Working Class Hero
John Lennon, Plastic Ono Band
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As soon as you're born they make you feel small By giving you no time instead of it all Till the pain is so big you feel nothing at all A working class hero is something to be A working class hero is something to be They hurt you at home and they hit you at school They hate you if you're clever and they despise a fool Till you're so fucking crazy you can't follow their rules A working class hero is something to be A working class hero is something to be When they've tortured and scared you for twenty-odd years Then they expect you to pick a career When you can't really function you're so full of fear A working class hero is something to be A working class hero is something to be Keep you doped with religion and sex and TV And you think you're so clever and classless and free But you're still fucking peasants as far as I can see A working class hero is something to be A working class hero is something to be There's room at the top they're telling you still But first you must learn how to smile as you kill If you want to be like the folks on the hill A working class hero is something to be A working class hero is something to be If you want to be a hero well just follow me If you want to be a hero well just follow me
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Written by: John Winston Lennon
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
14 facts about this song
Artist Background"Working Class Hero" was written and performed by John Lennon, who was a former member of the highly popular band, The Beatles.
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Album HistoryThe song was released as a part of John Lennon's very first post-Beatles solo album, "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band", which was released in 1970.
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Inspiration"Working Class Hero" strongly reflects Lennon's own upbringing in Liverpool, discussing social issues and class differences, and his views were heavily influenced by his own working-class background.
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ControversyThe song has several explicit lyrics and it faced numerous radio bans. Despite the controversy, it became one of Lennon's most critically acclaimed songs.
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StyleThe song showcases an acoustic folk tune which is a significant departure from Lennon's usual rock and roll.
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Cover VersionsA wide range of musicians have covered the song over the years, including Marianne Faithfull, Green Day, and Marilyn Manson, each bringing their own unique interpretation to it.
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LyricsLennon has said in interviews that the lyrics are meant to comment on the manner in which society creates conformist individuals. It is a critique of the British social system.
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Song LengthThe song runs for approximately 3.48 minutes which makes it a mid-length track as per the norms of that era.
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PopularityAlthough the song never charted upon initial release, it has lived on as one of Lennon's most celebrated solo works.
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InfluenceAs a testament to its cultural impact, the lyrics were referenced in the British drama film, "Looking for Eric", and it was also included in the soundtrack of the documentary "The U.S. vs. John Lennon."
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Use in ProtestsThe song has been adopted by numerous social and political movements since its release, and has often been performed at protests and rallies.
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Impact on Green DayGreen Day's cover version included in "Make Some Noise - The Amnesty International Campaign To Save Darfur" helped the band to gain more popularity.
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Recorded and ProducedThe song was recorded at Ascot Sound Studios, Ascot and produced by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Phil Spector.
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Emotional Outpour“Working Class Hero” was one of the numbers from Lennon’s unflinchingly confessional and deeply, emotionally honest album, almost a kind of primal therapy session set to music.
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Citation
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"Working Class Hero Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 14 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/32099430/John+Lennon/Working+Class+Hero>.
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