John Lennon was an English singer, songwriter, and musician who rose to fame as a member of the Beatles. Born in Liverpool in 1940, Lennon began playing music in his teenage years and formed the Beatles with fellow band members Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr in the early 1960s.
As a member of the Beatles, Lennon helped revolutionize popular music with his innovative songwriting, political activism, and experimental sound. After the Beatles disbanded in 1970, Lennon embarked on a successful solo career, releasing a string of critically acclaimed albums and hit songs such as “Imagine,” “Instant Karma,” and “Jealous Guy.”
Lennon was also a prominent social and political activist, using his platform to speak out against war, racism, and other social issues. He and his wife Yoko Ono became symbols of the anti-war movement, and their “bed-ins” for peace and other public demonstrations helped raise awareness of global issues.
Tragically, Lennon was assassinated by a fan outside his New York City apartment building in 1980, but his music and legacy continue to live on, inspiring new generations of fans and artists. His influence on music and culture is immeasurable, and he remains one of the most beloved and iconic figures in rock history.
1. “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)“
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” is a Christmas song written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and recorded with the Plastic Ono Band in 1971. The song features Lennon’s signature vocals, accompanied by a choir and a children’s choir, and a memorable chorus. The lyrics deliver a message of hope and peace, urging listeners to imagine a world without war and conflict. “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” has become a beloved classic and a staple of holiday playlists around the world. The song’s enduring message and Lennon’s legacy as an advocate for peace continue to inspire generations.
2. “Jealous Guy”
“Jealous Guy” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad recorded by John Lennon in 1971. The song features a simple and gentle melody, with Lennon’s delicate vocals conveying a sense of vulnerability and introspection. The lyrics describe the narrator’s feelings of jealousy and insecurity in a relationship, expressing regret for past mistakes and a desire to be better. With its raw and emotional delivery, “Jealous Guy” has become one of Lennon’s most beloved songs, a timeless classic that showcases his ability to create music with both depth and simplicity. The song remains a testament to Lennon’s legacy as a brilliant songwriter and musician.
3. “Working Class Hero”
“Working Class Hero” is a powerful and socially conscious song by John Lennon, released in 1970. The tune’s stripped-down acoustic arrangement and introspective lyrics make it a haunting and thought-provoking ballad. The lyrics speak to the struggles and challenges faced by working-class individuals, and the need to break free from societal expectations and norms. The song is a powerful commentary on the class divide and the role of the individual in shaping their own destiny. “Working Class Hero” is a testament to Lennon’s ability to use music as a means of social commentary, and it remains a powerful and relevant anthem to this day.
4. “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away”
“You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” is a folk-rock song written and recorded by John Lennon in 1965. The song features Lennon’s heartfelt vocals, accompanied by acoustic guitar, tambourine, and a solo flute. The lyrics describe the pain and confusion of a love that must be hidden from society’s disapproval, reflecting Lennon’s own experiences and the societal norms of the time. “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” showcases Lennon’s songwriting talent and his willingness to experiment with different musical styles. The song has become a beloved classic in Lennon’s solo career and a testament to his enduring influence on music.
5. “Give Peace A Chance”
“Give Peace A Chance” is a powerful anti-war anthem recorded by John Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1969. The song features a simple and catchy melody, with Lennon’s vocals leading a chorus of protesters in chanting the song’s iconic refrain. The lyrics encourage listeners to reject violence and embrace peace, calling for an end to war and conflict. With its infectious and uplifting sound, “Give Peace A Chance” became an anthem for the anti-war movement of the 1960s and a rallying cry for those who sought a better, more peaceful world. The song remains a classic and a testament to Lennon’s legacy as a passionate and dedicated social activist.
6. “Across The Universe”
“Across the Universe” is a dreamy and ethereal song recorded by John Lennon in 1968. The song features a haunting melody, with Lennon’s vocals weaving in and out of a psychedelic soundscape created by an array of instruments, including a mellotron and Indian tabla drums. The lyrics are a poetic meditation on love, the universe, and the mysteries of existence. With its trippy and atmospheric sound, “Across the Universe” became a beloved classic of the psychedelic rock era, a masterpiece that showcases Lennon’s boundless creativity and unique vision as a songwriter and musician.
7. “Beautiful Boy”
“Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” is a sentimental ballad written by John Lennon and recorded for his final studio album, “Double Fantasy,” released in 1980. The song features Lennon’s tender vocals, accompanied by a simple piano melody and a lullaby-like rhythm. The lyrics describe Lennon’s love for his son, Sean, and the joys and challenges of fatherhood. “Beautiful Boy” is a heartfelt and touching tribute to the bond between parent and child, and Lennon’s vulnerability and honesty as an artist. The song has become a beloved classic in Lennon’s solo career and a testament to his enduring legacy as a songwriter and musician.
8. “God”
“God” is a deeply personal and introspective song by John Lennon, released in 1970 as part of his debut solo album “John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band.” The song’s minimalist arrangement and raw lyrics make it a haunting and thought-provoking ballad. The lyrics speak to Lennon’s disillusionment with organized religion and his rejection of conventional beliefs and dogmas. The song is a powerful reflection on the nature of existence and the search for meaning in life. “God” is a testament to Lennon’s ability to use music as a means of self-expression, and it remains a powerful and poignant song to this day.
9. “Strawberry Fields Forever”
“Strawberry Fields Forever” is a surreal and experimental song recorded by John Lennon in 1966. The song features a dreamlike melody, with Lennon’s vocals floating over a dizzying array of instruments, including a mellotron, Indian tamboura, and a distorted guitar solo. The lyrics describe a fantastical world of childhood memories and imagination, with the “Strawberry Fields” symbolizing a place of refuge and escape. With its innovative sound and introspective lyrics, “Strawberry Fields Forever” became a landmark of psychedelic rock and a testament to Lennon’s bold and experimental approach to music-making. The song remains a beloved classic and a testament to Lennon’s enduring legacy as a visionary artist.
10. “Imagine”
“Imagine” is a powerful and iconic song written and performed by John Lennon in 1971. The song features a simple, yet memorable piano melody, accompanied by Lennon’s emotive vocals and a poignant lyric that calls for a world without borders or conflict. The song’s central message is a plea for unity, empathy, and the power of imagination to transcend our differences and bring us together. “Imagine” has become one of the most famous and beloved songs of all time, and a defining moment in Lennon’s solo career. The song’s universal message continues to inspire and unite people around the world.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.