THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

238-Siouxsie and the Banshees-Dear Prudence.

1983-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 1.28. I have chosen a cover version of a Beatles song, some may say that I am committing musical blasphemy.

‘Dear Prudence’ was written in 1968 by John Lennon (1940-1980) and first appeared on the Beatles ninth studio Album from November 1968 called ‘The Beatles,’ also known as the ‘White Album.’ As with all Beatles songs whether they were written by Lennon or Paul McCartney (see also best songs 646 and 107) they were always credited as Lennon/McCartney.

The subject of the song is Prudence Farrow who is the sister of the actress Mia Farrow, who were both present when the Beatles (see also best songs 456-319-141-107-80-52-10 and 5) went to India to study with Maharishi Mahseh Yogi (1918-2008) at his spiritual retreat in Rishikesh, in the foothills of the Himalayas. On observing Prudence, John Lennon felt that she was taking her meditation too far, cutting herself off from the rest of the world, sometimes spending days on end locking herself away in her bungalow. The Maharishi assigned Lennon, (see also best songs 927-473-218-168 and 20) and George Harrison (see also best songs 737 and 726) to act as her ‘team buddies,’ leading to Lennon writing the lyrics, urging Prudence to ‘Open up your eyes,’ and ‘See the sunny skies,’ and reminding her that she is ‘Part of everything.’

In 1983 the English Alternative Rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees (see also best songs 668) who were constantly touring at that time, and were in-between Albums, decided to record a cover of ‘Dear Prudence’ to fill the gap. They had already recorded another Beatles song ‘Helter Skelter’ back in 1978 for their Album ‘The Scream,’ and were pleasantly surprised when ‘Dear Prudence’ climbed all the way to Number 3 in the UK, giving them their highest ever charting song on the singles chart. ‘Dear Prudence’ was also recorded at the time when the bands guitarist John McGeoch had just left the band, and was temporarily being replaced by Robert Smith of the Cure (see also best songs 951.) Siouxsie Sioux has said, ‘It was an insane period for us, extremely busy. We were just being totally hyperactive. I think it took its toll maybe a year or so later. John had been hospitalised for stress and overworking, so he was suffering a bit. Robert stepped in, for the second time, as he did in ’79, so the show was still going on, and the touring was all pretty intense and crazy. We went on to record ‘Hyaena’ together, and then he imploded as well, he just couldn’t cope with it.’

‘Dear Prudence, won’t you come out to play? Dear Prudence, greet the brand new day. The sun is up, the sky is blue, it’s beautiful and so are you, Dear Prudence, won’t you come out to play?’