John Lennon, an iconic figure in the world of music, revolutionized the very essence of rock and roll, leaving an indelible mark on generations to come. As one of the founding members of The Beatles, Lennon’s distinct voice and profound songwriting abilities continue to captivate audiences even today. From his early days as a charismatic Liverpool lad to his transcendence into a peace activist and thought-provoking artist, Lennon’s musical repertoire remains a testament to his enduring legacy.
In this article, we embark on a soul-stirring journey to explore the top ten best John Lennon songs of all time. These tracks not only showcase Lennon’s artistic prowess but also provide a glimpse into his evolving ideologies, heartfelt emotions, and unwavering commitment to making a difference through his music. As we delve into the timeless melodies that defined his career, we discover the magic that lies within his words, the intensity that resonates in his voice, and the raw vulnerability that shaped his artistry.
From the rebellious anthems that challenged societal norms to the poignant ballads that evoked profound introspection, each song on this list represents a masterpiece in its own right. Whether it’s the timeless classics that marked his solo career or the iconic collaborations with his bandmates, each selection is a testament to Lennon’s profound impact on the music industry and his unparalleled ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
So, join us as we embark on this melodic journey, celebrating the genius of John Lennon and discovering the exceptional songs that continue to inspire and resonate with music lovers across the globe.
1. “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)“
This iconic piece by John Lennon is not just a Christmas song; it carries a powerful anti-war message. "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" is one of the most recognized melodies in the world, with its timeless lyrics and irresistible melody appealing to people all over the globe.
Many artistes have provided their take on this number throughout the years, but nothing beats Lennon's original composition. With Yoko Ono's kaleidoscopic harmonies completing the track, it remains a beloved holiday classic.
Lennon's genius shines through this tune, with its profound social commentary masked behind festive greetings. The infectious rhythm and catchy chorus are guaranteed to put a smile on anybody's face while still conveying a meaningful message that resonates regardless of whether it’s Noel or July. This uplifting masterpiece stands out as an evergreen favorite amongst lovers of music from across different generations.
The song faded into obscurity for a brief time after initial release, yet it resurfaced in 1981 when John Lennon was murdered – bringing back poignant memories associated with this sentimental classic. The song has stood the test of time for nearly half a century, epitomizing John Lennon’s legacy as both an icon and musical pioneer.
If you haven't heard "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon yet, you're missing out on an excellent piece of art that still raises our spirits today – regardless of when we listen to it.
If you're feeling jealous, just listen to John Lennon's 'Jealous Guy' and suddenly your envy will seem like nothing compared to his ability to write a killer song.
2. “Jealous Guy”
John Lennon's emotional ballad about jealousy titled "Jealous Guy" showcases his versatility as a songwriter. The song was initially written during his Beatles era, but he completed it on his solo album "Imagine." The lyrics represent Lennon's remorse and guilt over his past actions. He beautifully harmonizes the feelings of regret and acknowledgement throughout the song's composition. It is a melody that serves as an excellent example of Lennon's abilities to work with different musical styles while still being able to connect so deeply with his listeners.
Another aspect that makes "Jealous Guy" stand out is its intricate arrangement structure that moves from soothing piano in the beginning to consistent drum elements in the middle, backed up by Lennon's exceptional voice throughout the production. Its rich texture of sounds is something unique to appreciate in this classic.
It's worth mentioning that the song came into becoming a remarkable success after many artists covered it passionately. Notably, Bryan Ferry included it in his album "Roxy Music" and soon became a fan favorite after that.
To fully enjoy and understand this masterpiece, take your time, listen intently to John Lennon's "Jealous Guy," let yourself be carried away by its magnetic pull, and discover why this is one of the best songs he ever wrote.
John Lennon's Working Class Hero is proof that you don't need a fancy degree to write a timeless anthem for the common people.
3. “Working Class Hero”
This track is a timeless anthem of rebellion and working-class authenticity. John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero” strikes a chord with millions of fans across the globe as it reflects the reality of working-class people’s struggles. The lyrics showcase a vivid depiction of harsh realities and social inequalities that affect the blue-collar population. With its haunting melody, this song serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to tackle social injustices and fight for equality in all aspects of life.
In “Working Class Hero,” Lennon writes about how society often fails to recognize those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. He highlights the struggles that come with societal expectations, conformity, and class systems. His song has become an anthem not just for blue-collar workers but also for anyone who feels like they are not being seen or heard in today’s world.
Interestingly, when “Working Class Hero” was first released, many radio stations refused to play it because it contained explicit language. However, over time, the song has become one of Lennon’s most beloved tracks because of its raw honesty and authenticity.
Don't miss out on experiencing John Lennon's powerful homage to workers everywhere by listening to “Working Class hero”-a moving tribute that speaks directly to everyone who struggles with injustice in their daily lives. John tells us to hide our love away, but with this song, he's not fooling anyone.
4. “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away”
This timeless classic from John Lennon's solo career has made a significant impact on music lovers worldwide. The song "Hide Your Love Away" speaks of unrequited love and the difficulties that come with it. With its thoughtful lyrics and distinct melody, this track is undoubtedly one of Lennon's most beloved compositions.
The captivating lyrics evoke emotions of turmoil while also holding a hopeful tone in encouraging the listeners to keep pushing through. Along with its exceptional use of harmonic structure and instrumentation, the song lyrically and musically communicates how the subject must hide their feelings for someone they care about.
This masterpiece by John Lennon showcases his exceptional talent in blending various musical genres to create something magical that captures listeners' hearts and souls. With its endearing message and unique sound, "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" cemented itself as an essential part of his legacy.
Fun fact: This song was influenced by Bob Dylan's style in writing. According to an interview with Playboy magazine, Lennon stated, "I was always intrigued by Dylan's imagery."
John Lennon reminds us that sometimes the simplest solution to complex problems is just to give peace a chance.
5. “Give Peace A Chance”
This song has become an anthem for peace lovers worldwide. The lyrics and music spread a message of hope and unity amongst people. It is one of the best examples of John Lennon's musical genius, and the simple but powerful lyrics continue to inspire generations. 'Give Peace A Chance' showcases Lennon's advocacy for non-violent protest and was released in 1969 during the Vietnam War era.
The memorable chorus "All we are saying is give peace a chance" perfectly captures Lennon's vision for world peace. The song features a unique blend of instruments, including tambourines, improvised percussion, and hand claps. The track is minimalistic yet powerful and conveys its message without resorting to excessive instrumentation.
What makes this song even more special is that it was recorded in just two takes during Lennon and Yoko Ono's "bed-in for peace" protest event in Montreal, Canada. The event became iconic in popular culture history, and the recording process was documented by journalists who were present.
Lennon once called this his most significant contribution to the world since it captured his deep-seated desire to promote love and understanding beyond borders. 'Give Peace A Chance' remains relevant today as the struggle for equality, human rights, social justice, and political change continue worldwide.
Listening to 'Across The Universe' feels like floating in space, without having to worry about oxygen or getting sucked into a black hole.
6. “Across The Universe”
John Lennon’s “Across The Universe” is one of the most notable songs in history. A heavenly melody that touched hearts with its surreal lyrics, it earned Lennon admiration from fans worldwide. The song was handpicked to feature on the Grammy-winning "Let It Be" album, and it was also used in the soundtrack of the 2007 movie named after this song.
Continuing with this wonderful masterpiece, John Lennon leaves no room for disappointment with "Across The Universe." As we delve deeper into this amazing piece, listeners can get lost in the wonderful wordplay that seamlessly blends together throughout each scene.
Unlike other songs where a clear storyline exists, “Across The Universe” speaks to the depths of human emotions through abstract verses. With a seamless blend of sounds that intersect and mystical effects that evoke ethereal experiences, it's easy for listeners to get lost in music's splendor.
Hidden behind the layers of surrealism within "Across The Universe," there are stories untold about how each note and beat came to fruition. Rumors surfaced about how George Harrison and Paul McCartney joined forces to help bring across Lennon's vison for this ballad. The true story remains untold but rumor mills are kept running because there must be something magical about “Across The Universe."
John Lennon's ode to his son is the most heartwarming song named after a good-looking lad since Paul Anka's 'Puppy Love'.
7. “Beautiful Boy”
John Lennon's amazing songwriting talents are evident in his masterpiece, "Beautiful Boy," which is considered one of his best songs. This song was released in 1980 as a part of his album "Double Fantasy." The lyrics depict his love for his son Sean and offer a powerful message of hope for humanity.
Lennon's soothing voice combined with the gentle melody created by harmonica, acoustic guitar, and piano makes this song an all-time classic. The incorporation of soundbites featuring Sean's voice adds to the emotional appeal of the song. With its heartwarming lyrics and beautiful melody, "Beautiful Boy" remains a beloved favorite among fans worldwide.
It is worth noting that Lennon conceived this song while he was on hiatus from music and devoted himself entirely to being a stay-at-home dad to Sean.
According to Rolling Stone magazine, "Beautiful Boy" was inspired by an old cartoon strip panel that depicted a father and son walking together hand in hand when suddenly the father looks down at his son and thinks about how much he loves him. This poignant moment gave birth to one of Lennon's most celebrated compositions.
Undoubtedly, John Lennon's creative genius shines through in every aspect of “Beautiful Boy,” from the heartfelt lyrics to the soulful melody.
John may have said "God is a concept by which we measure our pain," but listening to this song is a spiritual experience of its own.
8. “God”
This track is a soul-baring pinnacle of Lennon's career. It resonated in the hearts of many and cemented his legacy as an artist. "God" is a stripped-down, semi-acoustic piece that Lennon uses to express himself and his beliefs while rejecting others'. He outlines the various factors and influences in his life that have shaped him into the person he has become. With its cathartic quality, this song is an emotional milestone for fans worldwide.
Lennon's songwriting skills are on full display here as he poetically questions the existence and purpose of a divine presence. He rejects traditional religion, capitalism, and revered musicians like Elvis Presley, who were once idolized by him. Ultimately he concludes that he no longer believes in any religion or divinity sourced from humanity but only believes in himself.
Listening to 'Strawberry Fields Forever' is like taking a psychedelic trip without the side effects… unless you count the sudden urge to wear a psychedelic shirt.
9. “Strawberry Fields Forever”
One of John Lennon's most iconic songs, with its dreamy lyrics and psychedelic sounds, comes in at number nine on the list. This masterpiece from the legendary artist is known by many as “Strawberry Fields Forever”. The song title references a Salvation Army children's home near where Lennon grew up in Liverpool, England.
Listen closely to the tune's avant-garde production – it features various tape effects and backward recording, which created a trippy soundscape that was ahead of its time. The lyrics were also deemed controversial by some for their ambiguous nature, but the vagueness only added to its allure.
It is interesting to note that the original mono mix of “Strawberry Fields Forever” differs significantly from the stereo version – it includes a longer ending and splices two different takes of the song together. This track showcases Lennon’s creative brilliance and has been covered by countless artists over the years.
Imagine being able to listen to this song without feeling the urge to start a utopian society, but then again, where's the fun in that?
10. “Imagine”
John Lennon's classic masterpiece, known as the tenth best song he ever wrote, rings true to the sentiment of spreading love and casting aside differences. The song 'Imagine' is an emblematic composition that inspires unity beyond borders and invites humans to step into a world free from chaos and discrimination.
The lyrics of this iconic song are poetic and profound that creates a powerful musical journey with a timeless message about the human race. John Lennon's vocal delivery and piano playing are hauntingly beautiful, elevating the track alongside orchestrated string arrangements, creating an intimate ambiance.
One little-known fact is that "Imagine" was initially dismissed by critics but has since become one of the most recognizable songs in history. Its impact transcends cultural boundaries and continues to inspire individuals across generations.
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.
