Rubes by Leigh Rubin for June 29, 2022

I could spend a happy day not getting this joke, but nonetheless I’m asking for help. Anyone?

Is the bottom one talking about, “Genie in a Bottle” by Christina Aguilera?

Another Lucy in the sky with diamonds moment?

Remember the Beatles cartoon in the 60s? Liegh sure does.

Yeah, well – hallucinogens and psychotropic drugs will do that to song lyrics.

I’d like to be

Under the sea

In an octopus’ garden

In the shade

He’d let us in

Knows where we’ve been

In his octopus’ garden

In the shade

Must be taking a break from his yellow submarine.

He in an Octopus’ Garden, In The Shade.

But why the genie? Ringo sang “I’d like to be…,” not “I wish I were….”

A quick history lesson for readers who may not be familiar with the full collection of The Beatles’ music. This depicts drummer Ringo Starr who sang ‘Octopus’ Garden’ in the album ‘Abbey Road’. Ringo whose real name was Richard Starkey was really the most unheralded of the Fab Four mainly because he sat in back playing his drums while the other three were able to display their talents much more physically on stage. But in fact, he played a large role in their phenomenal success. Their original drummer, Pete Best, wasn’t particularly skilled at his craft so the boys and their manager Brian Epstein decided to replace him in 1962 giving Ringo the chance of a lifetime.

With such a huge body of work to their credit, ‘Octopus’ Garden’ may be considered a lesser contribution but to me, it was a masterpiece in its depiction of a safe haven from all the troubles and blight in the real world:

“Oh what joy

For every girl and boy

Knowing they’re happy

And they’re safe”.

This one is pretty shady if you ask me.

This was a good day for me to come to the comments to understand the cartoon.

It took me way too long to figure out what the genie was angry about!