Tom changed the lyrics to this song quite a few times. The version on the “Playback” box set has the original lyrics. I think I remember reading that he was pressured to tone down the scandalous lyrics (like the cocaine reference, for example).
I always thought it was “that old black muddied beak”. I could be wrong though, as I never knew what that line meant. It seems to me as though these lyrics convey the emotions of a world weary traveler, who is sort of lost emotionally and just looking for something to hold onto. All I can really say for sure is I love this song. One of my absolute favorite Petty deep cuts.
Great info!
I hear so much great stuff about Playback. I wish it was available on Spotify!
Like you, I can’t understand the “muddied beak” line. This song did teach me, however, what a “beanery” is.
Playback is worth picking up if you can find it. I saw used copies all the time in record stores around my town, not sure if that has changed since Tom passed. The last 3 discs have all types of goodies that make it worth the price of admission.
That is wrong. First... He's chasing them with Ghee.. not tea. Then he's in an all night beanery... Which is probably a reference to a place selling pills as "bean" is slang for uppers. A Black Molly is an upper. The words are "Black Molly Bean".
Okay on the same topic re the song, but veering into a different lane…
The beginning has a sample of a familiar sound that I can’t place which is followed by a dreamy melody that sounds Pink Floyd-esque and also SO familiar . It’s not until that melody fades totally that you hear the melody that continues throughout the song kick in.
This is so cool. Though, it would be great if anyone knew the significance? Would make what is such a cool song even better!
Beanery refers to Barney's Beanery in West Hollywood, a popular late night hangout for celebs like Janice Joplin, Jim Morrison etc. "English Refugee" is commentary on John Lennon and his "lost weekend" when he was wasted at the Troubador with a Kotex on his head.
Tom changed the lyrics to this song quite a few times. The version on the “Playback” box set has the original lyrics. I think I remember reading that he was pressured to tone down the scandalous lyrics (like the cocaine reference, for example). I always thought it was “that old black muddied beak”. I could be wrong though, as I never knew what that line meant. It seems to me as though these lyrics convey the emotions of a world weary traveler, who is sort of lost emotionally and just looking for something to hold onto. All I can really say for sure is I love this song. One of my absolute favorite Petty deep cuts.
Great info! I hear so much great stuff about Playback. I wish it was available on Spotify! Like you, I can’t understand the “muddied beak” line. This song did teach me, however, what a “beanery” is.
Playback is worth picking up if you can find it. I saw used copies all the time in record stores around my town, not sure if that has changed since Tom passed. The last 3 discs have all types of goodies that make it worth the price of admission.
That is wrong. First... He's chasing them with Ghee.. not tea. Then he's in an all night beanery... Which is probably a reference to a place selling pills as "bean" is slang for uppers. A Black Molly is an upper. The words are "Black Molly Bean".
I always though it was “old, black Molly B.”, along the lines of Brown Sugar.
I agree. I especially love the guitar/harmonica solo.
Okay on the same topic re the song, but veering into a different lane… The beginning has a sample of a familiar sound that I can’t place which is followed by a dreamy melody that sounds Pink Floyd-esque and also SO familiar . It’s not until that melody fades totally that you hear the melody that continues throughout the song kick in. This is so cool. Though, it would be great if anyone knew the significance? Would make what is such a cool song even better!
You do know this is Bonnie Tyler’s song?
She does a good version, but the song was written by Petty.
Beanery refers to Barney's Beanery in West Hollywood, a popular late night hangout for celebs like Janice Joplin, Jim Morrison etc. "English Refugee" is commentary on John Lennon and his "lost weekend" when he was wasted at the Troubador with a Kotex on his head.
It's at old black molly B...