“Barker of the UFO” is a whimsical and enigmatic track by the Bee Gees, recorded in 1967 during the sessions for their album Horizontal but not officially released until its inclusion on the 1990 compilation Tales from the Brothers Gibb. Written by Barry Gibb, the song features Barry on lead vocals, with the brothers’ signature harmonies adding a dreamy, psychedelic texture. Running at approximately 1:51, the track blends pop and psychedelic rock, characterized by a playful melody, quirky lyrics, and experimental studio effects. The song explores themes of escapism, imagination, and a yearning for transcendence, using the character of Mr. Barker and a UFO as metaphors for seeking something beyond the ordinary. Originally the B-side to the 1967 single “Massachusetts,” it remains a cult favorite for its unique sound and departure from the Bee Gees’ typical pop fare.
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Reason for the Song’s Creation
In 1967, the Bee Gees were at the height of their early success, having recently returned to England from Australia and signed with manager Robert Stigwood. Their breakthrough hits like “New York Mining Disaster 1941” and “Massachusetts” established them as a leading act in the late 1960s pop scene. The recording sessions for Horizontal, their second international album, took place at IBC Studios in London, during a period when the music industry was embracing the psychedelic movement. Influenced by bands like The Beatles and The Beach Boys, the Bee Gees experimented with innovative studio techniques and imaginative themes, which is evident in “Barker of the UFO.” The song was recorded during these sessions but was deemed too unconventional for the Horizontal album, leading to its release as a B-side and later inclusion on compilations.
The creation of “Barker of the UFO” reflects the Bee Gees’ willingness to explore the psychedelic trends of the era. Written by Barry Gibb, the song captures the playful and experimental spirit of 1967, a year marked by cultural fascination with extraterrestrial life and countercultural ideals. The Gibbs, particularly Barry, were known for their creative curiosity, and this track likely stemmed from a desire to push boundaries beyond their usual romantic ballads. The song’s quirky narrative and surreal imagery may also have been influenced by the brothers’ youthful imagination, as they were still in their late teens and early twenties, eager to explore new artistic territories.
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The decision to release “Barker of the UFO” as the B-side to “Massachusetts” was strategic, pairing a commercially accessible hit with a more experimental track to showcase the band’s versatility. Produced by Robert Stigwood and the Bee Gees, with contributions from arranger Bill Shepherd, the song’s production incorporates studio effects like reverb and layered vocals, reflecting the psychedelic influences of the time. Its limited release in 1967 and later rediscovery in 1990 highlight its status as a hidden gem, appreciated by fans for its eccentricity and insight into the Bee Gees’ early creative experimentation.
Content Conveyed Through the Song
“Barker of the UFO” is a playful yet enigmatic exploration of escapism, imagination, and the search for something extraordinary. The lyrics, written by Barry Gibb, center on a character named Mr. Barker, who is addressed with a series of whimsical requests: “Barker, sing me a song / Instead of counting trees / Collecting aeroplane numbers now, Mr. Barker.” These lines suggest a desire to break free from mundane routines—symbolized by “counting trees” and “collecting aeroplane numbers”—and embrace a more fantastical experience, represented by the UFO. The song’s surreal imagery and lighthearted tone create a dreamlike narrative, inviting listeners to imagine a world beyond the ordinary.
The character of Mr. Barker serves as a symbolic figure, possibly a guide or visionary who offers a glimpse of transcendence. The lyrics “Live it up, shine my shoes / Fly me to the moon / Never before have I seen the light, Mr. Barker” evoke a sense of yearning for adventure and enlightenment, with the UFO symbolizing a journey to new horizons. The phrase “fly me to the moon” echoes the era’s fascination with space exploration, while “never before have I seen the light” suggests a moment of revelation or transformation. The song’s psychedelic undertones, reinforced by its playful tone and studio effects, align with the 1960s countercultural desire to escape societal norms and explore new realms of consciousness.
Musically, “Barker of the UFO” is a departure from the Bee Gees’ typical pop balladry, embracing a quirky, psychedelic sound. The track features a bright acoustic guitar riff, layered with reverb-heavy vocals and subtle studio effects that create an otherworldly atmosphere. Barry Gibb’s lead vocals are delivered with a playful yet earnest tone, while Robin and Maurice’s harmonies add a dreamy quality, enhancing the song’s surreal narrative. The production, handled by Robert Stigwood and the Bee Gees, incorporates experimental elements like echoed vocals and unconventional instrumentation, reflecting the influence of psychedelic rock pioneers like The Beatles. The song’s brevity—under two minutes—adds to its whimsical charm, making it feel like a fleeting, fantastical moment.
The lyrics also introduce a note of melancholy, with lines like “Then the moment of depression fell around, Mr. Barker / And the changes of expression to a frown, my friend Barker.” This shift suggests that the pursuit of transcendence is not without its challenges, as the narrator experiences a fleeting sense of disillusionment. The phrase “there must be something there” reflects a persistent hope, as the narrator clings to the belief that Mr. Barker’s vision—symbolized by the “shiner of the light”—holds the promise of something greater. This interplay of whimsy and melancholy adds depth to the song, suggesting that the search for meaning is both exhilarating and fraught with uncertainty.
Thematically, “Barker of the UFO” captures the spirit of the 1960s psychedelic movement, with its emphasis on imagination, exploration, and breaking free from conventional boundaries. The song’s reference to a UFO taps into the era’s cultural fascination with extraterrestrial life, fueled by events like the Apollo missions and popular media. The character of Mr. Barker, with his ability to “sing a song” and “fly me to the moon,” embodies the role of a dreamer or visionary, offering an escape from the mundane. The lyrics’ playful imagery—such as “collecting aeroplane numbers” and “shine my shoes”—adds a childlike wonder, making the song accessible yet open to interpretation.
The song’s structure enhances its narrative arc. The verses are light and conversational, addressing Mr. Barker with a series of requests, while the chorus-like repetition of “Barker, sing me a song” creates a hypnotic effect, mirroring the narrator’s longing for escape. The brief bridge, with its mention of “depression” and a “frown,” introduces a moment of emotional contrast, adding complexity to the otherwise whimsical tone. The production’s use of studio effects, such as reverb and layered vocals, creates a sense of otherworldliness, aligning with the song’s themes of transcendence and imagination. The interplay of Barry’s lead and the brothers’ harmonies adds a sense of unity, reflecting the Bee Gees’ signature sound even in this experimental track.
Culturally, “Barker of the UFO” reflects the Bee Gees’ engagement with the psychedelic era’s sense of wonder and experimentation. Released as the B-side to “Massachusetts” in 1967, the song captures the spirit of a time when artists were pushing boundaries with surreal imagery and innovative sounds. Its rediscovery on Tales from the Brothers Gibb in 1990 and its inclusion on the 2006 reissue of Horizontal introduced it to new audiences, cementing its status as a cult classic. The song’s quirky charm and imaginative narrative make it a unique entry in the Bee Gees’ catalog, showcasing their ability to blend whimsy with emotional depth during their early years.