How Do You Sleep?

John Lennon, Plastic Ono Band, Flux Fiddlers

About How Do You Sleep?

"How Do You Sleep?" is a song by English rock musician John Lennon from his 1971 album Imagine. The song makes angry and scathing remarks aimed at his former Beatles bandmate and songwriting partner, Paul McCartney. Lennon wrote the song in response to what he perceived as personal slights by McCartney on the latter's Ram album. The track includes a slide guitar solo played by George Harrison and was co-produced by Lennon, Phil Spector and Yoko Ono.


Year:
1971
5:36
809 
#1

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So Sgt. Pepper took you by surprise
You better see right through that mother's eyes
Those freaks was right when they said you was dead
The one mistake you made was in your head

Ah, how do you sleep
Ah, how do you sleep at night

You live with straights who tell you, you was king
Jump when your momma tell you anything
The only thing you done was yesterday
And since you're gone you're just another day

Ah, how do you sleep
Ah, how do you sleep at night

Ah, how do you sleep
Ah, how do you sleep at night

A pretty face may last a year or two
But pretty soon they'll see what you can do
The sound you make is muzak to my ears
You must have learned something in all those years

Ah, how do you sleep
Ah, how do you sleep at night

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John Lennon

John Ono Lennon MBE, born John Winston Lennon (9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980) was an English musician, singer and songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as a founder, and member of the Beatles, one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Together with Paul McCartney, he formed one of the most celebrated songwriting partnerships of the 20th century. Lennon left the Beatles at the end of the sixties soon after meeting Yoko Ono. He formed the Plastic Ono Band and continued a succesful solo career recording until 1975, when his second child Sean Lennon was born. In 1980, with the release of the LP "Double Fantasy," Lennon was once more in the publice eye. Lennon passed away after being shot b… more »

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Written by: John Winston Lennon

Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Composition
"How Do You Sleep?" is a song written by John Lennon, a member of the band The Beatles. It was first released on his 1971 solo album "Imagine."
Song Subject Matter
The song is widely interpreted as a criticism and personal attack on Paul McCartney, Lennon's former songwriting partner in The Beatles. However, Lennon later suggested that the song was really about himself.
Album Details
The song appears on the "Imagine" album. The album has a beautiful title song, which is seen as an anthem for peace, whereas "How Do You Sleep?" contrasts sharply with its direct and biting lyrics.
Famous Musicians Collaboration
Notable guitarist George Harrison, another member of The Beatles, contributed in playing slide guitar for this track.
Controversy Surrounding Lyrics
The original lyrics of the song were even more critical of McCartney. However, Lennon was persuaded by others involved in the album's production, including Yoko Ono, to soften the language.
McCartney's Reaction
Paul McCartney felt hurt by the song's lyrics. He later responded indirectly to it through music in his 1973 song "Let Me Roll It."
Song Legacy
Despite the controversy, the song has been covered by various artists and has retained cultural significance as a look into the tumultuous relationship between Lennon and McCartney after The Beatles' breakup.
Cinematic References
The song's title appears in the 2006 film "The Departed" when Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) sends a message to determine if there's a rat in his organization.
Creative Method
"How Do You Sleep?" takes a traditional blues form which Lennon often altered in his post-Beatles career.
Song Progression
Critics noted the progression of John's anger, which starts subtly and builds throughout the song, reflecting his feelings towards McCartney at the time.

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