The entire album "Double Fantasy" is eerie because without knowing that his demise was so close, he wrote an album of songs all about his life and relationships with his family. And it is a beautiful album.
I was in college at the time and woke up to my alarm clock radio playing "Imagine" and then the announcer saying "by the late John Lennon....." - It was really a 9-11 moment. We only went to class to be with other people and talk about it. I just remember the numb feeling turning to despair, sadness, etc. Coverage filled the media with it and the entire globe grieved, each in their own way. If you know of anyone with mental illness, help them get help.
This one does hurt. Hearing this song makes those moments come flooding back. It was played, along with all Beatles tunes and his single stuff on a loop-for days. Understandably. It was absolutely shocking and we felt like we had lost a loved one, because we did.
When John died there was a full minute of collective silence in his memory throughout the world. That minute us stuck for me. Can't help but cry again. Glad he had that time with his son. We love him always
i too am glad he got those 5 years with his son. probably made it all make sense to him. that's what it's done for me. i can only imagine the magic he could have turned those 5 years into music wise if he wasn't taken so soon :(
In hindsight though-- how amazing he chose to spend last 5 years focusing on his son and baking bread. He struggled so hard with emotional trauma -- and in this song and the entire album Double Fantasy you hear him at great peace. (And Yoko rocks on that album!)
You always feel and say it right. A beautiful album that came from his finally finding happiness. He always knew how to say it and play it for us , I was 20 and still get that sinking feeling of disbelief. The irony is so cruel, and how his words and music ring more true as time goes on ❤ hold our loved ones tight and tell them we love them 😊 thanks again man!!!
I’ve loved this song from the beginning. It inspires me to believe that sometimes doing “nothing” which is thinking, meditating, watching the wheels go round are really good things.
Right before he was gunned down. I will never forget that Monday night. My Dad and Brother were watching Monday night football. I was in my room. Then I heard them freaking out. Then, my brother walked in and told me John Lennon was dead. He was gunned down outside his apartment in New York City. My jaw dropped. December 1980. Please listen to "Beautiful Boy". I know you have a young daughter. But it doesn't matter if you have a son or daughter. This song will make you cry. And it's a must listen.
No, your take on this is right. It was eerie that this song was released after his death. I wasn't aware of that. But the lyrics and his thoughts in this song were a description of where he had arrived after a very long period of soul searching. An amazing artist.
I grew up with The Beatles, and I love several of John's solo albums. I was 20 for this album, and honestly, I really knew it from the few songs on the radio. At the time, it seemed like a rather "soft" album for John, without his usual edgy intensity. But I understood why John might want/need to get away from all his angst and fighting for social change. This album came from a new "quiet" period in his life. I would have loved to find out what his NEXT album could have been. The best song to me was "Nobody told me there'd be days like these". Imagine all the crazy days John lived through. And then his unexpected death,,,
He himself had a lot of unresolved guilt about Stu Sutcliffe and possibly Brian Epstein, too, and said he thought he would die a violent death, I’ve read a few times. He was certainly no saint 😊
Very poignant song. Still remember hearing the news of when he was killed and was in shock. John's one of the few singers whose vocals can bring me to tears very easily.
John Lennon also had a funky side besides all the mellower stuff everyone reacts to. Listen to "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night", a #1 hit on the Billboard charts for John from 1974.
No, that song watching the wheels go around Was on the album Double fantasy that was released about a month before he was killed. The song no one told me Was one of the songs on the album that was released after he was murdered.
Lennon was a gift. I wish the world had been kinder to his wife. He loved her so and they were at a great place when he passed.People acted atrociously to her can’t fathom the world adoring your beloved while hating and dehumanizing you ,
"Watching the Wheels" is such a glorious, powerful Lennon song. He chose to prioritize his family over the music business, and pretty much "disappeared" from the music scene for about 5 years. In classic Lennon style, he transplanted the shock and anger of money-hungry PR people, managers, marketers, etc, into a wonderfully cathartic song..."I tell them there's no problems, only solutions". A line that has stuck with me for all these years.... Btw, you know the story that John was inspired to make a comeback in 1980 after he heard the studio version of Paul McCartney's "Coming Up". Not sure if you've already covered this, but it's such a unique McCarney song, with a fun accompanying video. One for that list of yours! 😊 Btw, for some reason, and to John Lennon's dismay, the live version of Coming Up was released as the single in the US. Although this version did become a hit in the US, it just doesn't have the same "feel" as the studio version.
"A Wave Of Grief" On the evening of 8 December 1980, the English musician John Lennon, formerly of the Beatles, was shot and fatally wounded in the archway of the Dakota, his residence in New York City. Watching NFL-Monday Night Football...Howard Cosell delivered the extremely sad news and most of the people on the planet felt the great loss.
Wow, 145 comments on less than 900 views. Don't worry, there's a ton of us where this song just hits different. It was decades after his death before I stopped tearing up whenever I heard this song. Take care.
such a sad, empty feeling you get half way through even though the music is beautiful. it's almost like he knew.... like Bowie did. But, that's a tale for another time.
My Mother Dorothy Jean Tandle…“Dotty” worked at Electro-Strings Rickenbacker Guitars “RIC” in early 1964. She did the work on the Beatles guitars. George’s 360-12...(first real production model) John’s 325 - 6 string (first with five tone/vol knobs) John’s 325-12 (first ever)…. Paul’s Left handed 4001 (first ever) .…Ten years later…..In the 1974, I worked for “Fender Musical Instruments” in Fullerton California. I made two Fender Rhodes Electric Pianos for John Lennon/Apple Studios. The one used on “Walls and Bridges” “Well if they’re gonna send one, send two cause I’d like one as well” John Lennon ordering a Fender Rhodes Electric Piano at the Apple studios. (Elton John recorded “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” with the same piano) My mother and myself are the only mother/son that both built an instrument for John Lennon. My mother made guitars for many famous Rockers, including the red guitar that was smashed by Peter Townsend of the WHO and is in the Rock HOF. Bass guitars for Chris Squire, Roger Waters, Carl Wilson, Maurice Gibb, Paul McCartney (left-handed 1964 4001S FG Rickenbacker bass) , John Entwistle, George Harrison’s 12 String. Roger McGuinn 12 string and many others. I have built pianos for “You name it” just about everyone IE: “Pink Floyd” on “Dark Side Of The Moon” It is our little contribution to Classic Rock. I’m very proud of that fact.
@@diamonddavefuller6136 My Mom assembled so many guitars for so many legendary artist from 1963 - 1968 at Rickenbacker. I built hundreds of pianos for....EVERYBODY in those days.
Mom woke me with the news the morning after. The only thing played on our high school radio that day was John, with and without the Beatles. I took the before and after school shows as well as all 3 lunches and made sure he was present. Difficult for an accomplished wallflower to speak first in 2300 students but this was John. I love this song. I play it after Mother and Working Class Hero. Reminds me that he was happy with his life and those pains were less tender for him. The hard one for me is Beautiful Boy... I started college at 30, got my degree and worked in my career for 15 yrs before I had to let it go. I don't like the merry go round. I work for less money but I am happy with it.
I think Mick Jagger had made a public comment imploring John to get back into the mainstream and that hurt him. This song was partly a response to those in his circles with similar sentiments as well as a mainstream media speculation. Mick had passed on some "tough love" and said something like "John needs to get off his backside and start making music, doing things."
Saw you were sad. So this happened believe it or not. About 20 yrs ago I was sad in my life. Woke up one night, or a dream,? But so real. And John was in the corner of my room. He said really clearly, don’t worry, (my name) , everything will be alright’. I’ve since read on internet that John appeared to many disassociated ppl. When I stumbled on this some said he wanted so much to return he did with messages of hope. So inspired I made a big artwork of him which for me, came easily. I played his music as I did it. There’s many things we don’t understand yet. Try not to let things get you down, you’ve got a long life ahead. Live it!
i totally agree. i always bring up that we have no clue what's really going on. we're just here shuffling about until we die. not knowing why we do half the things we do. i've had my fair share of strange, unexplainable things happening. i have my theories but they are only that. i have no definitive proof of anything. and i probably never will. but i keep looking either way. that's amazing he came and said that! I had no idea about him showing up like that to people. Very interesting!
This song is about how happy John was to take off 5 years to be with his family. Everyone criticized him for slacking but we are now all glad that John got to spend that time and make amends with all his friends (although he and George, and he and Paul were having a little spat at the time, they were still brothers in life).
When this came out I was struck by his confidence. Knowing all the scrutiny anything he put out would get, he put out a simple song. Simple message. Simple melody. Simple background. Just love that
This gentle, sweet song was a staple on the radio in the spring of ‘81. As others have noted, the lyrics of the whole album indicate he was in such happy place in his life.
Busking is entertaining the public for tips in public places, including subways. You did a "Walk of Life" the other day, it's about busking, and he said "They were down in the tunnel trying to make it pay" Ed Sheeren became famous for busking on the streets.
The tape he had on him when he died was Walking On Thin Ice. He had just left the studio working on it. Was a Yoko track. She released it as a single later. You should check it out. It's a stormer! Last thing he ever did in the studio. 8th December 1980
Busking is playing music on the street for contributions from the people standing around listening or passing by. You can see it all the time in places like New York City.
Cheap Trick recorded with John on this album, on a song called I'm Losing You. However, that version wasn't released until later. There's a video on the version with Cheap Trick.
Terrific choice, Lee, and a great reaction as always. I remember this album so vividly, some of John's best work (I don't listen to the Yoko tracks, they do nothing for me), and it was crushing to listen to after his murder. I still have it on vinyl, and this song is always in my rotation. Peace and love from Canada☮
Another genius song. I'm not sure what was the last song he wrote, but one of his last songs released was Nobody Told Me. Written in 80 but not released until 84. It's a good one. God is another great one
Lee as always thank you for expressing your love for the Beatles and each individual from the group. I grew up on the Beatles and never looked back. On the same album "Double Fantasy" is a song called "Beautiful boy" which was about his son Sean. There is a lyric that always stayed with me throughout my life it goes" Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans" How profound is that? Speaking of John's kids, if you want to be freaked out, watch the Video "Valette" by Julian Lennon who looks and sounds just like his Dad. Then try Sean Lennon singing live "Isolation" Its so freaky how they both look and sound just like John in different eras of his life.
I was only 4 when John Lennon was murdered, I remember it was a frosty morning here in the uk, I was in my Aunts house next door and it came on the radio, me and my auntie walked back home, mum and dad were standing watching the tv in shock (both huge Beatles fans) I asked was Christmas not going to happen this year, mum hugged me and they changed their focus on comforting me
This was neither his last album or last single. "Milk and Honey" was his final album and "Nobody Told Me" was his final hit, released a few months after his death in 1980.
The last song he worked on in the studio was Yoko's "walking on thin ice" one of her best. He plays a unique fretless guitar solo. What a sound. I don't know if he had a tape of it in his pocket when he was shot or not. A follow up album, "Milk and Honey" made up, of leftovers from the double fantasy session was released by Yoko a few years after died.
My dad picked me up from the late shift at Burger King, and as soon as I got in the car he said I've got some bad news. I had two young uncle that turned me on to the Beatles when I was 6 years old.
fuck that hurts man. i remember when a favorite player of mine (sean taylor) died and my mom woke me up as a kid for school and told me. i was heartbroken.
“No longer riding on the merry go round”, in the most Beatlesque section of the song…poignant. It was sad when you put your head down, Lee. Hearing John’s song again brings up my love for him. Thank you, Lee and Scott.
Lee you can’t even imagine having growing up listening and loving all the Beatles music how my generation felt the evening John was murdered. I believe just about all of felt like a close friend had left us. All those years to come with John having so much more to give to the world and most likely eventually doing something with the Fab 4!😢
If you don't mind a little pop, Ringo had several huge hits after the Beatles broke up. And I love all of it. I mean I really love John Lennon for the fact that he would do things like working class hero and I love Paul McCartney and especially what Wings did, George Harrison is amazing, but I have a soft spot for Ringo man he's just always about positivity
Yoko's "Walking on Thin Ice" was the session tapes he was carrying when he was shot. "Life is what happens to you while your busy making other plans" - lyric from Beautiful Boy, another song from Double Fantasy.
I never got I to the Beatles until 1996 after the tv show on the Beatles, and when I started listening to them, they blew me away, seriously. I'm into everything from Rggae to Jazz and everything in between, and no one touches me like the Beatles. Anyway living in the UK, I recently this year went to Liverpool for the first time and I have to say Liverpool is a great City anyway and what I loved about it, is how they really celebrate the Beatles. If you ever get a chance to go, you won't be disappointed... the Cavern man is brilliant. I also took the Mad Day Out Beatles tour which is basically me and my wife in a London style cab, painted on the outside like the yellow submarine and we visited all their old homes and even the Eleanor Rigby grave. It was pure magic, and you are right they are the best. No one touches their genius
and they were the biggest thing since Jesus!! and they were amazing. so crazy. im glad i discovered them and gave them a chance. they have left a profound impact on me already.
The dark irony of Watching the Wheels' timing can't be ignored. I remember J&Y being so happy. And we were all so happy for them. The night J was shot, he was carrying the final cassette mix of Yoko's "Walking On Thin Ice." Prepare to be astonished. It has become a song I come back to over and over again over the years. "And all this was ice..."
I absolutely CANNOT listen to this song without ending up in tears, and reeling with memories of that horrible time! I hope you will forgive my long comment.....but it's important to me, for some reason. I had turned 27 in July 1980. It was just over one year since I had moved to Broken Arrow for a job. I was struggling because I was learning that I had made a HUGE move in my life, for a job I ended up absolutely hating. I began having insomnia during that year, and was always sleep-deprived. On the night of Dec. 8th, I had decided to actually get in bed around a bit after 10:30 PM Central Time. I turned on my bedside clock radio to set my alarm for the next morning, and KMOD-FM was playing "I'm Only Sleeping" by The Beatles, which is one of my very fave songs of all time, so I waited to actually set the alarm and turn off the radio until the song was over. I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth while listening, and then when the song was over, the obviously VERY upset DJ stated what had happened in NYC just over an hour before.....and I VIVIDLY remember literally STOPPING, mid-brush, and rushed back into the bedroom with toothbrush still in my mouth, to be SURE of what I was hearing. Then, after the announcement, he went back into more Beatles songs, because by that hour, the station was ALREADY playing non-stop Beatles and Lennon songs. I really don't remember much after that moment, sitting there on the edge of my bed, toothpaste dripping, and bursting into absolute SOBS that took my breath away. I know I damn sure didn't sleep much that night, and I was an absolute Zombie at work the next morning. Frankly, I don't remember much at all about the next 6 days, until Sat. the 14th, when a friend and I went into Tulsa for the vigil being held for John in the downtown mall. I was absolutely stunned how MANY PEOPLE were there. Must have been upwards of 5,000 people, many still crying and in shock, almost a full week later! At one time, I had a big collection of every magazine or newspaper's coverage of his murder, and the vigils after. Very sadly, my narcissistic ex-husband STOLE them all during our divorce. As much as I loved "Double Fantasy" - which had been released only 21 DAYS prior to his murder - I never listen to it anymore. If any of the songs from it come on the radio or whatever, I will listen, but I cannot listen to the full album. It's just too hard. Thanks for this one!! And thanks for letting me re-count my memories from that horrible time. I think you would find it interesting to know about how the US gubmint tried desperately to DEPORT John. I won't post a link, but I highly recommend that you do a google search with these words: "FBI spent years investigating John Lennon before his murder. Read the once classified documents now" Actually devote the time to read the entire article, and the documents featured in the article. I also recommend you find a copy of Fenton Bresler's book "Who Killed John Lennon". HUGE rabbit hole............actually, a huge BLACK hole that speaks to what a threat the gubmint believed Lennon to be. After YEARS of fighting and winning his deportation case, he went silent while raising Sean. When he had the temerity to come out in public again, they killed him.
I appreciate your heartfelt remembrance. I have similar memories of that night -- I was 25 and also brushing my teeth, in fact, when the news came over the TV that he had been shot. Then put on the radio and got the horrible confirmation of his death, delivered by Vin Scelsa on WNEW-FM in New York. My wife and I cried ourselves to sleep. The next morning I drove to work largely blinded by the tears I could not stop. Was managing the record department in a discount store at the time; immediately set up a memorial display but couldn't get any actual work done. Created a placard with Lennon's lyrics from "Instant Karma": Well we all shine on Like the moon, and the stars, and the sun But as much as I would like to, I cannot agree with your conclusion. I was well aware of, and horrified by, Nixon's attempts to get Lennon deported. And I've long believed there was a conspiracy behind JFK's assassination. But it's pretty clear that Lennon was killed by one sick, crazy person. No, I haven't read that book, and I don't intend to. Nowadays there are conspiracy theories about everything, and it's all become too much. At some point it becomes obvious that people are just too stupid and incompetent to successfully carry out any kind of elaborate plot.
I had a part time job at Target after school. That evening People started coming in saying that John was shot. Didn’t know if he was dead. A lot of employees and customers kept going over to the Radio and TV section watching the updates. That’s how we found out.
I have never got tired to this song, it always feels fresh. And it contains life long, deep advise and reminder, how to live. This is a gift. I am so grateful having come across this song (44 years ago).
already added it to my pandora! gonna get a few more spins in today probably. his solo stuff is so good! this and how do you sleep and mind games... so good. basically all the solo stuff of his ive done is just amazing.
John had just released this album when he was shot but was already working on another. It was released posthumously. The hit from it was Nobody Told Me (There'd Be Days Like These).
I remember the night Lennon was shot and I was sitting there, absolutely stunned. My wife knew I loved the Beatles but didn't quite understand the depth. She said "Are you in mourning or something ?" I just turned to her and said "Yes".
Six months before he died, John Lennon and his son, set sail from Newport, R.I., on an ocean adventure to Bermuda During the summer of 1980, on the curious advice of Yoko Ono’s astrology consultants, Lennon had not discovered his passion for sailing until his move to America. Lennon and Sean set sail for Bermuda on the 40-foot vessel Megan Jaye, During the stormy 600-mile voyage Captain Hank had me on the wheel on day three, Megan Jaye ran into rough weather at first I was terrified, but Captain Hank was at my side, one by one, the crew fell ill from pitching seas. Lennon said the feeling was just like going on stage at first you panic and then you’re ready to throw up your guts, but once you get out there and start doing all the stuff you forget your fears and you get high on your performance. Once I accepted the reality of the situation, something greater than me took over and all of a sudden I lost my fear I actually began to enjoy the experience and I started to shout out old sea shanties in the face of the storm, screaming at the thundering sky “We were in the middle of it and the waves looked like the size of buildings”. He said “There is no place like nowhere” With the six-day journey behind him, Lennon and his son arrived on the island on June 11, pulling him out of depression and inspiring him to begin writing and shaking off a five-year bout of writer’s block. Sean was four during the months they spent on the island, John was relaxed, re-energized, and inspired, the experience gave Lennon the confidence to go back and write his final works recording and staying up all night working on his new songs, and visiting clubs and shops in downtown Hamilton. "It opened up a kind of frozen part of his soul and he started creating," “He had not been inspired like that since 1961 when he started with The Beatles,” on a trip to the Botanical Gardens with Sean, they spotted a freesia hybrid flower called FANTASIA FREESIAS DOUBLE WHITE (Double white flowers), thus captured the attention of Lennon, (Double Fantasy) became a husband-wife recording project. Lennon later described this productive time as “a diarrhea of creativity.
No it was not released after he died. I was literally playing that song off his 1980 album Double Fantasy which I had for about 3 weeks at that point, when my mom leaned in my basement bedroom door and said hey I'm sorry to bother you but I thought you might want to know that John Lennon has been assassinated. It was devastating. I was literally listening to this song on my turntable when she told me that.
I'm glad I got to hear John's solo work (and bits of this album) BEFORE he was shot. So I can remember all his lyrics in their original context. It's distracting to get into an artist AFTER a huge tragedy. The sadness can cloud their work, and make you miss it''s original context. For instance, I really started listening to Janis Joplin and Hendrix AFTER they died, and thus I associate their music with "tragedy". And I have to fight through that, to find the music's original intention. Musically, it's better to have enjoyed a band prior to a tragedy. Like my favorite Keith Moon, who I can still remember from a happier time.
Somehow I feel that even if John had known what would happen to him, he wouldn’t have changed spending the last 5 years of his life devoted to raising his son. ✌️💕
John had some other songs he'd either finished or was working on and there was an album called "Milk and Honey" released in 1984. "Nobody Told Me" was a top 10 hit in 1984.
Playing/singing on the street. My favorite was a violin player in the subway under Madison Square garden. Everything is gray and dreary and suddenly this beautiful music. What a gift
He was so happy then, it's like he finally found peace and he was ready to start creating music again. Such a loss, it hurt really bad...
The entire album "Double Fantasy" is eerie because without knowing that his demise was so close, he wrote an album of songs all about his life and relationships with his family. And it is a beautiful album.
The Beatles were four guys who were so great together it was almost supernatural... And this is one of Lennons really really great solo songs.
Busking is when you perform on a street corner, a park, a subway station...just for tips from people passing by
Never knew that. Thanks!
I still feel the grief 44 years later. I was 10. My mother took it really hard.😢 She cried.
I was in college at the time and woke up to my alarm clock radio playing "Imagine" and then the announcer saying "by the late John Lennon....." - It was really a 9-11 moment. We only went to class to be with other people and talk about it. I just remember the numb feeling turning to despair, sadness, etc. Coverage filled the media with it and the entire globe grieved, each in their own way. If you know of anyone with mental illness, help them get help.
Lovely to read all your comments everyone. John Lennon, one of a kind.
This one does hurt. Hearing this song makes those moments come flooding back. It was played, along with all Beatles tunes and his single stuff on a loop-for days. Understandably. It was absolutely shocking and we felt like we had lost a loved one, because we did.
When John died there was a full minute of collective silence in his memory throughout the world. That minute us stuck for me.
Can't help but cry again. Glad he had that time with his son.
We love him always
i too am glad he got those 5 years with his son. probably made it all make sense to him. that's what it's done for me. i can only imagine the magic he could have turned those 5 years into music wise if he wasn't taken so soon :(
It was actually 10 minutes long. It was Yoko's wish. I experienced it in Copley Square in Boston, with thousands of others.
@@polittek Yes, thanks for reminding me👍
Always remember where you were at that moment
In hindsight though-- how amazing he chose to spend last 5 years focusing on his son and baking bread. He struggled so hard with emotional trauma -- and in this song and the entire album Double Fantasy you hear him at great peace. (And Yoko rocks on that album!)
You always feel and say it right. A beautiful album that came from his finally finding happiness. He always knew how to say it and play it for us , I was 20 and still get that sinking feeling of disbelief. The irony is so cruel, and how his words and music ring more true as time goes on ❤ hold our loved ones tight and tell them we love them 😊 thanks again man!!!
Lennon explains why he took five years off , out of the spotlight. He was so honest when he wrote, admitting he was not perfect
Well said
I’ve loved this song from the beginning. It inspires me to believe that sometimes doing “nothing” which is thinking, meditating, watching the wheels go round are really good things.
This whole album is wonderful. I love "Woman."
Right before he was gunned down. I will never forget that Monday night. My Dad and Brother were watching Monday night football. I was in my room. Then I heard them freaking out. Then, my brother walked in and told me John Lennon was dead. He was gunned down outside his apartment in New York City. My jaw dropped. December 1980.
Please listen to "Beautiful Boy". I know you have a young daughter. But it doesn't matter if you have a son or daughter. This song will make you cry. And it's a must listen.
Painful.
It was December 8, 1980 which was my 25th birthday. I haven't celebrated a birthday since.
No, your take on this is right. It was eerie that this song was released after his death. I wasn't aware of that. But the lyrics and his thoughts in this song were a description of where he had arrived after a very long period of soul searching. An amazing artist.
R.I.P. Lennon
You can't hear a song from later Lennon w'out feeling great joy and a tinge of melancholy.
that's his M.O. he was a genius. makes you look at things differently better then anyone else i've seen.
Lee you GET him. I like to imagine his reactions to his impact, I think he would be pleased.
Don't apologize for being a bummer. Those of us who lived through the Beatles era and his murder felt it acutely back then.
Just like starting over is another painfully ironic one from this album
Side “B” of that 45 single was painful too … it’s Yoko doing “Kiss Kiss Kiss “ . 🎸😳✌️
"Nobody Told Me" was actually a Lennon single released in 1984, and it's pretty good. "Strange days indeed!".
I cried for a week. Just couldn't stop...
Everyone knows what busking means!
Dude, you’ll weep at Beautiful Boy!
Really sad is that one of his last unfinished songs is a beautiful ballad entitled- Grow Old With Me
I grew up with The Beatles, and I love several of John's solo albums. I was 20 for this album, and honestly, I really knew it from the few songs on the radio. At the time, it seemed like a rather "soft" album for John, without his usual edgy intensity. But I understood why John might want/need to get away from all his angst and fighting for social change. This album came from a new "quiet" period in his life. I would have loved to find out what his NEXT album could have been. The best song to me was "Nobody told me there'd be days like these". Imagine all the crazy days John lived through. And then his unexpected death,,,
John was a highly enlightened human being and a friend to humanity.
that's the best way i've seen it put. absolutely.
He himself had a lot of unresolved guilt about Stu Sutcliffe and possibly Brian Epstein, too, and said he thought he would die a violent death, I’ve read a few times. He was certainly no saint 😊
@@mattleppard1964 Cynthia loved John, and still does.
@@lauraallen55 Removed 👍
@@mattleppard1964 That's awesome. :)
Well said. Although John had gotten off the merry-go-round, he was making a huge and thorough comeback when we lost him.
Very poignant song. Still remember hearing the news of when he was killed and was in shock. John's one of the few singers whose vocals can bring me to tears very easily.
John Lennon also had a funky side besides all the mellower stuff everyone reacts to. Listen to "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night", a #1 hit on the Billboard charts for John from 1974.
That one's good, with Elton John! He has a lot of more uptempo songs :)
Beautiful performance.
It's said they were finishing "Walking On Thin Ice" when he was murdered.
No, that song watching the wheels go around Was on the album Double fantasy that was released about a month before he was killed. The song no one told me Was one of the songs on the album that was released after he was murdered.
I'm very happy to say I assembled the Fender Rhodes Electric Piano used on the song, and so many others while at Fender in the 70's
seriously? that's amazing! great work! it sounds amazing.
So cool. I have a 1976/77 Mk1 73. You may have assembled mine.? Great job. it's still kicking.
@@mrtyreus0 Most likely I had my hands on it if made in those years.... Cool. Want to sell it?
Lennon was a gift. I wish the world had been kinder to his wife. He loved her so and they were at a great place when he passed.People acted atrociously to her can’t fathom the world adoring your beloved while hating and dehumanizing you ,
"Watching the Wheels" is such a glorious, powerful Lennon song. He chose to prioritize his family over the music business, and pretty much "disappeared" from the music scene for about 5 years.
In classic Lennon style, he transplanted the shock and anger of money-hungry PR people, managers, marketers, etc, into a wonderfully cathartic song..."I tell them there's no problems, only solutions". A line that has stuck with me for all these years....
Btw, you know the story that John was inspired to make a comeback in 1980 after he heard the studio version of Paul McCartney's "Coming Up". Not sure if you've already covered this, but it's such a unique McCarney song, with a fun accompanying video. One for that list of yours! 😊
Btw, for some reason, and to John Lennon's dismay, the live version of Coming Up was released as the single in the US. Although this version did become a hit in the US, it just doesn't have the same "feel" as the studio version.
"Woman" is an amazing track on this album and also "Starting Over." ❤
"A Wave Of Grief" On the evening of 8 December 1980, the English musician John Lennon, formerly of the Beatles, was shot and fatally wounded in the archway of the Dakota, his residence in New York City. Watching NFL-Monday Night Football...Howard Cosell delivered the extremely sad news and most of the people on the planet felt the great loss.
Wow, 145 comments on less than 900 views. Don't worry, there's a ton of us where this song just hits different. It was decades after his death before I stopped tearing up whenever I heard this song. Take care.
such a sad, empty feeling you get half way through even though the music is beautiful. it's almost like he knew.... like Bowie did. But, that's a tale for another time.
RIP John. He is surely missed. ❤️
absolutely
My Mother Dorothy Jean Tandle…“Dotty” worked at Electro-Strings Rickenbacker Guitars “RIC” in early 1964. She did the work on the Beatles guitars. George’s 360-12...(first real production model) John’s 325 - 6 string (first with five tone/vol knobs) John’s 325-12 (first ever)…. Paul’s Left handed 4001 (first ever) .…Ten years later…..In the 1974, I worked for “Fender Musical Instruments” in Fullerton California.
I made two Fender Rhodes Electric Pianos for John Lennon/Apple Studios.
The one used on “Walls and Bridges”
“Well if they’re gonna send one, send two cause I’d like one as well”
John Lennon ordering a Fender Rhodes Electric Piano at the Apple studios.
(Elton John recorded “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” with the same piano)
My mother and myself are the only mother/son that both built an instrument for John Lennon.
My mother made guitars for many famous Rockers, including the red guitar that was smashed by Peter Townsend of the WHO and is in the Rock HOF. Bass guitars for Chris Squire, Roger Waters, Carl Wilson, Maurice Gibb, Paul McCartney (left-handed 1964 4001S FG Rickenbacker bass) , John Entwistle, George Harrison’s 12 String. Roger McGuinn 12 string and many others.
I have built pianos for “You name it”
just about everyone IE: “Pink Floyd” on “Dark Side Of The Moon”
It is our little contribution to Classic Rock.
I’m very proud of that fact.
Wow, that’s pretty fascinating and amazing! What an honor for you and your mom to have done all that! My hat is off to you both! 🙇🏻♀️ 🎸
As you should be. Your instruments gave the world such beauty.
@@diamonddavefuller6136 My Mom assembled so many guitars for so many legendary artist from 1963 - 1968 at Rickenbacker. I built hundreds of pianos for....EVERYBODY in those days.
Mom woke me with the news the morning after. The only thing played on our high school radio that day was John, with and without the Beatles. I took the before and after school shows as well as all 3 lunches and made sure he was present. Difficult for an accomplished wallflower to speak first in 2300 students but this was John.
I love this song. I play it after Mother and Working Class Hero. Reminds me that he was happy with his life and those pains were less tender for him. The hard one for me is Beautiful Boy...
I started college at 30, got my degree and worked in my career for 15 yrs before I had to let it go. I don't like the merry go round. I work for less money but I am happy with it.
I think Mick Jagger had made a public comment imploring John to get back into the mainstream and that hurt him. This song was partly a response to those in his circles with similar sentiments as well as a mainstream media speculation. Mick had passed on some "tough love" and said something like "John needs to get off his backside and start making music, doing things."
Saw you were sad. So this happened believe it or not. About 20 yrs ago I was sad in my life. Woke up one night, or a dream,? But so real. And John was in the corner of my room. He said really clearly, don’t worry, (my name) , everything will be alright’. I’ve since read on internet that John appeared to many disassociated ppl. When I stumbled on this some said he wanted so much to return he did with messages of hope. So inspired I made a big artwork of him which for me, came easily. I played his music as I did it. There’s many things we don’t understand yet. Try not to let things get you down, you’ve got a long life ahead. Live it!
i totally agree. i always bring up that we have no clue what's really going on. we're just here shuffling about until we die. not knowing why we do half the things we do. i've had my fair share of strange, unexplainable things happening. i have my theories but they are only that. i have no definitive proof of anything. and i probably never will. but i keep looking either way. that's amazing he came and said that! I had no idea about him showing up like that to people. Very interesting!
This song is about how happy John was to take off 5 years to be with his family. Everyone criticized him for slacking but we are now all glad that John got to spend that time and make amends with all his friends (although he and George, and he and Paul were having a little spat at the time, they were still brothers in life).
They made up before that tragic end, thankfully
When this came out I was struck by his confidence. Knowing all the scrutiny anything he put out would get, he put out a simple song. Simple message. Simple melody. Simple background. Just love that
Pretty much sums up Lennon that, tbh. I don't think he cared much what others thought. He did what he felt. True artists do.
This gentle, sweet song was a staple on the radio in the spring of ‘81. As others have noted, the lyrics of the whole album indicate he was in such happy place in his life.
You felt the hurt we all felt when this came out. The carousel has stopped now. John's songs will live on.
Busking is entertaining the public for tips in public places, including subways. You did a "Walk of Life" the other day, it's about busking, and he said "They were down in the tunnel trying to make it pay" Ed Sheeren became famous for busking on the streets.
The tape he had on him when he died was Walking On Thin Ice. He had just left the studio working on it. Was a Yoko track. She released it as a single later. You should check it out. It's a stormer! Last thing he ever did in the studio. 8th December 1980
I am always always impressed at your introspection and your insight. 🌸
well, i appreciate that very much. thank you. i try my best.
Busking is playing music on the street for contributions from the people standing around listening or passing by. You can see it all the time in places like New York City.
ding ding ding
Cheap Trick recorded with John on this album, on a song called I'm Losing You. However, that version wasn't released until later. There's a video on the version with Cheap Trick.
Terrific choice, Lee, and a great reaction as always. I remember this album so vividly, some of John's best work (I don't listen to the Yoko tracks, they do nothing for me), and it was crushing to listen to after his murder. I still have it on vinyl, and this song is always in my rotation. Peace and love from Canada☮
George was right up there. All Things Must Pass.
My favorite Lennon song. I’ve listened to this many times, and all of a sudden I got teary eyed during your reaction.
A busker is a street performer
Ringo said The Beatles were buskers, as they didn't read or write music. Well, that's one hellova group of buskers right there.
Another genius song. I'm not sure what was the last song he wrote, but one of his last songs released was Nobody Told Me. Written in 80 but not released until 84. It's a good one. God is another great one
that's crazy to me. 4 years after he was taken. what a prolific man.
@@L33Reacts Lee, you must check out the wiki entry about "Nobody Told Me"!!!😲
Remember it like it was yesterday. Check out Dylan's song to John Lennon called "Roll On John" off his Tempest LP from 2012.
Lee as always thank you for expressing your love for the Beatles and each individual from the group. I grew up on the Beatles and never looked back. On the same album "Double Fantasy" is a song called "Beautiful boy" which was about his son Sean. There is a lyric that always stayed with me throughout my life it goes" Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans" How profound is that? Speaking of John's kids, if you want to be freaked out, watch the Video "Valette" by Julian Lennon who looks and sounds just like his Dad. Then try Sean Lennon singing live "Isolation" Its so freaky how they both look and sound just like John in different eras of his life.
One of his best songs ever for me but always very sad. One of the saddest days of my life when he was killed. The world lost a lot when he passed.
His assassin is still in jail in New York State. 50 years of parole denials.
Probably good thing for his own safety
I was only 4 when John Lennon was murdered, I remember it was a frosty morning here in the uk, I was in my Aunts house next door and it came on the radio, me and my auntie walked back home, mum and dad were standing watching the tv in shock (both huge Beatles fans) I asked was Christmas not going to happen this year, mum hugged me and they changed their focus on comforting me
I love this song. Maybe one of my all time favorite, but it hurts.
My favorite on the album.
This was neither his last album or last single. "Milk and Honey" was his final album and "Nobody Told Me" was his final hit, released a few months after his death in 1980.
He was happy and “playing the game again” in 1980. But one idiot took his life. Best Lennon song
One of my favorite John Lennon songs.
i see why... this is great!!
The last song he worked on in the studio was Yoko's "walking on thin ice" one of her best. He plays a unique fretless guitar solo. What a sound. I don't know if he had a tape of it in his pocket when he was shot or not. A follow up album, "Milk and Honey" made up, of leftovers from the double fantasy session was released by Yoko a few years after died.
My dad picked me up from the late shift at Burger King, and as soon as I got in the car he said I've got some bad news. I had two young uncle that turned me on to the Beatles when I was 6 years old.
fuck that hurts man. i remember when a favorite player of mine (sean taylor) died and my mom woke me up as a kid for school and told me. i was heartbroken.
The redskins sean taylor?
The entire John Lennon story, from beginning to the final weeks, his enlightenment and being at peace.... to the tragic event.
“No longer riding on the merry go round”, in the most Beatlesque section of the song…poignant.
It was sad when you put your head down, Lee.
Hearing John’s song again brings up my love for him. Thank you, Lee and Scott.
Lee you can’t even imagine having growing up listening and loving all the Beatles music how my generation felt the evening John was murdered. I believe just about all of felt like a close friend had left us. All those years to come with John having so much more to give to the world and most likely eventually doing something with the Fab 4!😢
If you don't mind a little pop, Ringo had several huge hits after the Beatles broke up. And I love all of it. I mean I really love John Lennon for the fact that he would do things like working class hero and I love Paul McCartney and especially what Wings did, George Harrison is amazing, but I have a soft spot for Ringo man he's just always about positivity
i am down for some solo ringo stuff! i just didn't know what songs to do.
@@L33Reacts Start with Back off Boogaloo about Paul, then Photograph and It Don't Come Easy, No-no Song.
also "your sixteen" was a big hit when I was growing up by Ringo❤
Yoko's "Walking on Thin Ice" was the session tapes he was carrying when he was shot. "Life is what happens to you while your busy making other plans" - lyric from Beautiful Boy, another song from Double Fantasy.
I never got I to the Beatles until 1996 after the tv show on the Beatles, and when I started listening to them, they blew me away, seriously.
I'm into everything from Rggae to Jazz and everything in between, and no one touches me like the Beatles.
Anyway living in the UK, I recently this year went to Liverpool for the first time and I have to say Liverpool is a great City anyway and what I loved about it, is how they really celebrate the Beatles.
If you ever get a chance to go, you won't be disappointed... the Cavern man is brilliant.
I also took the Mad Day Out Beatles tour which is basically me and my wife in a London style cab, painted on the outside like the yellow submarine and we visited all their old homes and even the Eleanor Rigby grave.
It was pure magic, and you are right they are the best. No one touches their genius
and they were the biggest thing since Jesus!! and they were amazing. so crazy. im glad i discovered them and gave them a chance. they have left a profound impact on me already.
The dark irony of Watching the Wheels' timing can't be ignored. I remember J&Y being so happy. And we were all so happy for them.
The night J was shot, he was carrying the final cassette mix of Yoko's "Walking On Thin Ice." Prepare to be astonished. It has become a song I come back to over and over again over the years.
"And all this was ice..."
Memories are definitely flooding my mind with this one.❤
I absolutely CANNOT listen to this song without ending up in tears, and reeling with memories of that horrible time! I hope you will forgive my long comment.....but it's important to me, for some reason.
I had turned 27 in July 1980. It was just over one year since I had moved to Broken Arrow for a job. I was struggling because I was learning that I had made a HUGE move in my life, for a job I ended up absolutely hating. I began having insomnia during that year, and was always sleep-deprived.
On the night of Dec. 8th, I had decided to actually get in bed around a bit after 10:30 PM Central Time. I turned on my bedside clock radio to set my alarm for the next morning, and KMOD-FM was playing "I'm Only Sleeping" by The Beatles, which is one of my very fave songs of all time, so I waited to actually set the alarm and turn off the radio until the song was over. I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth while listening, and then when the song was over, the obviously VERY upset DJ stated what had happened in NYC just over an hour before.....and I VIVIDLY remember literally STOPPING, mid-brush, and rushed back into the bedroom with toothbrush still in my mouth, to be SURE of what I was hearing. Then, after the announcement, he went back into more Beatles songs, because by that hour, the station was ALREADY playing non-stop Beatles and Lennon songs. I really don't remember much after that moment, sitting there on the edge of my bed, toothpaste dripping, and bursting into absolute SOBS that took my breath away.
I know I damn sure didn't sleep much that night, and I was an absolute Zombie at work the next morning. Frankly, I don't remember much at all about the next 6 days, until Sat. the 14th, when a friend and I went into Tulsa for the vigil being held for John in the downtown mall. I was absolutely stunned how MANY PEOPLE were there. Must have been upwards of 5,000 people, many still crying and in shock, almost a full week later!
At one time, I had a big collection of every magazine or newspaper's coverage of his murder, and the vigils after. Very sadly, my narcissistic ex-husband STOLE them all during our divorce.
As much as I loved "Double Fantasy" - which had been released only 21 DAYS prior to his murder - I never listen to it anymore. If any of the songs from it come on the radio or whatever, I will listen, but I cannot listen to the full album. It's just too hard.
Thanks for this one!! And thanks for letting me re-count my memories from that horrible time.
I think you would find it interesting to know about how the US gubmint tried desperately to DEPORT John. I won't post a link, but I highly recommend that you do a google search with these words:
"FBI spent years investigating John Lennon before his murder. Read the once classified documents now"
Actually devote the time to read the entire article, and the documents featured in the article.
I also recommend you find a copy of Fenton Bresler's book "Who Killed John Lennon".
HUGE rabbit hole............actually, a huge BLACK hole that speaks to what a threat the gubmint believed Lennon to be. After YEARS of fighting and winning his deportation case, he went silent while raising Sean. When he had the temerity to come out in public again, they killed him.
I appreciate your heartfelt remembrance. I have similar memories of that night -- I was 25 and also brushing my teeth, in fact, when the news came over the TV that he had been shot. Then put on the radio and got the horrible confirmation of his death, delivered by Vin Scelsa on WNEW-FM in New York. My wife and I cried ourselves to sleep. The next morning I drove to work largely blinded by the tears I could not stop. Was managing the record department in a discount store at the time; immediately set up a memorial display but couldn't get any actual work done. Created a placard with Lennon's lyrics from "Instant Karma":
Well we all shine on
Like the moon, and the stars, and the sun
But as much as I would like to, I cannot agree with your conclusion. I was well aware of, and horrified by, Nixon's attempts to get Lennon deported. And I've long believed there was a conspiracy behind JFK's assassination. But it's pretty clear that Lennon was killed by one sick, crazy person. No, I haven't read that book, and I don't intend to. Nowadays there are conspiracy theories about everything, and it's all become too much. At some point it becomes obvious that people are just too stupid and incompetent to successfully carry out any kind of elaborate plot.
I had a part time job at Target after school. That evening People started coming in saying that John was shot. Didn’t know if he was dead. A lot of employees and customers kept going over to the Radio and TV section watching the updates. That’s how we found out.
Didn’t know target was around that long ago!
@@matthewbergey7153 yes in the olden days.
PLASTIC ONO BAND CD is immaculate.
I have never got tired to this song, it always feels fresh. And it contains life long, deep advise and reminder, how to live. This is a gift. I am so grateful having come across this song (44 years ago).
i'm glad i stumbled upon it, yesterday. but im gonna be listening to it for a while too, i feel :)
Buskers are common entertainment on the streets of Asheville NC. They’re street performers usually music
One of my all time favorites from John, and means more every decade I'm blessed to be here...Lyrics, are second to none!
already added it to my pandora! gonna get a few more spins in today probably. his solo stuff is so good! this and how do you sleep and mind games... so good. basically all the solo stuff of his ive done is just amazing.
@@L33Reacts ✌️
@@L33Reacts There is so much more, and some might say, better, to be heard still, too! You might want to use the stripped down version instead.
Once one has finished with Lennon´s solo work, he has a bunch of amazing demo´s that would make any songwriter envious.
jesus the rabbit hole never ends with them... lol
@@L33Reacts His demos are better than the recorded songs in many cases!
You want to hear something eerie? Like a premonition song john wrote and sang. Listen to #9 Dream. One of John's best. Very dreamscape. 😌
John had just released this album when he was shot but was already working on another. It was released posthumously. The hit from it was Nobody Told Me (There'd Be Days Like These).
damn. i need to hear that now too then lol
Last thing he played on was Yoko’s “Walking on Thin Ice”. That’s the tape he dropped when he was shot. Youshould check it out.
I was all of 16 years old when he was murdered. I cried for days. The whole world stopped. Still miss him and the music he would have made, terribly.
I remember the night Lennon was shot and I was sitting there, absolutely stunned. My wife knew I loved the Beatles but didn't quite understand the depth. She said "Are you in mourning or something ?" I just turned to her and said "Yes".
My favourite late Lennon track is Nobody Told Me - cool video too ;)
Six months before he died, John Lennon and his son, set sail from Newport, R.I., on an ocean adventure to Bermuda During the summer of 1980, on the curious advice of Yoko Ono’s astrology consultants, Lennon had not discovered his passion for sailing until his move to America. Lennon and Sean set sail for Bermuda on the 40-foot vessel Megan Jaye, During the stormy 600-mile voyage Captain Hank had me on the wheel on day three, Megan Jaye ran into rough weather at first I was terrified, but Captain Hank was at my side, one by one, the crew fell ill from pitching seas. Lennon said the feeling was just like going on stage at first you panic and then you’re ready to throw up your guts, but once you get out there and start doing all the stuff you forget your fears and you get high on your performance. Once I accepted the reality of the situation, something greater than me took over and all of a sudden I lost my fear I actually began to enjoy the experience and I started to shout out old sea shanties in the face of the storm, screaming at the thundering sky “We were in the middle of it and the waves looked like the size of buildings”. He said “There is no place like nowhere” With the six-day journey behind him, Lennon and his son arrived on the island on June 11, pulling him out of depression and inspiring him to begin writing and shaking off a five-year bout of writer’s block. Sean was four during the months they spent on the island, John was relaxed, re-energized, and inspired, the experience gave Lennon the confidence to go back and write his final works recording and staying up all night working on his new songs, and visiting clubs and shops in downtown Hamilton. "It opened up a kind of frozen part of his soul and he started creating," “He had not been inspired like that since 1961 when he started with The Beatles,” on a trip to the Botanical Gardens with Sean, they spotted a freesia hybrid flower called FANTASIA FREESIAS DOUBLE WHITE (Double white flowers), thus captured the attention of Lennon, (Double Fantasy) became a husband-wife recording project. Lennon later described this productive time as “a diarrhea of creativity.
No it was not released after he died. I was literally playing that song off his 1980 album Double Fantasy which I had for about 3 weeks at that point, when my mom leaned in my basement bedroom door and said hey I'm sorry to bother you but I thought you might want to know that John Lennon has been assassinated. It was devastating. I was literally listening to this song on my turntable when she told me that.
it was released as a SINGLE after he passed. the album was obviously before that.
I'm glad I got to hear John's solo work (and bits of this album) BEFORE he was shot. So I can remember all his lyrics in their original context. It's distracting to get into an artist AFTER a huge tragedy. The sadness can cloud their work, and make you miss it''s original context. For instance, I really started listening to Janis Joplin and Hendrix AFTER they died, and thus I associate their music with "tragedy". And I have to fight through that, to find the music's original intention. Musically, it's better to have enjoyed a band prior to a tragedy. Like my favorite Keith Moon, who I can still remember from a happier time.
And then, he was gone.
I understand exactly what you mean.
Somehow I feel that even if John had known what would happen to him, he wouldn’t have changed spending the last 5 years of his life devoted to raising his son. ✌️💕
John had some other songs he'd either finished or was working on and there was an album called "Milk and Honey" released in 1984. "Nobody Told Me" was a top 10 hit in 1984.
Ringo's "Photograph" is incredible. Very moving. When you hear it you'll be like This is Ringo Starr??? It's so good.
I can hear the Beatles in their solo work.
I have always loved this one.
i have a feeling i'll be listening to this one for a long time..
Playing/singing on the street. My favorite was a violin player in the subway under Madison Square garden. Everything is gray and dreary and suddenly this beautiful music. What a gift