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Overview
"Savoy Truffle" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles from their 1968 album The Beatles. The song was written by George Harrison and inspired by his friend Eric Clapton's fondness for chocolate. The lyrics list the various flavours offered in Mackintosh's Good News chocolates and serve as a warning to Clapton about the detrimental effect that his gorging would have on his teeth. [Wikipedia]
Background
Savoy Truffle is a song by The Beatles, written by Harrison and led on vocal by George Harrison. About Eric Clapton's chocolate addiction; lyrics list Mackintosh's flavours. Within the catalogue, its brass thread connects it to Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Good Morning Good Morning, Magical Mystery Tour; its george-original thread connects it to Don't Bother Me, I Need You, You Like Me Too Much. George Harrison's sophisticated composition employed string arrangement and lyrical references to candy flavors from a familiar commercial product, blending simple narrative structure with orchestral sophistication. The track's satirical approach to consumerism and popular-culture imagery reflected Harrison's witty songwriting approach, with sophisticated harmonic development supporting seemingly simple subject matter. The song demonstrated Harrison's facility with orchestral arrangement and ironic pop commentary. Savoy Truffle is basically a good-natured tribute to a friend's sweet tooth, a tongue-in-cheek warning about chocolate indulgence consequences. (Kozinn 1995, p.184)
What's distinctive
One of 28 songs led primarily by George. One of 22 solely Harrison-credited compositions in the canon. Recorded approximately 27 of 34 into the The White Album (1968) sessions. Carries the unique tag 'clapton-chocolate' — no other song shares it. Take count: 68 (highest take number documented in Lewisohn (1988)).Opening line — "Creme tangerine and montelimar…" (brief identification excerpt; full lyrics © Sony Music Publishing — see Genius link in References.)
Pattern analysis
Recording
The session work falls within the band's The White Album (1968) period, recorded 3 Oct 1968 at EMI Studios + Trident Studios (Soho). George Martin (with Chris Thomas covering) produced; Ken Scott (early), Geoff Emerick walked off — replaced engineered. For session-by-session detail, see Mark Lewisohn's account on p.155 of The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions (excerpt below). Recorded with George Harrison's lead vocal supported by substantial string arrangement arranged by George Martin, 'Savoy Truffle' featured multiple recording sessions allowing for careful orchestral overdubs and vocal refinements. Engineer Ken Scott's work captured the string ensemble's tonal qualities and Harrison's vocal with precision, with careful microphone technique and level management necessary to balance ensemble and vocal elements. Ken Scott captured string ensemble tonal qualities with precision during Harrison's vocal sessions, requiring careful microphone technique and level management for balanced orchestration. (Emerick 2006, p.not cited) Savoy Truffle stands as Harrison's most exuberant expression of jaunty personality since Penny Lane, though lacking that song's satirical point of view. (MacDonald 1994, p.136)
| Studio | EMI Studios + Trident Studios (Soho) — first Beatles 8-track sessions: 'Hey Jude' onward |
|---|---|
| Tape machine | Studer A80 8-track (Trident), 4-track at EMI until late 1968 |
| Console | REDD/TG12345 prototype; Trident A-Range |
| Microphones | U47/U48, AKG C12, U67 introduced |
| Outboard / effects | EMI RS124, EMT 140 & 250 (Trident), Fairchild 660, ADT, tape flanging, fuzz, wah (Vox/CryBaby) |
| Guitars | Epiphone Casino, Fender Strat (Rocky), Gibson J-200 acoustic, Martin D-28, Fender Telecaster Bass |
| Amplifiers | Fender Twin Reverb, Fender Bassman, Vox UL730 |
| Producer | George Martin (with Chris Thomas covering) |
| Engineer / 2nd | Ken Scott (early), Geoff Emerick walked off — replaced • John Smith, Mike Sheady, Barry Sheffield (Trident) |
| Estimated takes | 68 (highest take number documented in Lewisohn (1988)) |
Legacy & release history
In the canonical discography it appears on the LP The Beatles (White Album). Documented alternate versions include Mono Masters (2009 box), White Album 50th Anniversary (2018). Mono and stereo histories vary by era — see the dedicated section below. 'Savoy Truffle' represents Harrison's sophisticated orchestral approach. George Harrison lead vocals appear in 19 canon songs (4 in White Album era), making this one of his characteristic showcases. The track established Harrison's ability to balance sophisticated arrangement with witty lyrical content, becoming a concert staple where orchestral richness and comedic delivery generated distinctive live interpretations. 8-track basic recording 3 Oct 1968 at Trident; additional overdubbing 3, 5, 11, 14 Oct at Trident; mono [a] edited 14 Oct 1968. (Daniels 2024, p.203)
Mono & stereo
- Both mono and stereo mixes were prepared; the UK mono White Album (PMC 7067/8) has many distinct edits, mixes and effects vs. the stereo (PCS 7067/8) — collectors prize the mono.
Documented alternate versions
- Mono Masters (2009 box) — Allan Rouse / Guy Massey remaster
- White Album 50th Anniversary (2018) — Giles Martin stereo remix
Released on
- The Beatles (White Album) — LP, 22 November 1968
Cross-references
Other songs sharing themes (clapton-chocolate, brass, george-original, confectionery)
Other songs led by the same vocalist
Other songs from this era
clapton-chocolatebrassgeorge-originalconfectionery
References & external databases
Frequently asked
Who wrote Savoy Truffle?
“Savoy Truffle” was written by George Harrison.
Who sings lead on Savoy Truffle?
The lead vocal on “Savoy Truffle” is by George Harrison.
When was Savoy Truffle recorded?
“Savoy Truffle” was recorded 3 Oct 1968 at EMI Studios, Abbey Road.
How many takes did Savoy Truffle require?
Mark Lewisohn's session log documents up to 68 numbered takes for “Savoy Truffle”.