when he became the new Ringo?
Don't Pass Me By
"Don't pass me by, don't make me cry, don't make me blue."
If this line is played backwards we can hear the message "Who'd we pay for now? We pay for now? It's that one". Perhaps this is Timothy admitting that he is getting the money because of Ringo's passing.
If this line is played backwards we can hear the message "Who'd we pay for now? We pay for now? It's that one". Perhaps this is Timothy admitting that he is getting the money because of Ringo's passing.
I Will
It has been reported from multiple sources, including Nobel laureate Baruch Blumberg, that the original title for the song was "I Will (Kill Ringo)". It has also been reported that the song is written from the elephant's perspective.
"Will I wait a lonely lifetime?"
Timothy sure did wait a lonely lifetime before becoming a Beatle, as he became a Beatle at age 64.
Timothy sure did wait a lonely lifetime before becoming a Beatle, as he became a Beatle at age 64.
"I didn't catch your name."
This is what Paul first said to Timothy when they met.
This is what Paul first said to Timothy when they met.
"Love you forever and forever."
These were Ringo's last words to his wife before he went on his bicycle to go to the zoo.
These were Ringo's last words to his wife before he went on his bicycle to go to the zoo.
"Your song will fill the air, sing it loud so I can hear you."
Ringo's screams filled the air.
Ringo's screams filled the air.
Birthday
"I would like you to dance. (Birthday) Take a cha-cha-cha-chance."
If this line of lyric is played backwards we get the message "He's dead, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. (Dead, dead) He's dead, we sing hallelujah."
If this line of lyric is played backwards we get the message "He's dead, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. (Dead, dead) He's dead, we sing hallelujah."
Mother Nature's Son
"Born a poor young country boy..."
Timothy Moyd was born into poverty in the countryside of England on December 8 1600.
Timothy Moyd was born into poverty in the countryside of England on December 8 1600.
"All day long, I'm sitting singing songs for everyone."
Timothy loved to sing. He demanded the other three Beatles to let him sing every song on every album. They refused, and as punishment, they did not allow him to sing a single song on the album Let It Be.
Timothy loved to sing. He demanded the other three Beatles to let him sing every song on every album. They refused, and as punishment, they did not allow him to sing a single song on the album Let It Be.
Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me And My Monkey
"Everybody's got something to hide except for me and my monkey."
This is a reference to the fact that the Beatles were hiding the secret of Ringo's death from the world. It is reported that when John arrived at the scene of Ringo's death at Liverpool Zoo, he saw a monkey and adopted it from there.
This is a reference to the fact that the Beatles were hiding the secret of Ringo's death from the world. It is reported that when John arrived at the scene of Ringo's death at Liverpool Zoo, he saw a monkey and adopted it from there.
Revolution 9
"Number 9, Number 9, Number 9..."
If this line of the lyrics is played backwards, we get the infamous message of "Turn me on dead man..."
If this line of the lyrics is played backwards, we get the infamous message of "Turn me on dead man..."
There's also a lot of recorded conversation in this music-free track, much of which may be clues to Ringo's accident and death:
"His voice was low and his eyes were high and his eyes were closed."
"His legs were drawn, his hands were tied, his feet were bent and his head was on fire and his glasses were insane. This was the end of his audience."
"My wings are broken and so is my hair. I'm not in the mood for wearing clothing."
"Ringo is dead!"
"His voice was low and his eyes were high and his eyes were closed."
"His legs were drawn, his hands were tied, his feet were bent and his head was on fire and his glasses were insane. This was the end of his audience."
"My wings are broken and so is my hair. I'm not in the mood for wearing clothing."
"Ringo is dead!"
Yellow Submarine
Only a Northern Song
"When you're listening late at night. You may think the band are not quite right. But they are, they just play it like that."
"If you think the harmony's a little dark and out of key, you're correct. There's nobody there."
Is this telling us that the band isnt right without the original Ringo at the drums?
"If you think the harmony's a little dark and out of key, you're correct. There's nobody there."
Is this telling us that the band isnt right without the original Ringo at the drums?
"It doesn't really matter what chords I play, what words I say, or time of day it is."
"It doesn't really matter what clothes I wear, or how I fare, or if my hair is brown."
Are these lyrics telling us that because Ringo is the most insignificant band member, that he could look different from the original Ringo and still not get caught?
"It doesn't really matter what clothes I wear, or how I fare, or if my hair is brown."
Are these lyrics telling us that because Ringo is the most insignificant band member, that he could look different from the original Ringo and still not get caught?
Abbey Road
Old Brown Shoe (B-side)
Ringo was wearing a single old brown shoe when he died. John once said in an interview, "his shitty shoes were to blame!"
"If i grow up i'll be a singer, wearing rings on every finger"
The rings are a clear reference to Ringo. Unfortunately, Ringo never had a chance to grow up.
The rings are a clear reference to Ringo. Unfortunately, Ringo never had a chance to grow up.
Come Together
For some reason, the whole song seems to be about a dead person and describes certain aspects of what happens to a corpse.
"Here come ole' flat top."
A reference to Ringo's injuries? (His top was flattened by the elephant.)
"He got jo-jo eyeball."
Some people state the an eye socket was found a day after the accident.
"He got monkey finger."
When you die the muscles in your hands contract to become very claw like like a monkeys hand.
"He got walrus gumboot"
A walrus means death in some cultures. As for the term "gumboot": gum on a shoe (boot) is stepped on, like the elephant did to Ringo, and gum tends to be flat on a shoe, like Ringo was on that day.
"He one spinal cracker."
Was Ringo's back also broken in the accident?
"Hold you in his armchair you can feel his disease."
Another possible reference to death.
"He roller coaster."
Ringo died in a zoo in an amusement park, which has roller coasters.
"He say 'one and one and one is three'."
A hint at how many original band members are left?
"Come together right now over me."
Could this be a referral to a funeral congregation where the gathering come together over the grave? Is this sung in the perspective of Ringo?
"Here come ole' flat top."
A reference to Ringo's injuries? (His top was flattened by the elephant.)
"He got jo-jo eyeball."
Some people state the an eye socket was found a day after the accident.
"He got monkey finger."
When you die the muscles in your hands contract to become very claw like like a monkeys hand.
"He got walrus gumboot"
A walrus means death in some cultures. As for the term "gumboot": gum on a shoe (boot) is stepped on, like the elephant did to Ringo, and gum tends to be flat on a shoe, like Ringo was on that day.
"He one spinal cracker."
Was Ringo's back also broken in the accident?
"Hold you in his armchair you can feel his disease."
Another possible reference to death.
"He roller coaster."
Ringo died in a zoo in an amusement park, which has roller coasters.
"He say 'one and one and one is three'."
A hint at how many original band members are left?
"Come together right now over me."
Could this be a referral to a funeral congregation where the gathering come together over the grave? Is this sung in the perspective of Ringo?
Something
"Somewhere in her smile, she knows that I don't need no other lover. Something in her style that shows me. I don't want to leaver her now, you know I believe in how."
This line played backwards give us this message: "Not a Beatle, no! Not a Beatle, no! What shall thou art something with us? A bottle? No, a demon idol. So, unleash my arm, so I must!" Is this saying that the drummer of this group is not a Beatle, and that Ringo has gone to hell?
This line played backwards give us this message: "Not a Beatle, no! Not a Beatle, no! What shall thou art something with us? A bottle? No, a demon idol. So, unleash my arm, so I must!" Is this saying that the drummer of this group is not a Beatle, and that Ringo has gone to hell?
Polythene Pam
"She's killer-diller"
Ringo was killed
Ringo was killed
Carry That Weight
"Boy, you're gonna carry that weight"
Is this a message to Timothy to carry that weight through his solo career and to be consistent as Ringo?
Is this a message to Timothy to carry that weight through his solo career and to be consistent as Ringo?
Let It Be
Dig a Pony
"Well you can imitate anyone you know."
Who can imitate anyone they know? Timothy?
Who can imitate anyone they know? Timothy?
Let It Be
"Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be..."
The phrase "Let It Be," played backwards, becomes "He be dead."
The phrase "Let It Be," played backwards, becomes "He be dead."
I've Got a Feeling
"All these years I've been wandering around wondering how come nobody told me. All that I was looking for was somebody who looked like you."
It looks like this line is coming from two viewpoints. Firstly, it could be from the fans who're wondering why they weren't told of Ringo's death. Secondly it shifts to the viewpoint of somebody looking for a double of someone. This is the second instance on this album of a lyric that tells of a person looking for and impersonating somebody. Was this intentional?
It looks like this line is coming from two viewpoints. Firstly, it could be from the fans who're wondering why they weren't told of Ringo's death. Secondly it shifts to the viewpoint of somebody looking for a double of someone. This is the second instance on this album of a lyric that tells of a person looking for and impersonating somebody. Was this intentional?
The Long and Winding Road
"Has left a pool of tears crying for the day."
Could this be the group and their grief for the day of the fatal accident?
Could this be the group and their grief for the day of the fatal accident?
Get Back
"Get back, get back, get back to where you once belonged."
If this line is reversed, you hear "I need some wheels, help me! Help me! Help me!" Witnesses at the scene reported Ringo saying these words before he was crushed by the elephant. He had fallen off the bike and twisted his ankle and need to escape the scene. Unfortunately, no one at the scene supplied Ringo with the wheels he needed.
If this line is reversed, you hear "I need some wheels, help me! Help me! Help me!" Witnesses at the scene reported Ringo saying these words before he was crushed by the elephant. He had fallen off the bike and twisted his ankle and need to escape the scene. Unfortunately, no one at the scene supplied Ringo with the wheels he needed.
Anthology
Free As A Bird
Fun fact: the producer who worked on this video's name is Timothy Moyd. Coincidence?
"Free as a bird."
These were reportedly Ringo's last words before he fell of his bike.
These were reportedly Ringo's last words before he fell of his bike.
"Whatever happened to the life that once we knew?"
In 1964 Ringo's life ended, and Timothy's new life just began.
In 1964 Ringo's life ended, and Timothy's new life just began.
Ringo is the only Beatle to not sing on this song. That means he has died.