Which Songs Did John Lennon Write?

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Which Songs Did John Lennon Write?

Which Songs Did John Lennon Write?

John Lennon, known for his role as a member of the iconic band The Beatles, was not only a talented musician but also a prolific songwriter. Throughout his career, Lennon wrote numerous songs that continue to be beloved by fans around the world. In this article, we will explore some of the notable songs written by John Lennon.

Key Takeaways

  • John Lennon was a highly influential songwriter and member of The Beatles.
  • Lennon wrote many famous songs, both as part of The Beatles and as a solo artist.
  • His songwriting style often explored personal themes and social issues.

The Beatles Era

During his time with The Beatles, Lennon co-wrote some of the band’s most beloved songs, such as “Yesterday” and “A Day in the Life”. His contribution to the band’s songwriting was invaluable, and his collaboration with Paul McCartney created a unique and iconic sound. Lennon’s songwriting during this era often showcased a mix of introspective introspection and social commentary. His lyrics had a profound impact on listeners, generating widespread admiration and discussion.

Notable Solo Songs

After The Beatles disbanded, Lennon embarked on a successful solo career, releasing songs that showcased his individual style and artistic vision. Some of his notable solo songs include:

  • “Imagine”: A powerful and thought-provoking anthem advocating for peace and unity. Its timeless message continues to resonate today.
  • “Give Peace a Chance”: Another iconic song promoting peace, which became an anthem for various social movements.
  • “Working Class Hero”: A poignant and reflective song that highlights Lennon’s social consciousness and empathy for the working class.

Tables with Interesting Info

Top 5 Songs Written by John Lennon (As Part of The Beatles)
Song Year
Yesterday 1965
A Day in the Life 1967
Help! 1965
Strawberry Fields Forever 1967
In My Life 1965
Top 3 Solo Songs by John Lennon
Song Year
Imagine 1971
Give Peace a Chance 1969
Working Class Hero 1970
John Lennon’s Solo Albums
Album Year
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band 1970
Imagine 1971
Mind Games 1973
Double Fantasy 1980
Milk and Honey 1984

Lennon’s Legacy

John Lennon‘s songwriting legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians and music enthusiasts. His ability to write songs that resonate with personal experiences and touch on important social issues set him apart as a profound lyricist. By exploring themes of love, peace, and self-reflection, Lennon’s songs remain timeless and relevant today. His artistic expression left an indelible mark on the history of music.


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Common Misconceptions

Paragraph 1: The Songs Credited to John Lennon

There are several common misconceptions surrounding the songs written by John Lennon. One of these misconceptions is that Lennon solely wrote all the songs attributed to him during his career. In reality, Lennon collaborated with other members of the Beatles, such as Paul McCartney, on many of their most famous hits.

  • John Lennon collaborated with Paul McCartney on songs like “A Hard Day’s Night.”
  • Many Beatles songs credited solely to Lennon were actually co-written.
  • Lennon and McCartney often shared songwriting credits for each other’s compositions.

Paragraph 2: Lennon’s Post-Beatles Discography

Another widespread misconception is that John Lennon‘s notable discography is limited to his time with the Beatles. While Lennon’s contributions to the Beatles are undeniably significant, he continued to write impactful songs as a solo artist after the band’s breakup.

  • Lennon released critically acclaimed albums such as “Imagine” and “Plastic Ono Band” as a solo artist.
  • Songs like “Imagine” and “Working Class Hero” are among Lennon’s most enduring solo compositions.
  • His post-Beatles discography showcased his evolution as an artist and explored more personal and political themes.

Paragraph 3: Lennon’s Collaboration with Yoko Ono

One misconception is that Lennon’s musical output declined after he started collaborating with Yoko Ono. While the dynamic between Lennon and Ono did lead to changes in his artistic style, their collaboration also yielded some remarkable and impactful music.

  • Songs like “Imagine” and “Jealous Guy” were created during Lennon’s collaboration with Yoko Ono.
  • Lennon and Ono’s collaboration marked a period of artistic experimentation and exploration.
  • Their album “Double Fantasy” released shortly before Lennon’s death, received critical acclaim and commercial success.

Paragraph 4: Lennon’s Contributions to Songwriting

It is a common misconception that John Lennon focused solely on songwriting during his career, neglecting other musical aspects. In reality, Lennon was a skilled musician who played a crucial role in shaping the Beatles’ sound.

  • Lennon showcased his musical abilities by playing various instruments, including guitar, piano, and harmonica.
  • His innovative use of feedback and unconventional chords added distinctive elements to the Beatles’ music.
  • Lennon’s vocal delivery and harmonies were an essential part of the Beatles’ signature sound.

Paragraph 5: Lennon’s Influence and Legacy

Lastly, there is a misconception that John Lennon‘s influence and legacy are confined to the realm of music. In reality, Lennon’s impact extends beyond his musical contributions.

  • Lennon’s activism for peace and social justice remains an influential aspect of his legacy.
  • His song “Imagine” has become an anthem for peace and continues to resonate with people around the world.
  • Lennon’s rebellious and thought-provoking lyrics continue to inspire generations of artists and listeners.


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The Early Years

Before the Beatles became a global phenomenon, John Lennon was already making a name for himself as a talented songwriter. Here are some of the songs he wrote during the early years:

Song Title Year Written Album
Love Me Do 1962 Please Please Me
There’s a Place 1963 Please Please Me
I’ll Be Back 1964 A Hard Day’s Night

Beatlemania and Beyond

As Beatlemania swept the globe, John Lennon continued to write songs that captured the hearts of millions. Here are some memorable songs from this iconic period:

Song Title Year Written Album
Help! 1965 Help!
Nowhere Man 1965 Rubber Soul
In My Life 1965 Rubber Soul

Solo Career and Social Activism

After the Beatles disbanded, John Lennon embarked on a successful solo career and used his platform to promote peace and equality. Here are some of the songs he wrote during this stage of his life:

Song Title Year Written Album
Imagine 1971 Imagine
Instant Karma! 1970 Non-album single
Imagine 1971 Imagine

Collaborations

John Lennon collaborated with various musicians throughout his career, resulting in some incredible musical creations. Here are a few notable collaborations:

Song Title Year Collaborator
Give Peace a Chance 1969 Plastic Ono Band
Mockingbird 1974 Elton John
Whatever Gets You Thru the Night 1974 Elton John

Experimental and Artistic Expressions

John Lennon‘s creativity knew no bounds, and he often ventured into experimental and avant-garde territory. Here are some of his more unconventional and artistic compositions:

Song Title Year Written Album
Revolution 9 1968 The Beatles (The White Album)
Two Virgins 1968 Two Virgins (with Yoko Ono)
The Ballad of John and Yoko 1969 Non-album single

Sentimental and Reflective

John Lennon had a knack for penning heartfelt, introspective songs that resonated deeply with his audience. Here are a few of his more sentimental and reflective compositions:

Song Title Year Written Album
Julia 1968 The Beatles (The White Album)
Mother 1970 John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
Jealous Guy 1971 Imagine

Political Critique

Never one to shy away from expressing his political beliefs, John Lennon used his music to comment on societal issues. Here are some powerful songs that served as a political critique:

Song Title Year Written Album
Power to the People 1971 Non-album single
Sunday Bloody Sunday 1972 Some Time in New York City
Working Class Hero 1970 John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band

Love Songs

John Lennon‘s songwriting prowess extended to crafting beautiful love songs that touched the hearts of listeners. Here are a few of his most notable love compositions:

Song Title Year Written Album
Woman 1980 Double Fantasy
Oh My Love 1971 Imagine
Grow Old with Me 1980 Milk and Honey

Iconic Collaborative Works

John Lennon‘s collaborations with fellow Beatles and other renowned artists produced some iconic works that have endured through the generations. Here are a few examples:

Song Title Year Collaborators
Strawberry Fields Forever 1967 The Beatles
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds 1967 The Beatles
All You Need Is Love 1967 The Beatles

John Lennon‘s incredible songwriting ability and lasting impact on music continue to inspire generations of aspiring musicians. His body of work reflects his versatility, artistic expression, and unwavering commitment to spreading messages of love, peace, and social change. From the Beatles’ chart-toppers to his influential solo career, Lennon’s songs will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide.





FAQs – Which Songs Did John Lennon Write?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Songs Did John Lennon Write?

Is John Lennon considered a talented songwriter?

Yes, John Lennon is widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters in the history of popular music. His songwriting contributions as a member of The Beatles, as well as his solo career, have had a profound impact on the industry.

What are some popular songs written by John Lennon?

Some popular songs written by John Lennon include “Imagine,” “Imagine,” “Let It Be,” “Help!,” “Hey Jude,” “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “Across the Universe,” “Revolution,” and “All You Need Is Love.”

Did John Lennon write all of The Beatles’ songs?

No, John Lennon co-wrote many of The Beatles’ songs with Paul McCartney. They had a successful songwriting partnership and jointly created numerous iconic tracks for the band.

What were some of John Lennon’s solo hits?

Some of John Lennon’s solo hits include “Imagine,” “Instant Karma! (We All Shine On),” “Watching the Wheels,” “(Just Like) Starting Over,” and “Woman.”

Did John Lennon write all of his songs himself?

While John Lennon wrote many songs on his own, he also collaborated with other musicians, including Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono, on various tracks throughout his career.

What was John Lennon’s most successful song?

One of John Lennon’s most successful songs, both commercially and critically, is “Imagine.” It has become an anthem for peace and is widely recognized as one of the greatest songs of all time.

Were all of John Lennon’s songs released posthumously?

No, although some of John Lennon’s songs were released posthumously, he had a successful career and released numerous albums during his lifetime. His untimely death in 1980 led to the subsequent release of some previously unreleased material.

Did John Lennon continue writing songs after leaving The Beatles?

Yes, following the breakup of The Beatles in 1970, John Lennon continued to write and release songs as a solo artist until his tragic death in 1980.

Were any of John Lennon’s songs controversial?

Yes, some of John Lennon’s songs, such as “Imagine” and “Revolution,” touched on political and social issues, making them controversial at the time of their release. However, these songs have since become embraced as symbols of peace and activism.

How have John Lennon’s songs influenced other musicians?

John Lennon’s songs have had a profound influence on countless musicians and songwriters, inspiring them to explore different musical styles, experiment with lyrics, and address personal and social issues in their own work. His innovative approach to songwriting continues to resonate with artists of all genres.