Discover the Hidden Meanings, Secret Signals, and Surprising Inspirations Behind John Lennon's Iconic Music and Activism.
John Lennon was one of the most iconic and influential musicians of the 20th century, known for his groundbreaking music and outspoken views on peace and social justice. But there’s more to the man than just his music and activism.
Let’s delve into five fascinating facts you never knew about John Lennon.
John Lennon was a huge fan of Elvis Presley
It may surprise you to learn that John Lennon was a huge fan of Elvis Presley and was heavily influenced by his music. In fact, the Beatles’ first single, "Love Me Do,'' was originally inspired by Elvis’s rockabilly style. Lennon once said, "Without Elvis, there would be no Beatles."
Lennon’s Name Has a Hidden Meaning
John Lennon’s name has a hidden meaning that reflects his parents’ sense of humour. His middle name, Winston, was a nod to Winston Churchill, whom his mother admired.
His last name, Lennon, is actually derived from the Irish name O’Leannain, which means "descendant of the lover." Lennon’s father, Alfred, had a mischievous sense of humour and chose the name for its humorous double meaning.
Lennon and McCartney Had a Secret Signal
As the primary songwriters for the Beatles, John Lennon and Paul McCartney had a close working relationship.
But they also had a secret signal that they used during live performances. When one of them made a mistake or forgot the lyrics, they would touch their noses as a signal to the other to cover for them.
Lennon’s "Imagine" Was Inspired by a Poem
One of John Lennon’s most famous songs, "Imagine," was actually inspired by a poem by his wife, Yoko Ono. The poem, called "Cloud Piece," contains the line, "Imagine the sky is a peaceful blue sky." Lennon was moved by the sentiment of the poem and used it as the inspiration for his iconic song.
Lennon’s "Revolution" Was Misunderstood
In 1968, the Beatles released the song "Revolution," which was widely interpreted as a call to violent revolution. But Lennon later clarified that the song was meant to be a critique of the radical left and their violent tactics. He said, "I wanted to put out what I felt about revolution. I thought it was time we fucking spoke about it."
John Lennon was a complex and multifaceted individual, and these five fascinating facts offer a glimpse into his personality and creative process. From his love of Elvis Presley to his secret signal with Paul McCartney, these details help us understand the man behind the music.
Lennon’s legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and activists to this day. Despite his tragic and untimely death in 1980, John Lennon’s impact on music and culture continues to be felt today.
