John Lennon - Your Opinions

[Chris7]

That was a little tongue in cheek. I’ve heard all the hyperbole and analogies concerning ‘Elvis the Pelvis’ but never had I heard anyone find him or his music to be spiritually uplifting. Inspirational yes, having done a stint in the military during his music career but I can’t say it was spiritual. When I think of spiritual uplifting music John Michael Talbot immediately comes to mind, but that’s a topic for another thread. Seeing how this is a thread concerning John Lennon and the Beatles, they too were hardly spiritually uplifting, and that’s coming from an avid Beatles fan.
I must say your post made me chuckle. After the kind of day I had yesterday I needed that, and for that I thank you.

 

[qmvsimp]

Chris7:

Especially “You Aint Nothin’ But A Hound Dog”, now if that doesn’t get you reaching for the Rosary nothing will LOL!

 

[qmvsimp]

rocklobster:

Funny, I thought the message of “Imagine” was that if we acted like God wanted us to, we wouldn’t need a Heaven. We’d already be there.

That’s certainly a nice way of looking at it, but it is a stretch. God is never invoked. Plus, belief in God constitutes a religious belief. Heaven will always exist as the place where God exists.

John was an atheist who felt that governments and religions harmed the people.

That being said, I see nothing wrong with enjoying his music as long as it’s taken in context.

 

[qmvsimp]

While this was about John Lennon, The Beatles have crept into the discussion.

I would like to say that The Beatles invented/created modern rock music. Sergeant Peppers is the first modern rock album. Any of the Beatles’ albums from Sergeant Peppers forward, if they were released today, would sound just like today’s modern rock music.

While Starr and Harrison were great musicians, Lennon and McCartney were/are are musical geniuses.

 

[Chris7]

qmvsimp:

While this was about John Lennon, The Beatles have crept into the discussion.

I would like to say that The Beatles invented/created modern rock music. Sergeant Peppers is the first modern rock album. Any of the Beatles’ albums from Sergeant Peppers forward, if they were released today, would sound just like today’s modern rock music.

While Starr and Harrison were great musicians, Lennon and McCartney were/are are musical geniuses.

Very well put!

 

[Mijoy2]

Ever since sitting in front of the television in February of 1964 I have loved the Beatles. Thier genius and charisma IMO will never be matched.

The song *Imagine, *Illustrates Lennon’s ignorance toward the beauty of our Faith. Seems a shame. I think Lennon’s intentions where to bring an awareness of love to the world. He was a musical genuis, he just looked for love in all the wrong places.

Isn’t McCartney a Catholic?

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.

 

[Chris7]

Mijoy2:

Isn’t McCartney a Catholic?

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.

As discussed previously, the Mother Mary Paul refers to is his biological mother, not the Blessed Mother. Nonetheless it is one of my favorite Beatle songs along with “In My Life”. As far as Paul being Catholic, If he was a Catholic it has to be one of the worlds best kept secrets. To my recollection the only religious one was George if you call that cult-ish type clandestine group a religious order. They did religiously bilk George of the money he made with the Beatles if that counts for anything.

 

[WillieManillie]

I don’t see anything wrong with it. As you stated, forgive him and move on. If you filter everything out in life, you will be living in a vacuum. If you know content in some of the music is wrong, then of full conscience you should not listen. However, if you are aware some of the songs are wrong and listen with “willing consent” then that is wrong in a graveful matter.

However, it is irrational to think that every song he sang is wrong and that you should censor each song he wrote.

 

[Mijoy2]

Chris7:

As discussed previously, the Mother Mary Paul refers to is his biological mother, not the Blessed Mother. Nonetheless it is one of my favorite Beatle songs along with “In My Life”. As far as Paul being Catholic, If he was a Catholic it has to be one of the worlds best kept secrets. .

bummer

 

[mary_bobo]

Think this has gotten off track. IMO Beatles early music was good, some of later music good, but as role model, Lennon was very poor.

 

[Chris7]

mary bobo:

Think this has gotten off track. IMO Beatles early music was good, some of later music good, but as role model, Lennon was very poor.

I totally agree with you.

 

[Mike_Olson]

Some of the reasons Lennon was so dark was his upbringing. His mother died when he was young ( killed by a drunk driver ), his dad was a never at home merchant sailor. He was raised by his Auntie. He probably felt unloved. I think he used music as a sort of psycho-therapy. He sang about his thoughts and feelings. Could be why so many people didn’t like his music. I was a big Lennon fan coming from a similar upbringing. I related to his music, his anger, and his need for escape. I think in the end he had come to terms with his feelings and could have contributed so much more to the music world. Time heals all wounds and sadly his time was cut short.

Just my two cents worth.

 

[catsrus]

John’s personal life left much to be desired but the music…was awesome!
I know. I was 16 in 1964 at the time of the “invasion”.

 

[Dandelion_Wine]

I used to joke - if I didn’t believe in God, I’d believe in John Lennon.

I love John Lennon’s music - especially the Beatles. The Beatles are my #1 favorite band of all time.

That’s about it. I feel no need to discuss Imagine or the fact the John Lennon was SCREWED UP {especially after Ono}

 

[Actress101]

Well, it’s nice to know that other people on this forum like the Beatles just as much as I do.

 

[Liberalsaved]

Toni:

Even if he was probably one of the worst beatles after Yoko entered the picture he hit sewage level in my book.

gag hack spit choke hluck hluck hluck can’t breathe gag BLECH

And that’s all I have to say about that.

 

[Liberalsaved]

beckyann2597:

My husband and I have a joke… If a person doesn’t like the Beatles then there is something wrong with that person .

I’m still waiting for the joke.

 

[Liberalsaved]

Toni:

Glad to hear that. He is a truly talented musician. The other three well I kind of think that they helped out but came along for the ride.

John was the most talented and revolutionary song writer and musician in the Beatles. Paul will always be John’s very talented sidekick.

 

[Liberalsaved]

kaymart:

I was almost 8 years old when the “British Invasion” came to the US. Later in our teens years we picked apart some of the songs and about the “Mother Mary part” we too thought it was Marijuanna. Just like many songs of that time "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds (LSD)

Lucy in the Sky was based on a children’s drawing done by John’s son. Just like Here Comes the Sun was written when Ringo got out of a long meeting.

Very few, if any, of their music was actually about drugs.

 

[wisdom_3_5]

Liberalsaved:

Lucy in the Sky was based on a children’s drawing done by John’s son. Just like Here Comes the Sun was written when Ringo got out of a long meeting.

Very few, if any, of their music was actually about drugs.

Really? I’d love to read about that and the origins of other songs. Do you have a source (I believe you by the way, this is not one of those posts that want you to prove it ). My husband would like a book like that too.