John Lennon Songs

What comes to mind when you think of the songs of John Lennon? From his earliest recordings with his fellow Beatles members; the years struggling to make an impact socially on the changing world, to his deeply devoted love for Yoko Ono and his son, Sean, John Lennon’s anthology is a vast array of laments, prayers and hopes for a better world.   

John’s most famous songs emerged mostly after his split with The Beatles. In some ways his output was limited and lacked strong commercial success, but John always had issues with his fame, coming from a working class background. He focused on lyrics that perhaps ranged in subject, except when he wrote about his relationship with Yoko. Of the Fab Four, John was the one most often viewed as the most meaningful and soulful of the group. 

Earliest works of John Lennon, often in collaboration with Paul McCartney, could be considered silly love laments, but nonetheless, created the pop sensation that led to a more serious look at their songwriting as the years progressed. His work was never surreal in sound or scope like George Harrison’s either. His first solo album after The Beatles was filled with laments about his childhood, his mother and neuroses. Songs such as “Mother” and “Mind Games” emerged here.   

John’s work at this time was made up of layers, with deeper psychological importance. He wanted his songwriting to matter and used themes of corrupt social ills, a need to come together, to forge change was strongly evident.   

In the 70’s John Lennon’s lyrics denounced everything the previous decade stood for: religion, war, materialism, conventionality, and strived for a more militant demand for world peace. He believed and argued that a true end to war was not unattainable; it was only as far as a strong resonating vocalization.   

By reaching all the people of the world and instill in them a demand for change, this power would force the corrupt of the world to not deny them. So true in songs such as “Happy Xmas – War is Over” and “Give Peace a Chance” . The very symbolic: “We All Shine On” is the epitome of what John believed; understanding, involvement, peace and love with an underlying call to arms through action. In a more calming tone, John used the haunting melody of “Imagine”, to get his message across. This song is perhaps the most popular signature song of John Lennon’s anthology, and it has in many ways become an “Amazing Grace” anthem of the post-modern world. And at the same time, it is a strikingly beautiful musical work, often noted as one of the best songs of all time.   

After a five year hiatus, John Lennon released a new perspective in a new album with “Starting Over” and “Watchin’ The Wheels” as evidence that his new life’s work was about family, his son and a quieter life. Less heavy rock and roll sounds made up the melodies and “Beautiful Boy” and “Woman” are from this time.