She looks as an African Queen
She eating twelve chapattis and cream
She tastes as Mongolian lamb
She coming from out of Bahrain
What a shame Mary Jane had a pain at the party
What a shame Mary Jane what a shame Mary Jane had a pain at the party
She like to be married with Yeti
He grooving such cooky spaghetti
She jumping as Mexican bean
To make that her body more thin
What a shame Mary Jane had a pain at the party
What a shame Mary Jane what a shame Mary Jane had a pain at the party
She catch Patagonian pancakes
With that one and gin party makes
She having all the ways good contacts
She making with Apple and contract
What a shame Mary Jane had a pain at the party
What a shame Mary Jane what a shame Mary Jane had a pain at the party
All together now
What a shame Mary Jane had a pain at the party
What a shame what what a shame Mary Jane had a pain at the party
What a shame what a shame what a shame what a shame
Mary Jane had a pain at the party
What a shame what a shame what a shame what a shame
Mary Jane had a pain at the party
What a shame what a shame Mary Jane had a pain at the party
What a shame what a shame what a shame
Mary Jane had a pain at the party
What a shame Mary Jane Mary Jane had a pain at the party
What a shame Mary Jane what a shame Mary Jane had a pain at the party
What a shame Mary Jane what a shame
She looks as an African Queen
She tastes as Mongolian lamb
What a shame Mary Jane what a shame Mary Jane had a pain at the party
All together now
What a shame Mary Jane had a pain at the party
What a shame what what a shame Mary Jane had a pain at the party
What a shame what a shame what a shame what a shame
(That’s it
Before we get taken away) [cut down]
Surreal Imagery and Playful Chaos
“What’s The New Mary Jane” by The Beatles stands out as one of the band’s most eccentric and experimental tracks. The lyrics are a collage of bizarre imagery—African Queens, chapattis, Mongolian lamb, and yetis—blending international references with a sense of playful absurdity. Rather than following a traditional narrative, the song offers a stream-of-consciousness journey that feels almost dreamlike. The repeated refrain, “What a shame Mary Jane had a pain at the party,” acts as a unifying mantra, suggesting themes of discomfort and awkwardness amidst social chaos.
Underlying Meanings and Sonic Experimentation
The surreal references and nonsensical lines may hint at the psychedelic atmosphere in which the song was conceived, reflecting the Beatles’ fascination with avant-garde techniques during their late 1960s period. The lyrics can be interpreted as a commentary on fame, identity, or simply a playful exploration of language and sound. The band’s willingness to embrace the unconventional makes “What’s The New Mary Jane” a cult favorite among fans intrigued by The Beatles’ more experimental side.
Song Credits
Songwriters: John Lennon, credited also to Lennon/McCartney
Release Year: 1996 (as part of the Anthology 3 compilation)
Label: Apple Records