DS, signed in bold black felt tip, “John Lennon,” one page, 7.5 x 9.5, October 15, 1968. Publishing agreement between Maclen Music and Northern Songs Limited for the fees associated with the song “Glass Onion.” Also signed by Neil Aspinall , as director of Maclen Music. Aspinall was a childhood friend of McCartney and Harrison and went on to become their road manager, personal assistant, and eventually the CEO of Apple Corps. Double matted and framed with a photo of Lennon and an informational plaque, to an overall size of 13 x 30.5.
“Glass Onion” was written primarily by Lennon, but credited to Lennon/McCartney (with McCartney’s name appearing on the contract, although he hasn’t signed), and is the third track on the White Album. Lennon references a number of Beatles songs in the lyrics, including “Strawberry Fields,” “I Am the Walrus,” “Lady Madonna,” and “The Fool on the Hill,” among others. The most notable lyric of the song being “The Walrus was Paul,” which Lennon intended as a friendly joke towards Paul in the midst of a rocky point in their friendship. It was also a way to play into the mystery surrounding the ‘Paul is Dead’ urban legend (another notable example being a barefooted Paul on the cover of Abbey Road), which had captivated fans since 1966 and reached a fever pitch in 1969 with media outlets erroneously reporting Paul’s death. Lennon, having the final word, is quoted as saying, “I threw in the line...just to confuse everybody a bit more. It could have been ‘The fox terrier is Paul.’ I mean it’s just a bit of poetry.”
Whatever the intended meaning, this contract remains an outstanding collectible from one of the most famous albums in the Beatles canon. Lennon’s flawless signature has been signed in the center of the document. In fine condition, with a minor rusty paperclip impression to upper edge and scattered light soiling. Oversized. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RRAuction COA.
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