“Cold Turkey” single, collected on Shaved Fish (Apple/Capitol)
This week, I’m listing my favorite John Lennon songs, in chronological order. “Cold Turkey” is one of the most frightening songs a major rock star has ever put on vinyl.
“Instant Karma” single, collected on Shaved Fish (Apple/Capitol)
The mystical element here may be confusing, but the message of equality that can be gleaned from some lines is heartening.
“Isolation” on Plastic Ono Band (Apple/Capitol)
Plastic Ono Band was John’s most naked expression of his insecurities, and has his most brilliantly simple lyrics. “Isolation” is absolutely heart-rending in its vulnerability.
“Working Class Hero” on Plastic Ono Band (Apple/Capitol)
“Keep you doped with religion and sex and TV / And you think you’re so clever and classless and free / But you’re still f***ing peasants as far as I can see” rings just as true today as it did when it came out in 1970.
“God” on Plastic Ono Band (Apple/Capitol)
Throwing away all crutches/belief systems, Lennon asserts that he and his beloved will stand or fall solely on their own. Few have been so brave, or have so eloquently reduced the issue to its crux.
“Imagine” on Imagine (Apple/Capitol)
In which Lennon posits a mental exercise that remains rewarding to this day, precisely because those in power have never enacted its consequences.
“Give Me Some Truth” on Imagine (Apple/Capitol)
The flip side of “Imagine” – not on a single, but in sound and impact: rawly angry rather than pretty, confrontational rather than persuasive, righteously demanding rather than coaxing.
“Mind Games” on Mind Games (Apple/Capitol)
A serious song, but playfully enlivened by Lennon’s puckish wit.
”#9 Dream” on Walls and Bridges (Capitol)
No masterpiece lyrically, but absolutely gorgeous musically.
“Watching the Wheels” on Double Fantasy (Geffen)
Lennon’s best songs are usually inspired by anger or doubt; occasionally by philosophizing. Only here did he reach greatness while writing about being happy.
