After the theory that it was about drugs came out the author denied it. And continued to deny it.
The fact that someone sat down and decided all the lyrics were symbolism for drugs does not make that the intent of the composer.
It’s like gay activists finding any excuse to determine that some historical figure was gay.
That said, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds was definitely about LSD (Just kidding. It isn’t.)
“After the theory that it was about drugs came out the author denied it. And continued to deny it.
The fact that someone sat down and decided all the lyrics were symbolism for drugs does not make that the intent of the composer.”
Well that’s just what he would say now isn’t it? Wink, wink, nod, nod, know what I mean, know what I mean? Maybe that “someone” was the person who wrote it. Snickering while a bunch of innocent kids sang his druggie song.
Even if the song somehow wasn’t originally about smoking pot, he should have been savvy enough to realize that in the drug infused culture of the day it would be “misinterpreted”. Change “Puff”and “Paper” to something else and viola no problem.
Next you’ll try to tell me that H.R. Pufnstuf wasn’t about a psychedelic drug trip.