The 3 Beatles Songs John Lennon Despised
English musician, singer and guitarist with the Beatles, John Lennon (1940-1980) pictured during production and filming of the British musical comedy film Help! on New Providence Island in the Bahamas on 2nd March 1965. (Photo by William Lovelace/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lennon, a key contributor to the Beatles’ iconic songwriting legacy, is widely celebrated for his musical achievements. However, even amid their universally acclaimed work, there are a few Beatles songs that Lennon himself wasn’t too fond of. Here are three of them:
1. “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”
Although “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” stands out as one of the Beatles’ classic hits, its psychedelic allure and the rumored connection to LSD, which the band denied, didn’t escape John Lennon’s critical eye. Despite the song’s popularity, Lennon expressed a belief that the track could have been improved with a second attempt.
Reflecting on it, Lennon shared:
“I heard ‘Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds’ last night. It’s abysmal, you know? The track is just terrible. I mean, it is a great track, a great song, but it isn’t a great track because it wasn’t made right. You know what I mean? I feel I could remake every fucking one of them better. But that’s the artistic trip, isn’t it? That it why you keep going, always trying to make that next one the best.”
2. “Paperback Writer”
While “Paperback Writer” is widely appreciated for its distinctive style and Paul McCartney’s compelling vocals, Lennon viewed it as somewhat derivative. He referred to it as the “son of ‘Day Tripper,’” a statement that, despite the song’s inherent appeal, Lennon seemingly intended as a critique.
3. “When I’m Sixty-Four”
Paul McCartney’s whimsical side takes center stage in “When I’m Sixty-Four,” a song loved by many for its charm. However, Lennon categorized it as “Granny music,” distancing himself from the composition and emphasizing its attribution to McCartney.
In Lennon’s words, “When I’m Sixty-Four” is “That song is Paul’s, completely. I would never dream of writing a song like that.” Despite the differences in opinion, these songs remain integral parts of the Beatles’ extensive and influential catalog.
