John Lennon, an iconic musician, songwriter, and co-founder of the legendary band, The Beatles, left an indelible mark on the world of music with his profound lyrics, mesmerizing melodies, and thought-provoking messages. Lennon’s distinctive voice and unmatched songwriting talent continue to resonate with audiences even decades after his untimely departure. With a career spanning over two decades, Lennon’s discography is a treasure trove of timeless classics, each song capturing his artistic evolution and emotional depth.
In this article, we embark on a journey through Lennon’s musical legacy, exploring the top 10 best songs he penned throughout his illustrious career. These compositions reflect Lennon’s ability to blend personal introspection with social commentary, resulting in a musical tapestry that inspires, challenges, and moves listeners.
From his early days as a member of the Beatles to his later solo career, Lennon crafted songs that not only entertained but also pushed the boundaries of what popular music could achieve. Whether it was his introspective ballads, anthems for peace and love, or politically charged tracks, Lennon’s lyrical prowess and innovative melodies created a lasting impact on generations of fans.
Join us as we delve into Lennon’s extraordinary musical journey, uncovering the songs that have stood the test of time and cemented his status as one of the greatest songwriters in history. From timeless classics to hidden gems, this exploration will showcase the depth and brilliance of Lennon’s songwriting, reminding us why his music continues to captivate and resonate with audiences worldwide.
1. “Imagine”
Opening the list of the 10 best John Lennon songs of all time is a classic that needs no introduction. Its catchy melody, meaningful lyrics and unforgettable piano intro are undoubtedly recognizable to any music lover- "Imagine". This iconic song is considered one of Lennon's most influential works of art and has become a global anthem for peace. With simple yet powerful words, it encourages listeners to visualize a world beyond borders and live in harmony. The song's social commentary remains relevant today, making it more than just a pop tune.
Lennon's peaceful intentions resonate deeply with fans, but his lyrics go deeper. The words reflect his desire to break down societal barriers and challenge people to broaden their perspectives. His call for unity shows he longed for a time where humanity came together and emphasized love rather than hate. The song continues to inspire listeners almost 50 years after its release date.
Fun Fact – Although initially controversial due to its perceived political message, "Imagine" has been covered over 200 times by various artists worldwide.
No doubt that "Imagine" takes up some significant space in Lennon's discography and goes beyond being just another 'hit.
Don't let the name fool you, 'Strawberry Fields Forever' is a trip without the need for any substances.
2. “Strawberry Fields Forever”
This Lennon classic, composed in 1966, is renowned for its intricate tape loops and psychedelic imagery. The song was inspired by Lennon’s childhood memories of a Salvation Army orphanage near his home called Strawberry Field. The lyrics express his feelings of isolation and a longing to escape the confines of reality. The melancholic melody and dreamlike quality make this song an iconic representation of the Beatles' experimental phase.
As one of their most experimental tracks, “Strawberry Fields Forever” showcases the band’s unique approach to music creation. Lennon's introspective lyricism is enhanced through the use of Mellotron, a tape-replay keyboard that gave the lead vocal an otherworldly tone. The psychedelic soundscapes produced through tape loops were groundbreaking at the time.
Interestingly, This song was originally meant to be part of their album "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" but was later added on their double EP "Magical Mystery Tour". Despite this unconventional move, it still managed to become one of their greatest hits and resonated with listeners worldwide.
Fans can delve deeper into Lennon's autobiography "Skywriting by Word of Mouth" where he discusses how he wrote "Strawberry Fields Forever" during his stay in Almeria (Spain) on the set for How I Won The War.
To fully appreciate this masterpiece, take your time and listen closely to each individual layer that makes up the complex sonic landscape. Its ability to evoke emotions from listeners even today after all these years make it worth revisiting.
To get into the right headspace when listening to “Strawberry Fields Forever”, try meditating or free writing first. Let your mind wander without expectations or structure, just as Lennon did when composing this timeless classic.
Some might say John Lennon was a musical genius, but with 'God' he proved he was also a goddamn lyrical genius.
3. “God”
Lennon's innovative composition, "God," is one of his most notable works. The track speaks directly to the listener, displaying Lennon's disillusionment with traditional religious belief systems while embracing his dedication to love and peace. The lyrics dismiss everything from God to Buddha, prophets, and convictions that Lennon had earlier embraced.
The song is distinctive in its honesty and simplicity, featuring just guitar strums for accompaniment and a strong vocal performance from Lennon. As he sings "I don't believe in magic, I don't believe in God," Lennon delivers a powerful message about the importance of personal belief rather than dogmatic adherence to any particular doctrine or institution.
"God" played a significant part in John Lennon's solo career when it was released as part of his first post-Beatles album. It was both praised and criticized for its controversial lyrics, but remains an essential piece of musical history for its innovative style and bold political commentary.
Interestingly, the famous line "the dream is over" comes during this song on John's 1970 Plastic Ono Band album. This line references the breakup of the Beatles and serves as a symbolic moment for Lennon's shift away from demanding artistry toward more personal works that would define his solo profession.
Listening to 'Beautiful Boy' is like getting a warm hug from John Lennon himself, minus the creepy factor.
4. “Beautiful Boy”
This Lennon classic, famously written as an ode to his son Sean, stands out as one of his most heartfelt and tender compositions. The lyrics, with their tender expressions of paternal love and support, are set against a soothing melody that perfectly captures the song's warmth and intimacy. While perhaps not as musically complex or lyrically profound as some of Lennon's other works, "Beautiful Boy" remains a deeply affecting tribute to the bond between parent and child. Its timeless appeal has only been enhanced by its use in films and television shows over the years, cementing its place as one of Lennon's most enduring legacies.
Listening to 'Across The Universe' is like taking a peaceful journey through the cosmos, except without the annoying TSA security checks.
5. “Across The Universe”
This particular track by the legendary John Lennon, known by fans as number 5 on our list, transcends beyond time and space. With its calming melody and soulful lyrics, “Across The Universe” is a beautiful journey through the depths of inner consciousness. As listeners fall into a trance with powerful mantras such as “Jai Guru Deva Om”, Lennon's message of love and unity is conveyed seamlessly through his music.
Throughout the song, Lennon's impactful words express his feelings towards the universe, taking his audience on an enlightening trip. His incorporation of diverse phrases in different languages enhances the depth and universality of the track. With each listen, one discovers new meanings to this song that seem to grow continuously interwoven within their mind.
“Across The Universe” stands out for its unique sound production techniques like reversed vocals which add to its mesmerizing quality. This is a special gem which showcases the genius composition skills of John Lennon leaving it uncanny how it came out more than four decades ago but still retains its relevance today.
It is said that this piece was written when Lennon was looking at stars outside his house and was feeling gloomy because he couldn't come up with meaningful lyrics. A shooting star changed everything, as soon after it passed in front of his window he felt inspired and began journaling about starry nights. The events that followed led to one of John Lennon’s undeniable masterpieces – "Across The Universe." Lennon's plea for peace may have fallen on deaf ears, but at least he tried.
6. “Give Peace A Chance”
This classic song, known by its repeated refrain "All we are saying is give peace a chance," showcases John Lennon's political and social activism. The lyrics were inspired by anti-war demonstrations in the late 1960s, particularly the famous Bed-In protest he held with his wife Yoko Ono. The song remains relevant today and has become an anthem for numerous peace movements around the world.
Lennon intentionally wrote the song in a simple and repetitive style to make it easy for others to sing along and join in the message of peace. It was recorded live during the aforementioned Bed-In and featured various activists and musicians singing along, including Timmy Thomas and Petula Clark.
What makes this song stand out from other political anthems of its era is its uplifting and optimistic tone. The lyrics encourage listeners to not only reject violence but to actively seek out love and understanding as well. This message still resonates with people today, making "Give Peace A Chance" one of Lennon's most enduring works.
According to Rolling Stone magazine, "Give Peace A Chance" ranks #328 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, solidifying its place in music history as a seminal piece of artistry that had an impact beyond just entertainment.
John's advice on hiding love away is better than a CIA agent's – or so we think.
7. “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away”
This Lennon classic, known as “Hide Your Love Away”, features in our list of the top 10 John Lennon songs of all time. The song was written and performed by the legendary Beatles member in 1965, and has since become one of his most popular works. Its catchy melody, thoughtful lyrics, and beautiful harmonies make it a fan favorite that showcases Lennon’s talent as a songwriter.
In this folk-influenced track, Lennon sings about the idea of hiding one’s true feelings from others, perhaps due to societal constraints or fear of rejection. The song has been interpreted in various ways over the years, but its enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of love and self-discovery. Fans have praised the song for its raw emotional impact and timeless message.
One interesting fact about “Hide Your Love Away” is that it was supposedly inspired by Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe”. Lennon was a big fan of Dylan's work and often drew inspiration from his music. The song also features prominently in the film Help!, which starred the Beatles themselves.
Pro Tip: Pay close attention to the lyrics and try to decipher their meaning. You may be surprised at how thought-provoking they are!
John Lennon's Working Class Hero is proof that you don't need fancy words or a catchy chorus to make a powerful statement – just honesty and a guitar.
8. “Working Class Hero”
This track captures the essence of Lennon's social commentary. "Working Class Hero" is a poignant satire about the struggles faced by everyday people, where John sings about being oppressed from birth to death. It speaks to the dehumanizing existence that working-class individuals face as they contribute to a society that doesn't appreciate them. The raw and emotional lyrics highlight Lennon's ability to empathize with those who live on society's margins.
The song starts with a simple acoustic guitar and Lennon's voice, but as it progresses, more instruments come in, intensifying the emotional impact. As listeners continue listening to the song, they experience the full range of emotions such as sadness, anger, and hopelessness that often accompanies social inequality.
"Working Class Hero" stands out among Lennon's vast catalogue of music for its unabashedly sobering content that draws attention to class warfare which is still relevant today. This track can provoke action in those who hear it and continues to inspire young artists advocating for change.
For anyone who hasn't listened to "Working Class Hero," it is important not to miss this powerful message that resonates even today.
Jealousy may have been the theme, but listening to this song will only make you envious of Lennon's musical genius.
9. “Jealous Guy”
This selection of the top 10 songs by John Lennon would be incomplete without acknowledging “Jealous Guy”. With its raw emotion and haunting melody, this ballad showcases the depth of Lennon's songwriting abilities. The lyrics perfectly capture the emotions of jealousy and regret, which strike a chord with many listeners. Its popularity has only grown over time, making it a timeless classic among Lennon's vast discography.
In addition to its widespread recognition, the song has also been covered by numerous artists in various genres. The soft piano intro builds up the dramatic tension that culminates in an intense chorus where Lennon’s voice soars with poignant yearning. It is truly a masterpiece that stands out as one of his best works.
Undoubtedly, “Jealous Guy” remains an essential part of John Lennon's legacy and a testament to his talents as a musician and songwriter. Its eternal appeal continues to captivate new generations of music lovers who appreciate its emotional depth and naked honesty.
For those who have not yet experienced the magic of this iconic anthem, do not miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in one of music history's greatest treasures.
John Lennon's peace message was loud and clear in 'Happy Xmas' – unless you're a grinch who hates holiday cheer AND world peace.
10. “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)“
This particular John Lennon number holds its own amidst his musical oeuvre – a politically charged holiday song that has become an anthem reflecting the hope and peace aspirations of modern Christmas. The track is known to feature the Harlem Community Choir combined with heart-warming lyrics and Lennon's signature sound. It was released in 1971 as a statement and quickly became a sensation, carving its place in mainstream Christmas music for time immemorial.
In December 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono started a multimedia campaign named "War Is Over! (If You Want It)", aimed at promoting peace worldwide. Following that, Happy Xmas (War Is Over) was composed by turning it into a real holiday classic ever since.
John Lennon's contribution to music is exemplary, and he made valuable additions to society as well. For instance, he once protested the Vietnam War by stating that he would return his MBE – Most Excellent Order of the British Empire – which ultimately came through in November 1969.
Samuel Moore 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.
