John Lennon’s Last Song, Dedicated To Paul McCartney “Now and Then”

The Uncompleted Legend of John Lennon

In 1978, just two years before the tragic death of beloved John Lennon, John composed a song “for Paul” that rested beside “Free As a Bird” and “Real Love” that he titled “Now and Then.” The first demo was recorded in 1978 by the Beatles and was considered to be featured as a reunion single in The Beatle’s Anthology in 1995.

Just a year before the autobiographical film came out, Yoko Ono, Lennon’s widowed wife, handed Paul two cassette tapes from John. Along with this heartwarming track, Lennon composed a song he called “Grow Old With Me” that was prepared within the theme of remorse that existed on this tape.

“I know it’s true, it’s all because of you. And if I make it through, it’s all because of you. And now and then, if we must start again. Well we were not sure, that I love you.”

Unfortunately for Lennon and us all, the lyrics were not quite completed that you will see below.

In 1995, the band decided to attempt finishing and recording it, however, just two days later, the remaining Beatles gave up. According to McCartney, George Harrison did not want to write new verses for the song since it was comprised mainly of chorus. There has been talk in recent years that the band is working on and recording a finished version of this song, however, we have yet to hear it and we are still crossing our fingers.

+ Now and Then Lyrics +

I know it’s true, it’s all because of you
And if I make it through, it’s all because of you
And now and then, if we must start again
Well we were not sure, that I love you

I don’t want to lose you – oh no, no, no
Lose you or abuse you – oh no, no, no, sweet doll
But if you have to go, away
If you have to go…
Now and then, I miss you
Oh now and then, I…
I know it’s true to me…

I know it’s true, it’s all because of you
And if you go away, I know you…

I don’t want to lose you – oh no, no, no
Abuse you or confuse you – oh no, no, no, sweet darl’
But if you had to go, away
Well I won’t stop you babe
And if you had to go
Well…