John Lennon is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential musicians of the 20th century. As a member of the Beatles and later as a solo artist, Lennon’s music has touched the lives of millions around the world, with his lyrics often tackling themes of peace, love, and social justice. Throughout his career, Lennon penned some of the most memorable and enduring songs in music history, many of which have stood the test of time and continue to resonate with audiences today. From his early days with the Beatles to his later solo work, Lennon’s music spanned a wide range of styles and genres, from rock and roll to folk to experimental music. Some of Lennon’s most popular and acclaimed songs include “Imagine,” “Instant Karma,” “All You Need is Love,” and “Give Peace a Chance.” These songs have become anthems of peace and love, and their messages continue to inspire people around the world to this day. In addition to his more well-known hits, Lennon also wrote a number of deeply personal and introspective songs that showcased his emotional depth and vulnerability. Songs like “Mother,” “Jealous Guy,” and “Working Class Hero” reveal a more intimate side of Lennon’s songwriting, and have become beloved by fans for their raw and honest lyrics. Overall, John Lennon’s music has left an indelible mark on the world of music and popular culture, and his songs continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans of all ages and backgrounds.
1. ‘Help!’
“Help!” is a song by the Beatles, released in 1965. It was written by John Lennon and credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership. The song is widely regarded as a classic of the British Invasion, the wave of British rock bands that swept through the United States and other countries in the mid-1960s. The song features a driving beat and catchy chorus that makes it an instant earworm. The lyrics are a plea for help from someone who is feeling lost and alone. Lennon has said that he wrote the song during a period of personal turmoil, as the pressures of fame and success were taking a toll on him. The lyrics reflect this sense of desperation, with lines like “When I was younger, so much younger than today / I never needed anybody’s help in any way.”
2. ‘Jealous Guy’
“Jealous Guy” is a song by John Lennon, released in 1971. The song was originally written in 1968 during the Beatles’ stay in India, but was not released until Lennon’s solo career. It has since become one of his most beloved and well-known songs. The song features Lennon’s signature introspective lyrics, with the theme of jealousy and the desire for love and connection at its core. The lyrics are deeply personal, with lines like “I’m just a jealous guy / Watching the wheels go round and round.” The song’s melody is simple and haunting, with a piano-driven arrangement that perfectly captures the emotional intensity of the lyrics.
3. ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’
https://youtu.be/8UQK-UcRezE
“Strawberry Fields Forever” is a song by the Beatles, released in 1967. The song was written by John Lennon, who drew inspiration from his childhood memories of playing in the garden of Strawberry Field, a Salvation Army children’s home near his childhood home in Liverpool. The song is notable for its innovative production, which includes a complex arrangement of instruments and sounds, including mellotron, reverse tape effects, and a double percussion track. The lyrics are surreal and dreamlike, with lines like “Living is easy with eyes closed / Misunderstanding all you see” that reflect Lennon’s interest in the psychedelic movement of the 1960s. The song was a critical and commercial success, reaching the top 10 in both the UK and the US. It is widely regarded as one of the Beatles’ greatest and most iconic songs, and its experimental sound and unconventional lyrics helped to pave the way for the psychedelic rock movement.
4. ‘Across The Universe’
https://youtu.be/90M60PzmxEE
“Across the Universe” is a song by the Beatles, released in 1969. The song was written by John Lennon, although it is credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership. It features a meditative melody and a dreamlike quality that perfectly captures the song’s message of peace and harmony. The song’s lyrics are poetic and philosophical, with lines like “Images of broken light, which dance before me like a million eyes / They call me on and on across the universe.” The song’s message of unity and transcendence has made it a favorite among fans of the Beatles and the counterculture movement of the 1960s. The song’s production is notable for its use of Indian instruments, including the tamboura and the sitar, which gives the song a distinctly Eastern flavor. The song was also famously recorded with the use of tape loops, which added to its ethereal quality.
5. ‘Imagine’
“Imagine” is a song by John Lennon, released in 1971. The song has become an anthem of peace and hope, and is widely regarded as one of Lennon’s greatest and most enduring works. The song’s simple yet powerful melody is paired with lyrics that imagine a world without the divisions of religion, nationality, and possessions. Lines like “Imagine there’s no countries / It isn’t hard to do / Nothing to kill or die for / And no religion too” have become iconic, and have inspired countless people around the world to strive for a more peaceful and unified society.
6. ‘All You Need Is Love’
https://youtu.be/dsxtImDVMig
“All You Need Is Love” is a song by the Beatles, released in 1967. The song was written by John Lennon and credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership. It has become a beloved anthem of the 1960s counterculture, and its message of love and unity continues to inspire people around the world. The song’s upbeat melody and sing-along chorus make it instantly recognizable, while its lyrics are simple yet profound: “All you need is love / Love is all you need.” The song’s production is notable for its use of a live broadcast of the chorus, which includes a variety of instruments and performers from around the world.
7. ‘Instant Karma’
“Instant Karma!” is a song by John Lennon, released in 1970. The song was written, recorded, and released within a matter of days, and its message of personal responsibility and instant consequences has made it one of Lennon’s most iconic and popular solo works. The song’s driving rhythm and catchy chorus make it instantly recognizable, while its lyrics are thought-provoking and powerful: “Instant karma’s gonna get you / Gonna knock you right on the head / You better get yourself together / Pretty soon you’re gonna be dead.”
8. ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’
https://youtu.be/pHNbHn3i9S4
“Tomorrow Never Knows” is a psychedelic masterpiece from The Beatles’ 1966 album “Revolver”. The song features a complex and innovative mix of Indian music and electronica, and is known for its pioneering use of tape loops and reverse recording techniques. The lyrics were heavily influenced by Timothy Leary’s writings on LSD and explore themes of enlightenment and transcendence. The song’s revolutionary sound and avant-garde approach to music production have made it a landmark in the history of popular music, and it continues to be cited as a major influence on contemporary artists in a variety of genres.
9. ‘How Do You Sleep?’
John Lennon’s “How Do You Sleep?” is a biting attack on his former bandmate, Paul McCartney. The song was released in 1971, following the Beatles’ acrimonious breakup. Lennon’s lyrics are filled with venomous jabs at McCartney’s music and personality, and the track is bolstered by George Harrison’s blistering guitar work. Lennon’s anger is palpable in his delivery, making the song a potent reflection of the band’s bitter dissolution. Despite the animosity on display, “How Do You Sleep?” is still a remarkable piece of music, and a reminder of the intense emotions that the Beatles’ breakup stirred up.
10. ‘Norwegian Wood’
“Norwegian Wood” is a song by The Beatles from their 1965 album “Rubber Soul”. It was written by John Lennon and features him on vocals and acoustic guitar, with George Harrison on sitar and Paul McCartney on bass guitar. The song is notable for its unique blend of Western and Indian instrumentation, as well as its lyrics which describe a romantic encounter in a bohemian apartment. The song’s popularity has endured over the years, and it has been covered by numerous artists in a variety of styles. “Norwegian Wood” is widely regarded as one of The Beatles’ most influential and iconic songs.
11. ‘Come Together’
“Come Together” is one of The Beatles’ most popular songs and was released in 1969 as part of their album “Abbey Road”. It was written by John Lennon and was initially intended to be a campaign song for Timothy Leary, who was running for governor of California. However, the campaign never took off and the song ended up being used by The Beatles instead. The song is known for its catchy bass line, memorable lyrics, and bluesy feel. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and is considered a classic rock staple. The song’s iconic opening line, “Here come old flattop, he come grooving up slowly,” has become instantly recognizable to music fans around the world.
12. ‘Working Class Hero’
https://youtu.be/iMewtlmkV6c
“Working Class Hero” is a song by John Lennon, released in 1970 as part of his solo album “John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band”. The song is a commentary on the working-class struggles and the hypocrisy of those in power. It features Lennon’s signature raw vocals and stripped-down musical style, with only an acoustic guitar and occasional piano chords to accompany him. The song’s message is still relevant today, as income inequality and class divides remain significant issues in many societies. “Working Class Hero” has become an anthem for those who seek to challenge the status quo and strive for social justice.
13. ‘I’m Only Sleeping’
“I’m Only Sleeping” is a psychedelic rock song by The Beatles, written by John Lennon and released in 1966 on the album “Revolver”. The song features a unique backward guitar solo played by George Harrison, giving it a dreamy and surreal quality that complements Lennon’s lyrics about his love of sleeping and dreaming. The song is considered one of the highlights of the “Revolver” album, and one of the earliest examples of the use of backward recording in popular music. Its trippy atmosphere and innovative production techniques have made it a favorite among fans of the psychedelic rock genre.
14. ‘Don’t Let Me Down’
“Don’t Let Me Down” is a song by the Beatles, which was released in 1969 as a single. The song was written by John Lennon and features him on lead vocals. The song has a bluesy feel and a memorable guitar riff. It was recorded during the Get Back/Let It Be sessions and was performed live for the first time during their famous rooftop concert in London. The song has since become a fan favorite and has been covered by many artists over the years. Its message of love and support has resonated with listeners for decades, making it one of the Beatles’ most enduring songs.
15. ‘A Day in the Life’
“A Day in the Life” is a song by The Beatles from their 1967 album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”. It is considered one of the band’s most influential and innovative works, featuring a combination of orchestral and rock elements, as well as lyrics that touch on themes of social commentary and everyday life. The song was primarily written by John Lennon, with contributions from Paul McCartney, and was famously inspired by a series of newspaper articles. The recording process involved a 40-piece orchestra and a variety of sound effects, including an alarm clock and a final piano chord that is said to be the longest in pop music history. The song has been widely praised for its creativity and impact on popular music, and is considered a highlight of The Beatles’ discography.
16. ‘Happiness is a Warm Gun’
https://youtu.be/vdvnOH060Qg
“Happiness is a Warm Gun” is a song by The Beatles from their 1968 self-titled double album, commonly known as the “White Album.” The song was written by John Lennon and was inspired by an article he read in a gun magazine. The song is known for its complex structure and features four distinct sections with different styles and time signatures. The lyrics are also notable for their references to drugs and sexual themes. The song has been praised for its innovative structure and is considered one of the highlights of the “White Album.” It remains a fan favorite and is often covered by other artists.
17. ‘Gimme Some Truth’
“Gimme Some Truth” is a song by John Lennon, released in 1971 on his album “Imagine”. The song features Lennon’s signature biting lyrics and is known for its political commentary. The lyrics are a critique of the government and society, calling for greater honesty and transparency. The song’s title is a play on the phrase “give me the truth”, which Lennon turns on its head by asking for “some truth”. The song’s message remains relevant today, and it has been covered by various artists over the years. The link provided is to the official music video for the song.
18. ‘I Am The Walrus’
“I Am The Walrus” is a psychedelic rock song by the Beatles, written by John Lennon and credited to Lennon-McCartney. It was released in 1967 as the B-side of the single “Hello, Goodbye”. The song features a surreal and nonsensical lyrics that were partly inspired by Lewis Carroll’s poem “The Walrus and the Carpenter”. The instrumentation of the song is also notable for its unusual sounds and use of various instruments, including cellos, clarinets, and a Mellotron. The song has since become a cult classic and is widely regarded as one of the Beatles’ most experimental and innovative works.
19. ‘Nowhere Man’
“Nowhere Man” is a song by The Beatles from their 1965 album “Rubber Soul”. The song is a melodic and melancholic meditation on the theme of alienation and is notable for its unusual chord progression. The lyrics were primarily written by John Lennon, who said that the song was about himself and his feelings of inadequacy. The recording features Lennon on lead vocals, acoustic guitar, and tambourine, with Paul McCartney and George Harrison providing backing vocals and bass guitar, respectively. The song was also covered by a number of other artists, including The Four Seasons and Ozzy Osbourne.
20. ‘Woman’
“Woman” is a song by John Lennon released in 1981. The song was written as a tribute to his wife, Yoko Ono, and was inspired by the feminist movement. The lyrics express Lennon’s love and respect for women and acknowledge their struggles for equality. The song was well-received by critics and fans alike, with many praising its heartfelt lyrics and catchy melody. It became a hit in the US and UK, reaching the top 10 on both charts. “Woman” remains a beloved song in the Lennon catalogue and a testament to his love for his wife and commitment to equality.
Jared Parker 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.
