John Lennon — Watching The Wheels
Album: Double FantasyAvg rating:
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Length: 3:26
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People say I'm crazy doing what I'm doing
Well they give me all kinds of warnings to save me from ruin
When I say that I'm O.K. well they look at me kind of strange
Surely you're not happy now you no longer play the game
People say I'm lazy dreaming my life away
Well they give me all kinds of advice designed to enlighten me
When I tell them that I'm doing fine watching shadows on the wall
Don't you miss the big time boy you're no longer on the ball
I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go
Ah, people asking questions lost in confusion
Well I tell them there's no problem, only solutions
Well they shake their heads and they look at me as if I've lost my mind
I tell them there's no hurry
I'm just sitting here doing time
I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go
I just had to let it go
I just had to let it go
Well they give me all kinds of warnings to save me from ruin
When I say that I'm O.K. well they look at me kind of strange
Surely you're not happy now you no longer play the game
People say I'm lazy dreaming my life away
Well they give me all kinds of advice designed to enlighten me
When I tell them that I'm doing fine watching shadows on the wall
Don't you miss the big time boy you're no longer on the ball
I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go
Ah, people asking questions lost in confusion
Well I tell them there's no problem, only solutions
Well they shake their heads and they look at me as if I've lost my mind
I tell them there's no hurry
I'm just sitting here doing time
I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go
I just had to let it go
I just had to let it go
Comments (218)add comment
I just love this song and think it’s a sign of where Lennon was going. Great - simple but heartfelt - lyrics. Musically more interesting than some of his Phl Spector produced recordings. He was in a good space.
Jelani wrote:
It's OK. He was a giant hypocrite telling other people how they should live, while not practicing what he preached. He was an arrogant asshole who built his pulpit making Pop songs with the Beatles. Of course no one should be murdered, but the loss of him is no more or less significant than the murder of anyone else.
..then again you are probably just a dick!
It's OK. He was a giant hypocrite telling other people how they should live, while not practicing what he preached. He was an arrogant asshole who built his pulpit making Pop songs with the Beatles. Of course no one should be murdered, but the loss of him is no more or less significant than the murder of anyone else.
..then again you are probably just a dick!
user4176 wrote:
Of all the reasons to get down on John Lennon I don't think that his success as an artist, earning him multi millions, is a good one. Sorry work is hard for you.
I like the spirit of this song, BUT ... it is easier letting go and dreaming your life away if you're a multi multi millionair who will never have to worry about money for a single second all his life. A bit harder if you have to work 9 to 5 no matter what you want.
Of all the reasons to get down on John Lennon I don't think that his success as an artist, earning him multi millions, is a good one. Sorry work is hard for you.
user4176 wrote:
Maybe it doesn't have to be a literal interpretation…just keeping an approach of observer and stressing about everything imposed by others instead of buying into all the pressures can be part of anyone's philosophy.
I like the spirit of this song, BUT ... it is easier letting go and dreaming your life away if you're a multi multi millionair who will never have to worry about money for a single second all his life. A bit harder if you have to work 9 to 5 no matter what you want.
Maybe it doesn't have to be a literal interpretation…just keeping an approach of observer and stressing about everything imposed by others instead of buying into all the pressures can be part of anyone's philosophy.
Laptopdog wrote:
It's OK. He was a giant hypocrite telling other people how they should live, while not practicing what he preached. He was an arrogant asshole who built his pulpit making Pop songs with the Beatles. Of course no one should be murdered, but the loss of him is no more or less significant than the murder of anyone else.
I remember hearing the devastating news that John Lennon had been shot and killed from a casual mention by Howard Cosell during Monday Night Football. This was long before you could switch over to a 24 hour news channel or the Internet for more details. Just devastating news: film at eleven.
As a huge Beatles fan, this devastating news was compounded by the fact that John Lennon was on the comeback trail with Double Fantasy, having spent the last decade as a stay-at-home dad. The songs were upbeat and optimistic about his life and the future. Even the cover of this album shows him sporting a Beatles haircut of sorts once again.
Starting over. Then shot down dead by an insane fan.
Devastating.
It's OK. He was a giant hypocrite telling other people how they should live, while not practicing what he preached. He was an arrogant asshole who built his pulpit making Pop songs with the Beatles. Of course no one should be murdered, but the loss of him is no more or less significant than the murder of anyone else.
I remember hearing the devastating news that John Lennon had been shot and killed from a casual mention by Howard Cosell during Monday Night Football. This was long before you could switch over to a 24 hour news channel or the Internet for more details. Just devastating news: film at eleven.
As a huge Beatles fan, this devastating news was compounded by the fact that John Lennon was on the comeback trail with Double Fantasy, having spent the last decade as a stay-at-home dad. The songs were upbeat and optimistic about his life and the future. Even the cover of this album shows him sporting a Beatles haircut of sorts once again.
Starting over. Then shot down dead by an insane fan.
Devastating.
As a huge Beatles fan, this devastating news was compounded by the fact that John Lennon was on the comeback trail with Double Fantasy, having spent the last decade as a stay-at-home dad. The songs were upbeat and optimistic about his life and the future. Even the cover of this album shows him sporting a Beatles haircut of sorts once again.
Starting over. Then shot down dead by an insane fan.
Devastating.
user4176 wrote:
True, but I do love the sentiment. Some super wealthy never seem to be satisfied enough to relax and enjoy life.
I like the spirit of this song, BUT ... it is easier letting go and dreaming your life away if you're a multi multi millionair who will never have to worry about money for a single second all his life. A bit harder if you have to work 9 to 5 no matter what you want.
True, but I do love the sentiment. Some super wealthy never seem to be satisfied enough to relax and enjoy life.
There is a strident ardency and self-contained wisdom that shines forth from within this masterful cut that I hear now as I didn't so much then, when I was headed into a field of study purely to satisfy my father and teachers, and the news of Shinzo Abe's senseless assassination in the peaceful country I called home for 20 years makes it all so poignant to me in ways that shake me to the pillars of my inner being. Followed up by "Ballad of an Unknown," by The Cactus Blossoms, it all makes me feel an immense, almost debilitating despair. Alas, as Buddha said, and my wise, part-Chickamauga Cherokee grandmother, too -- since the Human Condition seems inherently to be one of suffering, perhaps compassion and contemplation are far better and more sorely needed than fighting back or struggling against it...
Retired 20 years ago from a very satisfying position with plenty of autonomy to a special place with enough money.
I get to look at trees, vineyards, surf ... I haven't been back to where I came from ... I just don't care about that life
John nailed it
I get to look at trees, vineyards, surf ... I haven't been back to where I came from ... I just don't care about that life
John nailed it
gawd this song needs to be on the Pandemic Playlist!
(I “retired” way early in June of 2020 - from the F&B industry) and this song captures my some of my emotions exactly)
sfyi2001 wrote:
It was a ground shaking event for so many. Everyone I know remembers where they were when they heard the news... I was writing a college paper in the wee hours of the morning.
1980 was a big year for Lennon in NYC.
I was in school there and my 20th birthday was that summer.
'Double Fantasy' was released in November and we heard it a lot on the radio.
The Holidays were here and this album felt good to us.
And then just like that, John was gone.
You would not believe the response of NYC.
I'm 60 now and can't think about it without choking up.
When I was 20 I took it in stride, but thinking about it now realize I haven't experienced anything comparable.
I was in school there and my 20th birthday was that summer.
'Double Fantasy' was released in November and we heard it a lot on the radio.
The Holidays were here and this album felt good to us.
And then just like that, John was gone.
You would not believe the response of NYC.
I'm 60 now and can't think about it without choking up.
When I was 20 I took it in stride, but thinking about it now realize I haven't experienced anything comparable.
It was a ground shaking event for so many. Everyone I know remembers where they were when they heard the news... I was writing a college paper in the wee hours of the morning.
THE BEST of the 80.. Mr. John Lennon, we miss him..
Yes--but he earned every cent of that money and gave us so much more in terms of inspiration and passion. No one gave him anything.
I like the spirit of this song, BUT ... it is easier letting go and dreaming your life away if you're a multi multi millionair who will never have to worry about money for a single second all his life. A bit harder if you have to work 9 to 5 no matter what you want.
On January 15th, BillG noted that it's odd that John Lennon has now been dead longer than he was alive. Technically, he died on December 8th, 1980, one day short of 40 years & 2 months old, which would mean that statement wouldn't be true until ~ February 7th. A frickin' shame, regardless.
1980 was a big year for Lennon in NYC.
I was in school there and my 20th birthday was that summer.
'Double Fantasy' was released in November and we heard it a lot on the radio.
The Holidays were here and this album felt good to us.
And then just like that, John was gone.
You would not believe the response of NYC.
I'm 60 now and can't think about it without choking up.
When I was 20 I took it in stride, but thinking about it now realize I haven't experienced anything comparable.
I was in school there and my 20th birthday was that summer.
'Double Fantasy' was released in November and we heard it a lot on the radio.
The Holidays were here and this album felt good to us.
And then just like that, John was gone.
You would not believe the response of NYC.
I'm 60 now and can't think about it without choking up.
When I was 20 I took it in stride, but thinking about it now realize I haven't experienced anything comparable.
Always love this one
Always touching
I wonder what kind of music John would be writing today
jp33442 wrote:
How's about a heaping helping of 'Imagine'?
Another ex Beatles song that I am sick of hearing
How's about a heaping helping of 'Imagine'?
Beautiful song & album. Such a shame to see John pop back in so strong only to be cut down. Whatever mistakes he made in life, he was an amazing human being & a beautiful artist.
user4176 wrote:
I was 16 when this album came out. It was pretty big news that Lennon was releasing a new record as he had retired or gone on a sabbatical for 5 years. In the pre-internet age, it was a lot easier for celebrities to live a private life. So the public didn't know he was up to, outside of spending time with his newborn son in New York City.
People asked about what he was up to and didn't he miss the big time. It was incomprehensible to them that John Lennon wouldn't want to remain a rockstar in the limelight. It wasn't to him and by all accounts, he was very happy.
So sure it's easy to watch the wheels if you've got money. But it's also perfectly human to want a break from being famous. Plus, until he passed away, there was always speculation and rumors about the Beatles reuniting. Of the 4, he was probably the least interested in that (though I've read at least one account of him considering it near the very end of his life when Double Fantasy was an immediate hit).
I like the spirit of this song, BUT ... it is easier letting go and dreaming your life away if you're a multi multi millionair who will never have to worry about money for a single second all his life. A bit harder if you have to work 9 to 5 no matter what you want.
I was 16 when this album came out. It was pretty big news that Lennon was releasing a new record as he had retired or gone on a sabbatical for 5 years. In the pre-internet age, it was a lot easier for celebrities to live a private life. So the public didn't know he was up to, outside of spending time with his newborn son in New York City.
People asked about what he was up to and didn't he miss the big time. It was incomprehensible to them that John Lennon wouldn't want to remain a rockstar in the limelight. It wasn't to him and by all accounts, he was very happy.
So sure it's easy to watch the wheels if you've got money. But it's also perfectly human to want a break from being famous. Plus, until he passed away, there was always speculation and rumors about the Beatles reuniting. Of the 4, he was probably the least interested in that (though I've read at least one account of him considering it near the very end of his life when Double Fantasy was an immediate hit).
Still very touching Beautiful song
Miss y’a John big time
his "December of his life" hit.....
Another ex Beatles song that I am sick of hearing
Of the four Beatles, Ringo is the only one who never tried to tell the rest of the world how they ought to live their lives.
Hey User. Pretty cynical thought.
He was bigger than money.
Do a little homework on his life.
I like the spirit of this song, BUT ... it is easier letting go and dreaming your life away if you're a multi multi millionair who will never have to worry about money for a single second all his life. A bit harder if you have to work 9 to 5 no matter what you want.
pure wisdom - take a minute think about and try it.
As John also said:
“Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted.
As John also said:
“Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted.
DocStrangelove wrote:
Back in the day, yes. Not here though.
overplayed
over
and
over
Back in the day, yes. Not here though.
Amazing someone could write such a beautiful song about the art of not giving a f@#@ that's the very opposite of nihilistic.
lemmoth wrote:
Please don't revive two year old comments unless you are very careful. I have since apologized for my intemperate characterization of Fred's comment and have nothing but respect for the man's opinions - still don't agree with him - but I have tried hard to stop with the ad hominem.
I did not see the apology but lemmoth you get major points for trying hard to stop the argumentum ad hominem.
Besides fred is one of the best posters on RP. I would guess he would lose respect for you if you agreed with everything he wrote.
Please don't revive two year old comments unless you are very careful. I have since apologized for my intemperate characterization of Fred's comment and have nothing but respect for the man's opinions - still don't agree with him - but I have tried hard to stop with the ad hominem.
I did not see the apology but lemmoth you get major points for trying hard to stop the argumentum ad hominem.
Besides fred is one of the best posters on RP. I would guess he would lose respect for you if you agreed with everything he wrote.
I would really love to hear John's thoughts on the current sociopolitical situation in the U.S. and the world. Gone way to soon from this world.
Old_Pat wrote:
It's creepy how some phrases find their way into the corporate lexicon; though this one isn't as popular: "If you go to bed with stiff problem you may wake up with solution in hand".
'there are no problems, only solutions'.... bet Lennons cosmic corpse spins in its mysterious crypt every time some middle-management idiot says that. Pretty sure that John never intended for his lyrics to become part of corporate-speak.
It's creepy how some phrases find their way into the corporate lexicon; though this one isn't as popular: "If you go to bed with stiff problem you may wake up with solution in hand".
Poetic and beautifully sung.
'there are no problems, only solutions'.... bet Lennons cosmic corpse spins in its mysterious crypt every time some middle-management idiot says that. Pretty sure that John never intended for his lyrics to become part of corporate-speak.
sandythewomble wrote
i read that after "Double Fantasy" came out that Lennon said he couldn't wait to get back into the studio
So Double Fantasy was so full of promise - promise of an artist who was hinting at getting back to his best.
A promise that was sadly unfulfilled.
A promise that was sadly unfulfilled.
i read that after "Double Fantasy" came out that Lennon said he couldn't wait to get back into the studio
sandythewomble wrote:
Indeed.
Double Fantasy was for me not the best work Lennon produced.
But it came at the end of a long hiatus where he was raising his son, and was just getting back into the whole music thing. And it was great just to hear Lennon producing music again.
So Double Fantasy was so full of promise - promise of an artist who was hinting at getting back to his best.
A promise that was sadly unfulfilled.
But it came at the end of a long hiatus where he was raising his son, and was just getting back into the whole music thing. And it was great just to hear Lennon producing music again.
So Double Fantasy was so full of promise - promise of an artist who was hinting at getting back to his best.
A promise that was sadly unfulfilled.
Indeed.
The definition of awful. If anybody else were singing this, it wouldn't make the playlist.
Webfoot wrote:
Ah, but it is him.
Thank Goodness
Webfoot wrote:
Ah, but it is him.
Thank Goodness
Double Fantasy was for me not the best work Lennon produced.
But it came at the end of a long hiatus where he was raising his son, and was just getting back into the whole music thing. And it was great just to hear Lennon producing music again.
So Double Fantasy was so full of promise - promise of an artist who was hinting at getting back to his best.
A promise that was sadly unfulfilled.
But it came at the end of a long hiatus where he was raising his son, and was just getting back into the whole music thing. And it was great just to hear Lennon producing music again.
So Double Fantasy was so full of promise - promise of an artist who was hinting at getting back to his best.
A promise that was sadly unfulfilled.
seems like yesterday
This is the same guy who sang Slow Down and I Want To Hold Your Hand. Right? Because without the knowledge, one might assume they were different voices and people.
Everybody in my homeless camp loves this song...
A solid 10 for me. I realise that my love for The Beatles affects my rating, and I am fine with that. It increases my enjoyment of the song. To those who say this song would be a dud if it wasn't John freaking Lennon - we'll never know, will we?
I sure wish that "Double Fantasy" was a John Lennon album, without Yoko. It would've been so much better without having to put up with her B-52's Rock Lobster-ish screeching throughout the record.
I sure wish that "Double Fantasy" was a John Lennon album, without Yoko. It would've been so much better without having to put up with her B-52's Rock Lobster-ish screeching throughout the record.
I miss you, John.
It was a surprise when I starting feeling like this was my song...
Fab song - he was a legend of our time 10a song about retiring from the Music Biz
"You don't die when your Billboard magazine subscription runs out"
"You don't die when your Billboard magazine subscription runs out"
this song has aged really well notwithstanding the awful, horrible night that is permanently stuck to it's side
shplody wrote:
Ah, but it is him.
The definition of awful. If anybody else were singing this, it wouldn't make the playlist.
Ah, but it is him.
The definition of awful. If anybody else were singing this, it wouldn't make the playlist.
oldfart48 wrote:
paul was the mind....and ringo was ...well ....ah....ringo
John was the soul of the boys.....George was the heart......
paul was the mind....and ringo was ...well ....ah....ringo
John was the soul of the boys.....George was the heart......
I know that by general agreement, Imagine is his best song. And it is a very very good song for us, from him.
I think Watching the Wheels is a better song.
I think it is a song for him, from him. Like it or lump it.
I love it.
I think Watching the Wheels is a better song.
I think it is a song for him, from him. Like it or lump it.
I love it.
laskaguy wrote:
If you get the opportunity to see Just Imagine, if it should come to your town, don't wait, just go. The band is good and Tim Piper who takes on John's role for the evening is very effective. The backdrop screen was a little cheesy, but his take is worth seeing. Met him after the show and he is very sincere and determined to present John in the most honest way.
Imagine
If you get the opportunity to see Just Imagine, if it should come to your town, don't wait, just go. The band is good and Tim Piper who takes on John's role for the evening is very effective. The backdrop screen was a little cheesy, but his take is worth seeing. Met him after the show and he is very sincere and determined to present John in the most honest way.
Imagine
Never gets old or stale.
I miss you, John.
I miss you, John.
Everybody in my church loves this song...
The lyrics and the sentiment within this song carry fond memories of you John.
Some of John's lyrics had been thought to be quite senseless.
But this is quite the opposite
But this is quite the opposite
I just cannot resist giving this a TEN !
hippiechick wrote:
Thanks to the PSD avbl now, I "got" this song in more ways than one.
I totally get this song now
Thanks to the PSD avbl now, I "got" this song in more ways than one.
gigikent wrote:
Please don't revive two year old comments unless you are very careful. I have since apologized for my intemperate characterization of Fred's comment and have nothing but respect for the man's opinions - still don't agree with him - but I have tried hard to stop with the ad hominem.
haha, must be that planet where they don't like the sound of talking heads, neil young and yes, even john lennon, wow, the sacrilege!!!
lemmoth wrote:
riley - you are a complete idiot - sorry but - what planet are you from.
lemmoth wrote:
riley - you are a complete idiot - sorry but - what planet are you from.
Please don't revive two year old comments unless you are very careful. I have since apologized for my intemperate characterization of Fred's comment and have nothing but respect for the man's opinions - still don't agree with him - but I have tried hard to stop with the ad hominem.
I totally get this song now
wasn't a big fan when it first came out.....but this song has aged very well.....or is it me?
haha, must be that planet where they don't like the sound of talking heads, neil young and yes, even john lennon, wow, the sacrilege!!!
lemmoth wrote:
riley - you are a complete idiot - sorry but - what planet are you from.
lemmoth wrote:
riley - you are a complete idiot - sorry but - what planet are you from.
It's interesting reading some of the criticism of this song. I too was not a huge fan of this song for many years, when compared to Johns earlier solo work. But as I fast approach John's age at the time he was murdered, his wonderful lyrics give me a fresh perspective on where he (and I by extension) was at in his head. It's hard not to feel that special connection that he engendered in his fans through his music. Music is organic people, our relationship to it is always evolving.
<<<sigh>>>
Miss you, John. Peace.
Miss you, John. Peace.
on the other hand...
I think THIS was John's best work post-Beatles...
I think THIS was John's best work post-Beatles...
ThePoose wrote:
Even if that were true, why shouldn't ancillary context—in this case John's passing—add to the appeal of a song?
Maybe that is why this song always makes my eyes mist up. Kindly refer to ICHawk's comment below.
Soooo good for the tears
Even if that were true, why shouldn't ancillary context—in this case John's passing—add to the appeal of a song?
Maybe that is why this song always makes my eyes mist up. Kindly refer to ICHawk's comment below.
Soooo good for the tears
casey1024 wrote:
Egotistically assuming that you're, at least in part, referring to my negative comments below I will say that I treasure the Beatles, and very highly rate some of Lennon's post-Beatles work (Workingman's Hero, Gimme Some Truth). It's this song I don't like.
I guess the Beatles and individual members of are not some people's "cuppa tea". IMHO the Beatles music is a part of me. I mourn the losses of John and George. I will hold their music in high regard always.
Egotistically assuming that you're, at least in part, referring to my negative comments below I will say that I treasure the Beatles, and very highly rate some of Lennon's post-Beatles work (Workingman's Hero, Gimme Some Truth). It's this song I don't like.
I guess the Beatles and individual members of are not some people's "cuppa tea". IMHO the Beatles music is a part of me. I mourn the losses of John and George. I will hold their music in high regard always.
Rating=2 (since there are worse songs)
Volume=0
Volume=0
There was a lot of John's post-Beatles stuff that I didn't appreciate, but this is a good one. And I do think I appreciate it more now than I did then. Think is has something to do with being older...
Sounds like ELO without the orchestra
Wubs this one!
Such a great song!!!! Classic John Lennon. I miss him...
lemmoth wrote:
riley - you are a complete idiot - sorry but - what planet are you from.
Venus. Didn't know I was a complete idiot, just figured I was yer average cretin. Thanks for the promotion (gibber, gibber, wibble, dribble, mumble...)
riley - you are a complete idiot - sorry but - what planet are you from.
Venus. Didn't know I was a complete idiot, just figured I was yer average cretin. Thanks for the promotion (gibber, gibber, wibble, dribble, mumble...)
marcucho wrote:
Nice vignette, thanks for the slice.
Remeber being like 5 yr old when my mom used to play this record at home, so many memories! when you tought that future will be bright and nice, like with a feeling of being safe...haha
Nice vignette, thanks for the slice.
It's almost thirty years - and I still can't let it go.
Makes me wanna holler. Makes me wanna cry.
Makes me wanna holler. Makes me wanna cry.
fredriley wrote:
riley - you are a complete idiot - sorry but - what planet are you from.
Is it my failing memory, or is this the 3rd Lennon song played today? Sadly, and I'm sure it's my loss, I loathed Lennon's music back when he was alive, and it's not improved with my age.
riley - you are a complete idiot - sorry but - what planet are you from.
I can't help but feel sad when I hear this.
Brings it all back much too clearly.
I love the fact that John wrote a great song to tell people what why he thumbed the nose at the industry... and it sat on the Billboard for 17 weeks. That rocks. 
romeotuma wrote:
And we always will.....
This is a great song from one of the best songwriters of all time... we miss you, John...
And we always will.....
Is it my failing memory, or is this the 3rd Lennon song played today? Sadly, and I'm sure it's my loss, I loathed Lennon's music back when he was alive, and it's not improved with my age.
rtrudeau wrote:
I so disagree; the lyrics are unsurpassed. Simple, profound, and personal.
Indeed.
I so disagree; the lyrics are unsurpassed. Simple, profound, and personal.
Indeed.
h_in_bristol wrote:
Even if that were true, why shouldn't ancillary context—in this case John's passing—add to the appeal of a song?
Maybe that is why this song always makes my eyes mist up. Kindly refer to ICHawk's comment below.
9 -> 8
It is a great song and I think a good chunk of its greatness is for sentimental reasons.
It is a great song and I think a good chunk of its greatness is for sentimental reasons.
Even if that were true, why shouldn't ancillary context—in this case John's passing—add to the appeal of a song?
Maybe that is why this song always makes my eyes mist up. Kindly refer to ICHawk's comment below.
Where's the magic?
The acoustic version of Watching the Wheels is much better and has more feel to it. Please play that version Bill!
It always made me happy for him. In fact its always been my favorite song of his for precisely that reason. Comforting that he found that sort of meaning and solace in life (so many never see the forest through the trees).
ICHawk wrote:
I feel a bit melancholy when I hear this song. I hear a troubled man who is finally comfortable with himself and his life, only to have it taken away. He's gone too soon, but I'm glad he was here.
This song and many other Lennon post-Beatle tunes bored me after a few listens with their meandering shuffle beats, always echo voice track and assumed importance. Lennon needed McCartney and vice versa. Damn you, Yoko!
Sometimes I wonder whether RP appreciates that some songs, even great songs, get tired after we've all heard them for the 10,000th time. I'm not opposed to digging back into the catalog but let's put a bit more thought into it please.
I feel a bit melancholy when I hear this song. I hear a troubled man who is finally comfortable with himself and his life, only to have it taken away. He's gone too soon, but I'm glad he was here.
Remeber being like 5 yr old when my mom used to play this record at home, so many memories! when you tought that future will be bright and nice, like with a feeling of being safe...haha
h_in_bristol wrote:
I so disagree; the lyrics are unsurpassed. Simple, profound, and personal.
9 -> 8
It is a great song and I think a good chunk of its greatness is for sentimental reasons.
It is a great song and I think a good chunk of its greatness is for sentimental reasons.
I so disagree; the lyrics are unsurpassed. Simple, profound, and personal.
I was never a fan of Lennon nor the Beatles at a young age ... until I heard this in the 8th grade. It blew my mind in a righteous way, and opened my eyes to a whole new way of seeing and being.
why do the good die young?
Best song and album from Lennon since the Beatles!!!!!!! I have them all too.....
9 -> 8
It is a great song and I think a good chunk of its greatness is for sentimental reasons.
tclodes wrote:
On a roll with the playlist.
Indeed!
On a roll with the playlist.
orpheus wrote:
So basically yer saying he's in hell? 
He's probably not in the place he imagined didn't exist.
Hate it!!!
Carl wrote:
It's hard to believe that he isn't where I wish to go, with the beautiful messages of love and peace that he left for us.
So basically yer saying he's in hell?
kflinchb wrote:
Yes, amen. RIP John whereever you are.
It's hard to believe that he isn't where I wish to go, with the beautiful messages of love and peace that he left for us.
Yes, amen. RIP John whereever you are.
I still prefer the Walls and Bridges album...but this is a great song. 
miss you John
I'm doing fine watching shadows on the wall
mrcookieface wrote:
I can't help but wonder what kinds of albums he would have released during the alternative boom of the early nineties, or even the lo-fi movement in the latter part of the decade.
Too bad.
Methinks great groundbreaking albums and true works of art - he would have been revitalized by what was happening around him - he already was stoked about what was happening in the late 70s in his adopted home town of New York.
leonredcollar wrote:
It is always sad to think of this man as gone. But, it always make me smile to know that he was once here.
yeah. and this song reminds me that he is gone. takes me back a little to that period. not as much as starting over though. oye. that one... hard.
leonredcollar wrote:
It is always sad to think of this man as gone. But, it always make me smile to know that he was once here.
Indeed.
This song always makes me stop, think, reflect. Makes me feel wiser than I am. Thanks, John.
I can't help but wonder what kinds of albums he would have released during the alternative boom of the early nineties, or even the lo-fi movement in the latter part of the decade.
Too bad.
The theme of this song is quite similar to Peter Gabriel's Salisbury Hill. Both are an answer to fans and critics wondering about their motives about ending their association with their highly successful bands.
It is always sad to think of this man as gone. But, it always make me smile to know that he was once here.
EssexTex wrote:
Great song...not sure which album it's from but I think his best solo album was "Walls and Bridges"
Double Fantasy, as mentioned earlier. It definitely marks a more reflective, mature John, from the years he took a hiatus from music as he concentrated on raising his son.
/miss ya, man
Great song...not sure which album it's from but I think his best solo album was "Walls and Bridges"
1wolfy wrote:
Love the man..do not like this tune
My sentiment exactly. Except the loving the man bit.
I saw parts of the movie U.S. v. John Lennon last week. I am angry at our government for persecuting John!
Monster wrote: I love this song...it's always a welcome listen....
....especially after that last song! Whew!
steeler wrote:
At the time it was released, Double Fantasy was greeted as somewhat of a curiosity. Some early critics were not all that generous. But songs like this one show that Lennon was moving into yet another sphere of sophistication. What a great set of simple-while-complex observations.
You're dead-on with your comment there, John. This is a beautiful song. Lovely melody and lyric.
R.I.P. John, we miss you.