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John Lennon — Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)
Album: Double Fantasy
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1203









Released: 1980
Length: 3:53
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Close your eyes
Have no fear
The monster's gone
He's on the run and your daddy's here
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy

Before you go to sleep
Say a little prayer
Every day in every way
It's getting better and better

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy

Out on the ocean sailing away
I can hardly wait
To see you come of age
But I guess we'll both just have to be patient
'Cause it's a long way to go
A hard row to hoe
Yes it's a long way to go
But in the meantime

Before you cross the street
Take my hand
Life is what happens to you
While you're busy making other plans

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy

Before you go to sleep
Say a little prayer
Every day in every way
It's getting better and better

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy
Darling, darling, darling
Darling Sean
Comments (154)add comment
john was the guy for folks that wanted a post Beatles era that kept us thinking about our role in having love for our fellow mankind sitting right next to us. 
Extra poignant because it came out at the time of John's death
This song shows a side of men that is rarely spoken about. It's the ability for all men to feel deep love for their children. I used to play this when my son was a toddler. Always brought tears of joy. Thanks John, wherever you are.
 jhorton wrote:
I'm a big Lennon fan, but this song is just total crap. Monumentally bad.

And I'll bet Julian agrees! 
 
Different strokes I guess, as I'm not a big fan of Lennon's work after he left the Beatles, except for this beautiful little tribute to his son. 
He probably should have kept all the personal references out of the songs (especially the Yoko ones) and just used random names (like rock stars have always done).  I like the tunes but the specific call-outs to Yoko or Sean always rub me the wrong way.
 testpilot wrote:
So, how much has Julian paid Chapman to "take care of business"?
 
Some h8ful people just want to watch the world burn.
 thewiseking wrote:

Figures. It's the most mawkish of Lennon's work
 
or maybe as a parent, McCartney could sympathize.
Wife and I sang this to our eldest son...wow, 19 years ago
 VH1 wrote:
Interesting what a beautiful song he wrote for Sean, whilst treating Julian like dirt! {#Beat}

 
Not that it helps at a personal level but songwise, Julian got "Hey Jude" as a present from Paul. I like "Beautiful Boy" a lot but Julian is probably ahead on that count.

 phlattop wrote:
Paul McCartney listed this a favorite in an interview way back when.
 
Figures. It's the most mawkish of Lennon's work
Paul McCartney listed this a favorite in an interview way back when.
I'm older now than John ever was and I have two Beautiful Boys (and one Brown-eyed Girl). I love everything about this song.
somehow I'm anticipating Shatner's version of Common People up next?
 Carl wrote:
Always wondered how Julian feels when he hears this…
 
Found out…Julian and Sean are "cordial" to each other and get along together, according to Julian's personal details.
Interesting what a beautiful song he wrote for Sean, whilst treating Julian like dirt! {#Beat}
"Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." The song is a little corny but that one line saves the whole thing.
 testpilot wrote:
So, how much has Julian paid Chapman to "take care of business"?

 
wtf?!?
So, how much has Julian paid Chapman to "take care of business"?
 PA1749 wrote:
Liked John. Not Yoko. Anyone ever listen to Roger Waters' Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking? He has some pretty harsh words for Yoko on there.

 
Roger Waters is a monumental asshole. Let him choke on his harsh words. 
 jhorton wrote:
I'm a big Lennon fan, but this song is just total crap. Monumentally bad.

And I'll bet Julian agrees! 

 
Me agrees
 Koan wrote:
At the very least, Julian had Paul McCartney in his corner. I was kind of cool on Paul until I heard this story: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hey_Jude#Inspiration_and_writing  (Of course John thought it was about him!)
 
Thanks, Koan.
Here's the gist for the linkophobes:

In 1968, John Lennon and his wife Cynthia Lennon separated due to John's affair with Yoko Ono. Soon afterwards, Paul McCartney drove out to visit Cynthia and Lennon's son, Julian. "We'd been very good friends for millions of years and I thought it was a bit much for them suddenly to be personae non gratae and out of my life," McCartney said. Cynthia Lennon recalled, "I was truly surprised when, one afternoon, Paul arrived on his own. I was touched by his obvious concern for our welfare ... On the journey down he composed 'Hey Jude' in the car. I will never forget Paul's gesture of care and concern in coming to see us."

The song's original title was "Hey Jules", and it was intended to comfort Julian Lennon from the stress of his parents' divorce. McCartney said, "I started with the idea 'Hey Jules,' which was Julian, don't make it bad, take a sad song and make it better. Hey, try and deal with this terrible thing. I knew it was not going to be easy for him. I always feel sorry for kids in divorces ... I had the idea by the time I got there. I changed it to 'Jude' because I thought that sounded a bit better."Julian discovered that the song had been written for him almost twenty years later. He recalled of his relationship with McCartney: "Paul and I used to hang about quite a bit – more than Dad and I did. We had a great friendship going and there seems to be far more pictures of me and Paul playing together at that age than there are pictures of me and my dad."


 SuperWeh wrote:

yes, unlike for his first son Julian for whom he evidently didn't give a flying f___ about

 
At the very least, Julian had Paul McCartney in his corner. I was kind of cool on Paul until I heard this story: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hey_Jude#Inspiration_and_writing  (Of course John thought it was about him!)
 bachbeet wrote:
John was never afraid to sing a song that might be considered out of his usual "safe place."  Here, he unabashedly pronounces his love for his son, Sean.  He obviously wanted only the best for him.

 
yes, unlike for his first son Julian for whom he evidently didn't give a flying f___ about
life is what happens while you're busy making other plans -- that's Lennonism
 drsteevo wrote:
This song is a great gift from a father to a son.  Wouldn't we all want to know how our fathers loved us when we were children, and to hear it so eloquently stated.

 
precisely, well stated drsteevo!  Peace and love
I'm a big Lennon fan, but this song is just total crap. Monumentally bad.

And I'll bet Julian agrees! 
Instant time travel.  First 10 notes sent me to a living room of a friend in 1980.  Good friends, good food, good life.
He could do even a "schmaltzy" song better than anyone else.
"Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans"
                        {#Bananajumprope}
{#Heartkiss}  9
Yes
Why did this have to play this morning?  I wasn't going to cry ...
 Cynaera wrote:

Hi, hippiechick! {#Wave}  I saw that show - it was amazingly well-documented, and showed a side of John and Yoko that most people never got to see.  John truly loved Yoko, and she him.  Even when she was talking about him so long after his murder, she choked up.  I think my favorite part was when Jack Douglas talked about his and Yoko's "goodbye" to John - they sat in the studio and just listened to everything John had ever recorded, musical or verbal.

Whatever anyone thinks about Yoko and whether or not she was "good" for John or whether or not she broke up the Beatles, the fact remains - John and Yoko were deeply, passionately, completely in love, and no one should fault that, in this world of self-gratification and "me-first"-ism. They had the real thing.

I love this song on so many levels - the gentle side of John, the perception and love he showed to his and Yoko's child, his beautiful lyrical style... John Lennon may have been a lot of things to a lot of people, but to me, he was exactly what the world needed at the time, and he was cut down far too soon.

Miss you, John.
 

miss you so much, Cynaera...

love this song...
 
Both my boys were sung to sleep with this -- regularly!

marvelous...  love it...
As bad now as it was then...
Always wondered how Julian feels when he hears this…
Outrageous. Only a 7.4 average. A solid 10. 
John was never afraid to sing a song that might be considered out of his usual "safe place."  Here, he unabashedly pronounces his love for his son, Sean.  He obviously wanted only the best for him.
This song is a great gift from a father to a son.  Wouldn't we all want to know how our fathers loved us when we were children, and to hear it so eloquently stated.
 ofanansky wrote:
Ten years ago at the funeral of a friend's little son, we sang this song. Still brings tears to my eyes.
 
Thanks for this. Had to reach for a tissue myself. I actually HATE that we lost John that night. And it's a strong word, yes.
Ten years ago at the funeral of a friend's little son, we sang this song. Still brings tears to my eyes.
 jagdriver wrote:

..... 

What really freaks me out is him singing, Happi-ness is a warm gun..... It's a little too prophetic, don't you agree?
 
Mother of all bitter ironies or simply a prosaic coincidence?

Lots of people talk about safe driving or gun safety only to be a victim later.  People write love songs about someone who is "yesterday" by time the song is published..

For me, that song is simply so mixed up in my art-emotional kettle.  Great song, but oh, do I miss you, John Lennon.
 AvoidingWork wrote:

Click
AAUUGGHH!!!  
back back back
.
.
.
You're a cruel man WonderLizard.

 
Aw, c'mon...it's just nakedidity—as Radar would say. Hee-hee.

 jagdriver wrote:

I concur. He really needed to stop popping massive quantities of "pill du joir," shooting up with Yoko, and going on extended binges with Ringo, Harry, et al. ......

......What really freaks me out is him singing, Happi-ness is a warm gun..... It's a little too prophetic, don't you agree?
 
Yes indeed, jagdriver! "Happiness is a Warm Gun" always gives me the creeps now.

 WonderLizard wrote:

Ah, then you really need the original cover to Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unfinished_Music_No.1:_Two_Virgins
 
Click
AAUUGGHH!!!  
back back back
.
.
.
You're a cruel man WonderLizard.

 romeotuma wrote:


Oh, yes, 10 for sure...  John Lennon was so happy when he wrote this song...  this song brims with optimism...  love it...

 
Yeah.  What you said...

Wonderful song. 

Ready to tune in tonight to Scorcese's George Harrison documentary.;
Speaking of  l'affinite pour les Gauloises...
...has anyone uploaded kate bush's bertie yet?..
Bumping from 9 to 10.  Very few songs can bring me to tears when I'm completely sober, but this one does. It's so beautiful, evocative, emotional, and tender... I had a really heart-felt post typed, but I deleted it. The music speaks for itself.  I miss you, Mr. Lennon. See you on the other side...
 hippiechick wrote:
Great show about John last night on American Masters.

{#Cry}
 
Hi, hippiechick! {#Wave}  I saw that show - it was amazingly well-documented, and showed a side of John and Yoko that most people never got to see.  John truly loved Yoko, and she him.  Even when she was talking about him so long after his murder, she choked up.  I think my favorite part was when Jack Douglas talked about his and Yoko's "goodbye" to John - they sat in the studio and just listened to everything John had ever recorded, musical or verbal.

Whatever anyone thinks about Yoko and whether or not she was "good" for John or whether or not she broke up the Beatles, the fact remains - John and Yoko were deeply, passionately, completely in love, and no one should fault that, in this world of self-gratification and "me-first"-ism. They had the real thing.

I love this song on so many levels - the gentle side of John, the perception and love he showed to his and Yoko's child, his beautiful lyrical style... John Lennon may have been a lot of things to a lot of people, but to me, he was exactly what the world needed at the time, and he was cut down far too soon.

Miss you, John.


 TobyRush wrote:
As a music theory prof, I play a piece of music at the start of every class period as I'm taking attendance. On the day I returned to work after the birth of each of my three boys, I'd play this song as I showed pics to the class. Then, last November, our first girl... had to pick a different tune. :)
 
I favor "Isn't She Lovely?" by Stevie Wonder, myself.

 vandal wrote:
The album cover always bothered me - I have issues with Yoko. . .
 
Ah, then you really need the original cover to Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unfinished_Music_No.1:_Two_Virgins

Great show about John last night on American Masters.

{#Cry}
 PA1749 wrote:
Anyone ever listen to Roger Waters' Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking? He has some pretty harsh words for Yoko on there.
 
Yes, I'm. One of favourite work of Waters. But John sincerely believed that Yoko his muse. God will judge him.

 vandal wrote:
The album cover always bothered me - I have issues with Yoko. . .
 

a lot of us do. 
Liked John. Not Yoko. Anyone ever listen to Roger Waters' Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking? He has some pretty harsh words for Yoko on there.

Lennon Havana  by Sounds and Fury
https://www.flickr.com/photos/soundsandfury/

Copyright All rights reserved


This will always be a special song for me, sang it for each of my three boys when they were very small. Hope they hear it when they are adults from time to time, and remember how these words rang so true for their Dad.
The album cover always bothered me - I have issues with Yoko. . .
Life is what happens to you
while you're busy making other plans. {#Heartkiss}

 kaybee wrote:

No John Lennon was not a god and it is unfair to put that much onto a human being's shoulders.  To people that loved him, Lennon could often be cruel and insensitive.  Cynthia Lennon had to fight like hell for support for his son Julian and that certainly doesn't say much for Lennon's parenting skills.

That said, John Lennon had a lot of great qualities:  intelligence, great songwriting and music skills (of course) a deep understanding of what was really going on in the world and later, a desire to change it for the better.  I've always felt that the greatest tragedy of Lennon's loss was that he was just beginning to "come together" as a human being and find peace with himself and those he loved, when he was killed
 
I concur. He really needed to stop popping massive quantities of "pill du joir," shooting up with Yoko, and going on extended binges with Ringo, Harry, et al. A few years earlier, to watch him playing rhythm on Hey, Jude was pretty pathetic; he was one empty person at the time. Like Clapton, he needed to clean up and start placing some value on his own life, Yoko's, Julian's, and everyone else who loved him. With this LP he was just starting to really come into his own and it's interesting to ponder what his artistry may have produced had he lived. 

What really freaks me out is him singing, Happi-ness is a warm gun..... It's a little too prophetic, don't you agree?


First John wasn't a god and probably would resent that a 10 is "god-like", this isn't ancient Greece. Second John knew he could be a jackass, smartass and hard person to get along with. Third as with people that have a family when they are young and are on the road alot, that family suffers.The second family gets a better deal as we usually mature with age. John was a house father that was deeply involed in raising Sean, with Jullian he was busy playing(not allways music)so his first family got neglected. Sean helped ground him and provided inspiration for a quite beautifull song. Double Fantasy proved that his writing brillance was far from over and as its a shame when any life is cut short we feel cheated losing such a great talent. I allways felt that his life was more together and that he was in the process of righting some wrongs like his relationship with Jullian but thats just my opinion.
 tiare wrote:
Get over it- (we all do not seem so great to those around us) In the long run he worked hard to make this all better for us = he is a GOD!!
 
No John Lennon was not a god and it is unfair to put that much onto a human being's shoulders.  To people that loved him, Lennon could often be cruel and insensitive.  Cynthia Lennon had to fight like hell for support for his son Julian and that certainly doesn't say much for Lennon's parenting skills.

That said, John Lennon had a lot of great qualities:  intelligence, great songwriting and music skills (of course) a deep understanding of what was really going on in the world and later, a desire to change it for the better.  I've always felt that the greatest tragedy of Lennon's loss was that he was just beginning to "come together" as a human being and find peace with himself and those he loved, when he was killed

Everytime I hear him sing the line: "the monster's gone", it gives me the chills.


I feel bad for Julian, he didn't get half the attention or love from John as Sean did (at least according to some Lennon biography shows I have seen).
{#Cry}
Paul McCartney professed in an interview to really loving this song. May have even been a desert island tune for him.

I had this on vinyl and I seem to remember at the very end of the song hearing Lennon telling Julian "to get in the water" .
It's not there on the CD. Is my memory off here? 
We have one three-year-old boy and we're expecting another one any day now. (Yes, we know this one will also be a boy...)

Before I couldn't really relate to this song, but now I can!
I don't even want to read the comments for this song.
Becoming a Dad has turned me into an emotional sop, and I absolutely love this song and get all watery eyed every time I hear it and think about my own beautiful, beautiful boy.

Thank you John, for giving us this song.
He didn't half do some rubbish after the Beatles split.  Ugh.
unfortunately anything that reminds me of Celine Dion makes me want to gag uncontrollably......
So sad he was killed shortly after this CD was released.  He never got to see his beautiful boy grow up.  "I can hardly wait to see you come of age, but I guess we'll just have to be patient...."

RIP, John.

meydele wrote:
This must be a hard song for Julian to listen to.
I love Beautiful Boy and often used to play it on my radio show dedicated to my own son, but, musically, I'd rather be Julian and listen to Hey Jude instead :)
Wow this has prompted some emotive comments... I have two young sons..the youngest wants to do everything the older one does, and the older one wants to be younger as that way everything gets done for him.
wferrier wrote:
After listening to this I can see why Sean turned out as messed up as he did. . . Julian was really lucky.
First of all who says Sean is "messed up"? Secondly, even if he were, I think we could forgive him after the whole, you know, Dad-shot-dead-and-bleeding-on his-front-sidewalk thing. Don't you?
As a music theory prof, I play a piece of music at the start of every class period as I'm taking attendance. On the day I returned to work after the birth of each of my three boys, I'd play this song as I showed pics to the class. Then, last November, our first girl... had to pick a different tune. :)
all things Lennon aside, this is a great song. I'm blessed to be a dad to 2 boys.
Does anyone else wish their dad had written a song like this for them?
tiare wrote:
Get over it- (we all do not seem so great to those around us) In the long run he worked hard to make this all better for us = he is a GOD!!
It's true that he worked on some levels to make the world a better place, as best he saw that. But it is also true that he had some bad things about him, just like everybody else. Neither a devil, nor a god.
After listening to this I can see why Sean turned out as messed up as he did. . . Julian was really lucky.
rachlan wrote:
Life is just what happens to you, true, that
SuperWeh wrote:
Well, when my father left "us" (my mother, my brother and I) it didn't feel bad like the times I was envious of when my brother got a present and I didn't, it felt _really_ bad. Don't worry, I've gotten over all that now and have forgiven (and re-forgiven many times) but I can imagine (imagine, dig?) that for Julian hearing this song must have been extremely difficult. Personally I don't have a very favourable opinion of John Lennon, for a guy advocating world love & peace & all that he seemed rather ugly to those around him.
Get over it- (we all do not seem so great to those around us) In the long run he worked hard to make this all better for us = he is a GOD!!
Vogelfrei wrote:
But more to the point, I don't think it's wrong for a parent to do something for one child without including the other siblings at all times. When you have a birthday party for one of your kids, do you feel you have to buy presents for the other kids too? I don't. The other siblings have their own birthdays, and should learn to be gracious and respect that today is their brother's or sister's special day.
Well, when my father left "us" (my mother, my brother and I) it didn't feel bad like the times I was envious of when my brother got a present and I didn't, it felt _really_ bad. Don't worry, I've gotten over all that now and have forgiven (and re-forgiven many times) but I can imagine (imagine, dig?) that for Julian hearing this song must have been extremely difficult. Personally I don't have a very favourable opinion of John Lennon, for a guy advocating world love & peace & all that he seemed rather ugly to those around him.
siandbeth wrote:
Another egomaniacal man who gets remarried, has a kid and discovers that being a husband and father is the best thing in the world. Meanwhile, first wife and first child get nothing. Been there, seen that, moving from "marginal" to "sucko barfo". Lowers my opinion of the man greatly, turns him into just another deadbeat dad.
First, I doubt you have any facts to prove that Cynthia and Julian got "nothing". Second, haven't you ever heard of growing up, maturing, becoming a better person? I have to wonder how many people marry the first time and AREN'T good spouses/parents? By the time they marry again, HOPEFULLY, they are better people than they were at that young age. It's a wonder ANYTHING any of the Beatles did while they were famous was a good decision. Under the circumstances, I'm certain John did the best he could. Your assumptions allow you to judge him, which is sad.
Life is just what happens to you, While your busy making other plans
Say what you will but 25+ years later, I remain immensely saddened by our loss of this singer / songwriter.
IMHO, this last album by John was the pinnacle of his career and personal life. He SEEMED to have reached a place where he was finally enjoying life, love, and family. How sad that he was taken shortly after this CD came out....
The follow-up to this should be "Dear Jessie" by Madonna:-)
God. I've always loved this song, but never really Heard It. Especially in context. Thx Bill.
dmax wrote:
That said, there was something faintly comforting in knowing that defiant and headstrong John, despite years of cynicsm and self-absorption and drug use, had gotten to the place in his life where he could write this, and Watching The Wheels.
One of the really amazing things about Lennon's solo work, and especially his songs on this final album, is how intensely personal and specific to his own life they are, and yet they still resonate with many of us. It's not so much that his songs have universal themes (though they often do), it's that his work touched us so intimately that he felt like family. So when he wrote biographical lyrics, we feel like we know just what he's talking about. siandbeth wrote:
Wonder how his first son felt?
meydele wrote:
This must be a hard song for Julian to listen to.
It does seems to be true that John was a better husband and father in his second marriage than in his first. And Julian has gone on record as being quite bitter about his absent celebrity father. But that said, I don't agree that this serenade for Sean has to be interpreted as a slight against his firstborn. For one thing, John did write a lullaby for Julian: "Good Night" which appeared on the White Album (sung by Ringo, which sparked a whole other bit of family drama). But more to the point, I don't think it's wrong for a parent to do something for one child without including the other siblings at all times. When you have a birthday party for one of your kids, do you feel you have to buy presents for the other kids too? I don't. The other siblings have their own birthdays, and should learn to be gracious and respect that today is their brother's or sister's special day. In the same way, I imagine when Julian listens to this song, he's mature enough to think "Good on you, Sean. What a beautiful song Dad wrote for you."
Another egomaniacal man who gets remarried, has a kid and discovers that being a husband and father is the best thing in the world. Meanwhile, first wife and first child get nothing. Been there, seen that, moving from "marginal" to "sucko barfo". Lowers my opinion of the man greatly, turns him into just another deadbeat dad.
meydele wrote:
This must be a hard song for Julian to listen to.
Would be very hard to be the other son. . .
This is my unofficial song for my two sons. "I can hardly wait to see you come of age". Some don't get the chance. So listen to the line "life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans". Its the little things, cereal together, not trips to Paris, that make your life with your family. I visited the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and while interesting, it's pretty distant stuff. But then I came across a sheet with John's hand-written lyrics for "Beautiful Boy" and it moved me to tears.
Sunman wrote:
I've always thought that this must be a hard song for Sean to listen to.
This must be a hard song for Julian to listen to.
azdcryan wrote:
couldn't agree more...and in spite of the *fact* according to most here that this song is trite or otherwise too cute...(keep in mind that we aren't talking about the entire canon of his/their material) this song is its own. ...this song, as with many John wrote in his later years, is so incredibly real and sad and visceral and tragic and hopeful and stirring...and ultimately successful at raising the flesh on your arms & neck, causing that uncontrollable churning in your stomach, and that uncomfortable knot in your throat. When I sit quietly and sing this to my baby boy, I can count on the tears, the choked voice...and everytime I thank God that John Lennon graced this mortal coil... John gave voice to the frailty and hopefulness of man; however flawed he is. I like most, spend my life trying my best...sometimes failing, being a fool, being a creep, sometimes I succeed...all the while, there's love in my heart... ...John Lennon painted the human condition in a way that my soul can feel, but my pen cannot write. For that I am grateful.
I have to agree with others who commented on how John's love seemed reserved primarily for his younger son. As much as I love this song, I also find it disturbing in subtle way that has always kept it off of my mental rotation list.
azdcryan wrote:
couldn't agree more...and in spite of the *fact* according to most here that this song is trite or otherwise too cute...(keep in mind that we aren't talking about the entire canon of his/their material) this song is its own. ...this song, as with many John wrote in his later years, is so incredibly real and sad and visceral and tragic and hopeful and stirring...and ultimately successful at raising the flesh on your arms & neck, causing that uncontrollable churning in your stomach, and that uncomfortable knot in your throat. When I sit quietly and sing this to my baby boy, I can count on the tears, the choked voice...and everytime I thank God that John Lennon graced this mortal coil... John gave voice to the frailty and hopefulness of man; however flawed he is. I like most, spend my life trying my best...sometimes failing, being a fool, being a creep, sometimes I succeed...all the while, there's love in my heart... ...John Lennon painted the human condition in a way that my soul can feel, but my pen cannot write. For that I am grateful.
Yeah
Cool! Was just thinking about this song today. :-)
azdcryan wrote:
couldn't agree more...and in spite of the *fact* according to most here that this song is trite or otherwise too cute...(keep in mind that we aren't talking about the entire canon of his/their material) this song is its own. ...this song, as with many John wrote in his later years, is so incredibly real and sad and visceral and tragic and hopeful and stirring...and ultimately successful at raising the flesh on your arms & neck, causing that uncontrollable churning in your stomach, and that uncomfortable knot in your throat. When I sit quietly and sing this to my baby boy, I can count on the tears, the choked voice...and everytime I thank God that John Lennon graced this mortal coil... John gave voice to the frailty and hopefulness of man; however flawed he is. I like most, spend my life trying my best...sometimes failing, being a fool, being a creep, sometimes I succeed...all the while, there's love in my heart... ...John Lennon painted the human condition in a way that my soul can feel, but my pen cannot write. For that I am grateful.
Wow. I think you spoke for me and most of the rest of us, too. And very insightfully, at that.
Krispian wrote:
A beautiful, heart-wrenching song for any parent. I used to sing this to my baby daughter, substituting "girl" for "boy". It brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it.
couldn't agree more...and in spite of the *fact* according to most here that this song is trite or otherwise too cute...(keep in mind that we aren't talking about the entire canon of his/their material) this song is its own. ...this song, as with many John wrote in his later years, is so incredibly real and sad and visceral and tragic and hopeful and stirring...and ultimately successful at raising the flesh on your arms & neck, causing that uncontrollable churning in your stomach, and that uncomfortable knot in your throat. When I sit quietly and sing this to my baby boy, I can count on the tears, the choked voice...and everytime I thank God that John Lennon graced this mortal coil... John gave voice to the frailty and hopefulness of man; however flawed he is. I like most, spend my life trying my best...sometimes failing, being a fool, being a creep, sometimes I succeed...all the while, there's love in my heart... ...John Lennon painted the human condition in a way that my soul can feel, but my pen cannot write. For that I am grateful.
rKokon wrote:
Wonder how his first wife felt when someone insisted on showing her this album cover?
Wonder how his first son felt? I can't enjoy this song because he seems to have missed showing his first son such love. Since my husband had a similar experience with his dad, I know the suffering it causes. Then again since I didn't know John Lennon personally I am only just reacting to what I've heard which could all be rubbish!
I've always thought that this must be a hard song for Sean to listen to.
celadonstone wrote:
Good film, Mr. Holland's Opus. Used this song nicely as Mr Holland tried to reach out to his deaf son. He signs the whole thing. :-)
That's a very touching scene.
LizDeines wrote:
What a strange album this is. John's songs are brilliant, Yoko's are utter crap.
But she isn't on this one!
At our wedding, this was the Mother/Son dance.
On_The_Beach wrote:
I find the song a tad mawkish for my tastes, but I always loved that line.
And that's the one I've always hated. The song is mawkish, but I still like it.
I'd never listened to the words carefully - he ends "Darlin' Sean"... Wow!
I love that movie!!!! thewiseking wrote:
great song. please dont associate it with that mr hollands opus; absolute maudlin crap.
etwilson wrote:
Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.
I find the song a tad mawkish for my tastes, but I always loved that line.
Pyro wrote:
Er, that IS his wife on the cover....
Yoko is his second wife. Or third?
great song. please dont associate it with that mr hollands opus; absolute maudlin crap.
I recommend watching U.S. vs John Lennon. Gives you a great picture of how crazy the govt was then, shows how amazing John was and what he sacrificed to promote world peace. You'll laugh, you'll cry.
sutcliff wrote:
Good film, Mr. Holland's Opus. Used this song nicely as Mr Holland tried to reach out to his deaf son. He signs the whole thing. :-)
What a strange album this is. John's songs are brilliant, Yoko's are utter crap.
dmax wrote:
You know, I could never ever feel good about losing Lennon. Like someone else pointed out, how could we go on, having lost him? It seemed inconceivable. That said, there was something faintly comforting in knowing that defiant and headstrong John, despite years of cynicsm and self-absorption and drug use, had gotten to the place in his life where he could write this, and Watching The Wheels. As sad as it is to have lost him, it lightens my heart (just a little) to know that he was in a good place at the end. We've seen too many people dwindle to futile unrelenting dissatisfaction or drug-fueled ueslessness. Thank the gods that it wasn't true of him.