Growing up with the name Sadie, it has been virtually impossible for the song "Sexy Sadie" not to follow me around through the years. It's usually one of the first references people make when meeting me (that or Sadie, Sadie married lady). Not being the type prone to narcissism, I've spent years feeling awkward and embarrassed every time the song comes on.
I always just assumed the song was inspired by some elusive heart breaker of a woman who happened to share the same name as I. Turns out that is not the case at all. Lennon actually wrote the song about the Maharishi with whom the Beatles sought spiritual refuge following the death of their longtime manager Brian Epstein.
During their time in India from 1967-68, rumors began that the legendary Maharishi Mahesh Yogi had been taking advantage of his female followers. In particular, he was accused with the attempted rape of Lennon's close friend and travel companion, Mia Farrow. This didn't strike Lennon as being particularly zen in nature and disheartened and disillusioned, the band returned home where Lennon began work on the song.
The original song was titled "Maharishi" and the lyrics said "Maharishi what have you done, you made a fool of everyone." Fearing legal action, Lennon substituted the word "Maharishi" with "Sexy Sadie", but the bitter sentiment is clear.
Knowing the real meaning behind the song actually makes me feel more comfortable with its message. I no longer hear a song about a woman who is a little too full of herself, who leads men on, and who is deserving of retaliation... "you'll get yours yet, however big you think you are".With this new knowledge has come personal distance. I now appreciate the song for it's melody, lyrics, and angry message; not against a girl named Sadie, but rather a perverted spiritual leader.
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