Polythene Pam

Composition and recording

The song was developed during the late 1969 Abbey Road sessions at EMI Studios. Musically it relies on a driving electric-guitar riff, propulsive drums and tight backing from the band, with production overseen by their longtime producer. Like several fragments in the medley, it was arranged to connect directly to the neighbouring tracks—most notably following "Mean Mr. Mustard" and leading into "She Came In Through the Bathroom Window." The result is an energetic musical moment that functions as both a standalone vignette and a connective bridge.

Lyrics and inspiration

The lyrics present a comic, slightly surreal portrait of a woman nicknamed "Polythene Pam," who is associated with wearing or using polythene (a British term for a type of plastic). Lennon described the song as drawn from a mixture of real-life anecdotes and playful exaggeration; it reads like a brief character sketch rather than a narrative with a conventional plot. The language and delivery emphasize immediacy and attitude over detailed exposition.

Personnel and musical features

• Lead vocal and rhythm contributions by John Lennon (John Lennon).
• Backing instrumentation by the Beatles—bass, drums and lead guitar—rendered with a raw, live feel by the group (The Beatles).
• Produced and shaped to fit the Abbey Road medley; notable for its concise form, punchy arrangement and immediate impact.

Although brief, "Polythene Pam" is often cited as an example of the Beatles' ability to combine concise songwriting, studio craft and personality-packed lyrics. Its placement within the Abbey Road medley helps give the closing side of the album momentum and variety, demonstrating how small, tightly constructed songs can contribute to a larger artistic whole.