Meta Description: Discover how Ringo Starr’s “Octopus’s Garden” reflects his unique role within The Beatles, showcasing his creativity, warmth, and the lasting impact he had on music.
When it comes to The Beatles, everyone has a favorite member, and for some, it’s not the caustic genius of John Lennon, the songwriting mastery of Paul McCartney, or the spiritual softness of George Harrison, but rather the jovial and all-around saintly Ringo Starr. Often underrated, Starr’s role within the band is undeniable, proving his worth through his simplistic yet effective drumming style that perfectly complemented the group’s sound.
Despite facing criticism during his time with The Beatles, with some suggesting that his straightforward drum fills made him a lesser musician, Starr has established himself as a great talent in his own right, especially throughout his solo career. A key reason Ringo Starr has remained so beloved by fans is his undeniably welcoming nature. His warmth, which radiates much like the sun, has endeared him to generations. Though he no longer signs autographs as he once did, his approachable demeanor continues to charm.
Starr is more than just a drummer—he’s a singer-songwriter with a knack for catchy tunes. Even during his time with The Beatles, he lent his voice to some of their most adored songs, including “With a Little Help From My Friends” and the memorable “Octopus’s Garden.” The latter, with its childlike tone, stands out as one of The Beatles’ most recognizable tracks.
Ringo Starr’s passion for music is evident in every note he plays. So when asked by NME what song he’d want at his funeral, his answer was both surprising and fitting: “Octopus’s Garden.” By choosing this track, Starr signified that The Beatles’ influence on his life should carry on in death as well. He said, “I don’t know what we’d have playing, so I’ll say this one because it’d be nice to have everyone singing along.”
Choosing a song he wrote himself might seem egotistical in other contexts, but Starr’s choice is heartfelt, especially considering the criticism he’s faced over the years. “Octopus’s Garden” is one of the few Beatles songs penned by Starr himself. As George Harrison once said, “‘Octopus’s Garden’ is Ringo’s song. It’s only the second song Ringo has ever written, mind you, and it’s lovely.” Harrison also remarked on why the song resonates with fans: “Because it’s so peaceful. I suppose Ringo is writing cosmic songs these days without even realizing it.” Starr’s “peace and love” mantra is reflected perfectly in this track, making it a quintessential piece of his legacy.
The creation of “Octopus’s Garden” was a testament to Starr’s ability to find inspiration in the most unexpected places. The song was born during a difficult time when Starr felt pushed out of the band and took a holiday with actor Peter Sellers. A peculiar meal of squid led to a conversation with the boat’s captain, who told a story about how octopuses collect stones and shiny objects to build gardens. This whimsical tale delighted Starr and sparked his creativity, resulting in one of The Beatles’ most beloved songs.
While songs like “Blackbird” or “Here Comes the Sun” might seem like more typical funeral choices, Starr’s selection of “Octopus’s Garden” stands out. The idea of friends and family tapping their feet to the cheerful tune at his funeral is a comforting one, reflecting the joy he brought to so many. Whether or not it’s actually played at his funeral, “Octopus’s Garden” is a song that will forever define Ringo Starr’s legacy.
