10 Songs That Prove George Harrison’s Solo Years Were Better Than You Think
7. Crackerbox Palace
The video for Crackerbox Palace features Neil Innes and was directed by Eric Idle. Both had starred in Beatles spoof The Rutles in which George made a brief cameo appearance.
The comedians were a good fit for this song. It was inspired by a visit to the Los Angeles home of American character comedian Lord Buckley and also features a Blazing Saddles reference.
The music for Crackerbox Palace is jaunty but disguises a darker message about conformity in the lyric. The song’s protagonist is repeatedly assured “You bring such joy to Crackerbox Palace/no matter where you roam know our love is true”. However for one chorus the lyric changes:
“while you’re a part of Crackerbox Palace/do what the rest all do/or face the fact that Crackerbox Palace/May have no other choice but to deport you.”
The whole thing is topped off with Harrison’s trademark slide guitar work on lead and solo.