Ballad of John and Yoko

The Beatles

About Ballad of John and Yoko

"The Ballad of John and Yoko" is a song written by John Lennon, credited to Lennon–McCartney, and released by the English rock band the Beatles as a single in May 1969. The song, chronicling the events associated with Lennon's marriage to Yoko Ono, was the Beatles' 17th and final UK number one single.


Year:
1990
130 
#1

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Standing in the dock at Southampton
Trying to get to Holland or France.
The man in the mac said you've got to go back,
You know they didn't even give us a chance.

Christ! You know it ain't easy,
You know how hard it can be.
The way things are going,
They're going to crucify me.
Finally made the plane into Paris,
Honeymooning down by the Seine.

Peter Brown called to say,
You can make it OK,
You can get married in Gibraltar near Spain.

Christ! You know it ain't easy,
You know how hard it can be.
The way things are going,
They're going to crucify me.

Drove from Paris to the Amsterdam Hilton,
Talking in our beds for a week.
The newspapers said, say what're you doing in bed,
I said we're only trying to get us some peace.

Christ! You know it ain't easy,
You know how hard it can be.
The way things are going,
They're going to crucify me.
Saving up your money for a rainy day,
Giving all your clothes to charity.

Last night the wife said,
Oh boy, when you're dead you 
Don't take nothing with you but your soul think!
Made a lightning trip to Vienna,
Eating chocolate cake in a bag.

The newspapers said,
She's gone to his head,
They look just like two Gurus in a drag.
Christ! You know it ain't easy,
You know how hard it can be.

The way things are going,
They're going to crucify me.
Caught the early plane back to London,
Fifty acorns tied in a sack.
The men from the press said we wish you success,
It's good to have the both of you back.

Christ! You know it ain't easy,
You know how hard it can be.
The way things are going,
They're going to crucify me

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The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They became the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed act in the history of popular music. Their best-known lineup consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, they later utilised several genres, ranging from pop ballads to psychedelic rock, often incorporating classical and other elements in innovative ways. In the early 1960s, their enormous popularity first emerged as "Beatlemania", but as their songwriting grew in sophistication, they came to be perceived by many fans and cultural observers as an embodiment of the ideals shared by the era's sociocultural revolutions. more »

57 fans

Written by: John Lennon, Paul Mccartney

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band Contributions
Despite The Beatles being composed of four members (John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr), the song "Ballad of John and Yoko" features only John Lennon and Paul McCartney. George and Ringo were both unavailable during the recording, so John Lennon took charge of vocals and lead and rhythm guitars, while Paul McCartney played bass, drums, piano, and maracas.
Recorded in One Day
The song was recorded in one day on April 14, 1969. This was a quick turn-around compared to other Beatles songs.
Based on Real Events
The lyrics in the "Ballad of John and Yoko" tell the real-life story of Lennon's marriage to Yoko Ono, their honeymoon, the bed-in peace demonstration and their encounters with press and public. It is therefore considered as more of a biographical song.
Controversy
Lennon used the word "Christ" in the song, which led to several radio stations banning it fearing it was blasphemous. Lennon though clarified stating, "I'm talking about when you don't want to hold a 'love in' and you've got a thousand press men around your house. The lines just came to me. They were consciously poetic.”
Success Despite Censorship
Despite controversies and some media censorship, the song was successful and topped the charts in many countries, including the UK. However, it only reached number 8 in the US Billboard Hot 100.
Last UK No. 1 Hit
"The Ballad of John and Yoko" was The Beatles' 17th and final UK No. 1 hit as a band.
Unusual Title
The song's title is a bit edgy for the Beatles, as the term "ballad" was generally used for traditional folk songs or romantic pop, which indicates a departure from the Beatles' usual trend.
Only Yoko-specific Song
Of all Beatles releases, "The Ballad of John and Yoko" is the only one with a title that mentions Yoko Ono.
Cover Art
The cover of the single features John and Yoko in two separate pictures taken at their wedding ceremony.
Speedy Release
The song was released just 8 days after it was recorded, on May 30, 1969, which was fast even by Beatles' standards.

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    Ballad of John and Yoko

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