How “She Said She Said” Was Inspired By An Acid Trip With Peter Fonda

March 20, 2025

It was the summer of 1965, and the world around me felt like it was bursting with colors and sounds. I was sitting in a small room in LA, surrounded by my friends. The air was thick with excitement, and laughter bounced off the walls as we passed around a small vial of liquid. That night, we decided to try something new—something that would take us far beyond the ordinary. As I dropped the liquid on my tongue, I had no idea how this decision would change my life and inspire one of The Beatles’ most famous songs, “She Said She Said.”

The trip took hold of me quickly, and suddenly, I was seeing the world in ways I had never imagined. Shapes swirled, colors merged, and I was filled with an overwhelming sense of connection to everything and everyone around me. At times, I felt like I could even hear the thoughts of my friends. But then there was Peter Fonda, a famous actor and friend, who began sharing his own thoughts. He had taken the drug too and started talking about life and death, how it felt to be on the edge of reality. He said, “I know what it’s like to be dead.” Those words struck me deep. It was like a light bulb went off in my head, illuminating the way forward.

As the night wore on, I couldn’t shake off the feelings and ideas swirling in my mind. The conversation with Peter, mixed with the visuals and emotions of the trip, created a storm of inspiration. I could feel stories and melodies waiting to pour out of me, begging for release. By the time dawn broke, I had written down a few lines of what would eventually become “She Said She Said.” The song emerged not just as a catchy tune, but as a reflection of life’s complexities—of fear, understanding, and the struggle for connection.

When I eventually shared the song with my band, they were just as excited as I was. “She Said She Said” became a part of our album “Revolver,” and it took off in ways I could never have dreamed. The song resonated with people everywhere; it spoke to the universal truths of confusion and clarity, of joy and pain. In that moment, I felt a deep sense of resilience and purpose. The acid trip had shown me that creativity often comes from the most unexpected places, including moments of vulnerability and exploration.

Looking back, I realize that the experience with Peter Fonda opened doors not only to my artistic career but also to deep truths about life and relationships. It taught me that inspiration can come from the most unlikely situations and that it’s essential to embrace those moments. The highs and lows of life, while sometimes overwhelming, can also lead to something beautiful. I walked away from that night not only with a new song but with a reinvigorated passion for music and an understanding of the world that pushed me to keep creating.

Music became my way to talk about everything—my fears, my hopes, and the astonishing, sometimes bizarre moments that life brings. “She Said She Said” was not just a song; it was a testament to the idea that life is a journey filled with unexpected turns. And through it all, I learned to keep my heart open, my mind curious, and my spirit fearless.