Now somewhere in the black mining hills of Dakota...

Here is a Beatles song I would bet most of the people reading this post have never heard of: Rocky Raccoon. Now you're probably thinking "sure, I can name 75% of the Beatles' members, but why should I need to know about a song about some crummy rodent?" Well, as usual, you are wrong and I am right.

What makes Rocky Raccoon a great Beatles song is the same thing that makes almost every Beatles song great: innovation. Gracing the B-side of the first disc of 'The Beatles' (commonly referred to as The White Album) this song sits at the end of a musical trio of songs with animal titles. First we get Paul's immaculate Blackbird, followed by George's social commentary Piggies and then finally Rocky Raccoon. These songs were deliberately placed together and while the move is small it is merely another sign of The Beatles subtle brilliance: no one in popular music at the time was even thinking of doing what they did, and that is innovative. On to the song.

Inspired by folk rock legend Donovan (who taught Paul and John to pluck their guitar folk-style while getting stoned with them in India- you'll notice its all over The White Album) not only are we treated to Paul's hilariously poor imitation of an American accent, but we then are treated to a calming, clever and kitschy little number. Sure, the song is full of references to Gideon's Bible, but I choose to ignore that for the song's humorous value and smart rhyming scheme. To me, what really makes this song shine are the non-Paul contributions: George Martin's honky-tonk piano and John's subtle but brilliant performance on the harmonica. Bring it all together and it really does transport you to some little town in the American west. All in all this song is what many less popular Beatles songs are: fun. Listen to Rocky Raccoon with your friends and have a laugh.

"The doctor came in stinking of gin
And proceeded to lie on the table
He said Rocky you met your match
And Rocky said, Doc it's only a scratch
And I'll be better I'll be better doc as soon as I am able.

Now Rocky Raccoon he fell back in his room
Only to find Gideon's bible
Gideon checked out and he left it no doubt
To help with good Rocky's revival."