The Story Of The First Ballad Of John Lennon

The Beatles were more than simply a band; they were a movement. In contrast to many other ensembles of their day, they functioned as a genuine team, with each member contributing something unique. However, Paul McCartney and John Lennon were mostly responsible for the magic in songwriting. McCartney was a master of melody and lovely ballads, while Lennon had a talent for insightful, contemplative words. Even though Lennon was frequently regarded as the more daring of the two, he didn’t hesitate to express his sensitive side. Is that the ideal example? He wrote the touching ballad “If I Fell.”

A Different Side of Lennon

Although Lennon had written love songs before, “If I Fell” was unique. This was largely his own composition and his first real try at a ballad. It was a personal song, not simply another love ballad. Lennon revealed his worries about being harmed, displaying a vulnerability that wasn’t as evident in his previous writing. The Everly Brothers, a childhood favorite of both performers, served as the inspiration for his and McCartney’s harmonies on the song.

A Song with Hidden Layers

The song seems like a lovely, romantic tune when you first hear it. But if you listen carefully to the lyrics, you’ll notice a darker undertone. Lennon is battling the hurt of previous relationships in addition to singing about falling in love. He even expresses some resentment by saying that his new romantic interest ought to make his ex-partner envious. The song’s complexity lies in its combination of love, insecurity, and possibly even a hint of retaliation. Lennon later reflected on this song, saying:

“It shows that I wrote sentimental love ballads, silly love songs, way back when.” (Rolling Stone)

He acknowledged that it was simpler than some of his later work, but it was a turning point for him—a step toward the deeply personal songwriting he would become known for.

Lennon’s Growth as a Songwriter

While Lennon may not have thought much of “If I Fell” later in life, the song helped shape his future writing. It opened the door for more introspective and emotional songs, laying the groundwork for masterpieces like “In My Life” and “Strawberry Fields Forever”. Over time, this raw, emotional style became a defining feature of his music, especially after his split from his first wife, Cynthia, and his relationship with Yoko Ono.

McCartney’s Take on Lennon’s Soft Side

Lennon often tried to maintain his image as a sharp-witted, tough rock star, but McCartney saw the warmth behind the facade. He once said:

“People tend to think of him as an acerbic wit, but he did have a very warm side to him, which he didn’t like to show too much in case he got rejected.”

While Lennon continued to shape the Beatles’ artistic evolution, “If I Fell” proved that he could be just as sentimental as McCartney. It may not have been the most complex song he ever wrote, but it was an important step in his journey as a songwriter—one that revealed a deeper, more emotional side of John Lennon.