December 8th marked the 30th anniversary of John Lennon’s tragic murder. Yesterday, hundreds of faithful fans flocked to Strawberry Fields in Central Park, New York City to commemorate his legacy.
As a lover of all things music, I felt it was only right to pay homage to Lennon, as well.
I was not alive, however, to experience The Beatles’ ascent to immortalization – the vehicle from which Lennon’s solo musical genius came forth. So my adoration for Lennon is a culmination of black and white still shots, grainy film footage, and re-mastered audio.
I have seen, though, artists from my generation emulating Lennon, recording their own versions of his classics.
So this is one Generation Xer’s humble tribute to the legend that is Lennon.
“In My Life” - Lennon to Dave Matthews
Written by both John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the melodic, “In My Life,” is a simple yet beautiful song whose meaningful lyrics are timeless. There’s something so sweet about a tune that reflects on how memories and relationships make life worth living. It’s a perfect, heartfelt story told effortlessly through song.
“Come Together” - Lennon to Michael
I remember hearing “Come Together” as a little girl and not having the slightest idea what the song was about. I remember hearing Michael Jackson’s version of “Come Together” as a teenager and still not having the slightest idea of what the song was about!
“He bag production he got walrus gumboot …He got Ono sideboard he one spinal cracker” are the lyrics that begin the 3rd verse.
Someone out there understands these lyrics or at least the mystery behind them. Please feel free to explain in the comment thread!
“Happy Xmas/War is Over” – Lennon to Sarah McLachlan
“Happy Xmas/War is Over” was another Lennon effort to protest the Vietnam War. The Harlem Community Choir lent vocals for this song, and you can hear them singing in the background, ”War Is Over.”
We can only hope that, in our lifetimes, those words will ring true.
“Yesterday” - Lennon to En Vogue
Even though “Yesterday” belongs more to Paul McCartney than to the other Beatles, technically, it’s still a Beatles song which means it’s still a John Lennon classic which means it’s still quite relevant to this article.
Or maybe I just love “Yesterday” so much that I couldn’t exclude it.
The Beatles brought the song to life in the 60s while groups like En Vogue breathed new life into the classic decades after its debut.
“Imagine” – Lennon to GLEE
A true legend’s work has a powerful presence during life and an even greater influence after death. Begging for a ”brotherhood of man,” “Imagine” reveals Lennon’s wish for a happy world and cements Lennon’s legend as a misunderstood savant with a heart of gold.
Forever a favorite of mine.
And the GLEE cast’s cover of “Imagine” perfectly depicts the “oneness” John Lennon dreamt of.
John Lennon – October 9, 1940 – December 8th, 1980
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