Unsung Gem or Sweetest Melody? John Lennon's Perspective on His Best Song

John Lennon, one of the most renowned members of the legendary rock band the Beatles, was famously critical of his own work. Throughout his career, he frequently expressed dissatisfaction with his songs and even suggested that some needed re-recording. However, amidst his self-doubt, there were a few instances where he expressed genuine satisfaction with certain tracks, particularly one that stood out: "Come Together."

John Lennon's Self-Deprecating Humor and Humble Nature

John Lennon was known for his self-deprecating humor and humility, traits that often clashed with his creative endeavors. In interviews, discussions, and behind-the-scenes banter, he would often downplay his own contributions, expressing that others in the band were more talented and that their songs were better than his. This constant self-doubt is well-documented in various interviews and writings from the era.

A Few Exceptions to the Rule: John's Satisfaction with "Come Together"

Despite his general criticism of his work, there was one instance where John Lennon could not help but express genuine satisfaction. In 1969, during a track-by-track analysis of the Abbey Road album, John spoke highly of "Come Together" as one of the best tracks on the album. This high praise stands out as it comes from a man who was generally quite hard on his own songs.

The Track-by-Track Analysis

During the release of Abbey Road in 1969, John Lennon was deeply involved in the album's creation. He played a significant role in shaping the final product, and it was during this time that he praised "Come Together" in particular. In interviews, he discussed the track as a standout among the other songs on the album, indicating that it was one of his favorite pieces, one that he could genuinely be proud of.

John's Admiration for George Harrison's "Something"

It is worth noting that during this track-by-track analysis, John also expressed admiration for George Harrison's "Something," another standout track on Abbey Road. While he still expressed some reservations about his own work, the respect he had for his bandmates and their contributions to the album is evident. George Harrison's composition was singled out as the best, leading us to wonder about what John thought about his own contributions to the album, beyond "Come Together."

The Evolution of John Lennon's Opinions

John Lennon's opinions on his own work evolved over time, just as the band's sound and style did. In the early days, when the Beatles were just starting out, John was likely less critical of his own songs as he was still finding his footing and honing his craft. However, as the band's popularity increased, so did the pressure and expectations, leading to a more critical perspective. Even in his later years, however, John still had moments of pride and satisfaction, as seen with "Come Together."

Conclusion

While John Lennon was generally quite critical of his own work, there were instances where he expressed genuine satisfaction. "Come Together" stands out as a prime example of a song that he felt was truly a standout. This admiration, coupled with his general self-doubt, provides an interesting glimpse into the complex and multifaceted nature of one of rock's greatest artists.

Throughout the years, John's relationship with his music was always evolving, and his opinions on his own work were not static. Ultimately, it's the variety of his viewpoints that makes his legacy all the more fascinating and inspiring.