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John Lennon: In His Own Words
As writer, actor, and activist, his words and music shaped a generation. John Lennon: In His Own Words is a fitting tribute to a man who changed the world with his music and his message.
John Lennon inspired millions during his too-brief lifetime. First with the Beatles, then as a solo artist, philosopher, and peace activist, he spoke for a generation that believed they could change the world, and did. Now his words are preserved in a handsome hardcover volume that will touch his many fans and enlighten a new generation.
* "Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one."
* "My role in society, or any artist's or poet's role, is to try and express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not as a leader, but as a reflection of us all."
* "You're just left with yourself all the time, whatever you do anyway. You've got to get down to your own God in your own temple. It's all down to you, mate."
John Lennon inspired millions during his too-brief lifetime. First with the Beatles, then as a solo artist, philosopher, and peace activist, he spoke for a generation that believed they could change the world, and did. Now his words are preserved in a handsome hardcover volume that will touch his many fans and enlighten a new generation.
* "Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one."
* "My role in society, or any artist's or poet's role, is to try and express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not as a leader, but as a reflection of us all."
* "You're just left with yourself all the time, whatever you do anyway. You've got to get down to your own God in your own temple. It's all down to you, mate."
160 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 28, 2026
Here are a few samples:
On our last tour, people kept bringing blind, crippled, deformed children into our dressing room. This boy’s mother would say, “Go on, kiss him, maybe you’ll bring back his sight.” We’re not cruel, but when a mother shrieks, “Just touch him, and maybe he’ll walk again,” we want to run, cry, and empty our pockets.
—1970 interview in Rolling Stone magazine.
I’m not going to lie to Julian. Ninety percent of the people on this planet, especially in the West, were born out of a bottle of whiskey on a Saturday night, and there was no intent to have children.
—On his preference for his son Sean he had with Yoko Ono.
I didn’t realize it at the time—I just wrote the song “Help!” because I was commissioned to write it for the movie—but later I knew, really I was crying out for help. “Help!” was about me, although it was a bit poetic. I think everything comes out in the songs. The whole Beatle thing was just beyond comprehension. I was eating and drinking like a pig, and I was fat as a pig, dissatisfied with myself, and subconsciously I was crying for help. It was my fat-Elvis period.
—Quote in Chicago Sun-Times.
Curse Sir Walter Raleigh. He was such a stupid git.
—On his smoking addiction.
Part of me suspects I’m a loser, and part of me thinks I’m God Almighty.
—Interview in Playboy.
I consider that my work won’t be finished until I am dead and buried.
—A radio interview several hours before his death.
The initials are LSD, but that’s no reference to the hallucinogen.
—On the song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” insisting it was about a picture drawn by his infant son.
On our last tour, people kept bringing blind, crippled, deformed children into our dressing room. This boy’s mother would say, “Go on, kiss him, maybe you’ll bring back his sight.” We’re not cruel, but when a mother shrieks, “Just touch him, and maybe he’ll walk again,” we want to run, cry, and empty our pockets.
—1970 interview in Rolling Stone magazine.
I’m not going to lie to Julian. Ninety percent of the people on this planet, especially in the West, were born out of a bottle of whiskey on a Saturday night, and there was no intent to have children.
—On his preference for his son Sean he had with Yoko Ono.
I didn’t realize it at the time—I just wrote the song “Help!” because I was commissioned to write it for the movie—but later I knew, really I was crying out for help. “Help!” was about me, although it was a bit poetic. I think everything comes out in the songs. The whole Beatle thing was just beyond comprehension. I was eating and drinking like a pig, and I was fat as a pig, dissatisfied with myself, and subconsciously I was crying for help. It was my fat-Elvis period.
—Quote in Chicago Sun-Times.
Curse Sir Walter Raleigh. He was such a stupid git.
—On his smoking addiction.
Part of me suspects I’m a loser, and part of me thinks I’m God Almighty.
—Interview in Playboy.
I consider that my work won’t be finished until I am dead and buried.
—A radio interview several hours before his death.
The initials are LSD, but that’s no reference to the hallucinogen.
—On the song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” insisting it was about a picture drawn by his infant son.
January 21, 2019
Love to hear his comments and takes on things but my favorite was a comment he made about teaching Yoko's Ex-husband to play guitar because it is a philosophy I have applied to my life for decades. He said "It seems to be the law of the universe, that as you move forward you must move something back. Like I spent a lot of time teaching her [Yoko's] ex-husband a few chords on the guitar and the reward is going to be I'm gonna learn a few more tricks on the guitar. It's as simple as that to me. Do unto other bit. And whatever you have found out, You've got to pass it on to your next of kin to make your next move up."
So true and powerful, when you give you always receive. The more you give the more you get.
So true and powerful, when you give you always receive. The more you give the more you get.
July 8, 2023
Ken Lawrence's "John Lennon: In His Own Words" offers a unique glimpse into the life and thoughts of one of the most influential musicians of our time. Drawing from a collection of interviews, quotes, and personal reflections, the book provides an intimate portrait of John Lennon.
Lawrence's curation of Lennon's own words allows readers to delve into the mind of the enigmatic artist. The book captures Lennon's wit, honesty, and sometimes controversial viewpoints, presenting a comprehensive overview of his beliefs and philosophies.
The strength of "John Lennon: In His Own Words" lies in its ability to showcase Lennon's voice and perspective. Fans of Lennon will appreciate the insights and anecdotes that shed light on his creative process, political activism, and personal struggles. It offers a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the music.
However, the book falls short in providing a cohesive narrative structure. The collection of quotes and interviews lacks a clear chronological order, making it challenging to follow Lennon's life and career in a linear fashion. This can be frustrating for readers seeking a more cohesive storytelling experience.
Additionally, while the book aims to present Lennon's unfiltered thoughts, there is a noticeable absence of critical analysis or contextual commentary from the author. Some readers may prefer a more balanced approach that provides a broader perspective on Lennon's life and impact.
Despite these drawbacks, "John Lennon: In His Own Words" serves as a valuable resource for Lennon enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the mind of an iconic figure in music history. The book offers authentic glimpses into Lennon's worldview and creative process, making it a worthwhile read for fans seeking a deeper connection with the legendary musician.
⭐⭐⭐✨
Lawrence's curation of Lennon's own words allows readers to delve into the mind of the enigmatic artist. The book captures Lennon's wit, honesty, and sometimes controversial viewpoints, presenting a comprehensive overview of his beliefs and philosophies.
The strength of "John Lennon: In His Own Words" lies in its ability to showcase Lennon's voice and perspective. Fans of Lennon will appreciate the insights and anecdotes that shed light on his creative process, political activism, and personal struggles. It offers a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the music.
However, the book falls short in providing a cohesive narrative structure. The collection of quotes and interviews lacks a clear chronological order, making it challenging to follow Lennon's life and career in a linear fashion. This can be frustrating for readers seeking a more cohesive storytelling experience.
Additionally, while the book aims to present Lennon's unfiltered thoughts, there is a noticeable absence of critical analysis or contextual commentary from the author. Some readers may prefer a more balanced approach that provides a broader perspective on Lennon's life and impact.
Despite these drawbacks, "John Lennon: In His Own Words" serves as a valuable resource for Lennon enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the mind of an iconic figure in music history. The book offers authentic glimpses into Lennon's worldview and creative process, making it a worthwhile read for fans seeking a deeper connection with the legendary musician.
⭐⭐⭐✨
March 20, 2021
I read /John Lennon, In His Own Words/:
Publisher's Weekly's quick summary:
"Master quote-gatherer Lawrence (who's compiled words by Oprah, Michael Moore and others) has put together a collection of bon mots, rounding up a lifetime of Lennon's thoughts on music, fame, love and life. Lennon's wit and trademark sarcasm are well represented, as is his more thoughtful and self-deprecating side, all fired by the controversial Beatle's mistrust of the status quo, his lifelong quest to shake things up and his fervent belief in peace in our lifetime."
My favorite Lennon quote was this one:
"I once received a bra... with 'I Love John' embroidered on it. I thought it was pretty original. I didn't keep it, mind you -- it didn't fit."
Publisher's Weekly's quick summary:
"Master quote-gatherer Lawrence (who's compiled words by Oprah, Michael Moore and others) has put together a collection of bon mots, rounding up a lifetime of Lennon's thoughts on music, fame, love and life. Lennon's wit and trademark sarcasm are well represented, as is his more thoughtful and self-deprecating side, all fired by the controversial Beatle's mistrust of the status quo, his lifelong quest to shake things up and his fervent belief in peace in our lifetime."
My favorite Lennon quote was this one:
"I once received a bra... with 'I Love John' embroidered on it. I thought it was pretty original. I didn't keep it, mind you -- it didn't fit."
December 15, 2023
A tidy compilation of John Lennon quotes categorized by type. Most of them I had seen before, but many were new to me. The best quote, one that I had recently seen in another book that I was reading, is:
"Life is what happens when you are making other plans."
He also stated that Paul McCartney's finest line was:
"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."
All are timeless.
"Life is what happens when you are making other plans."
He also stated that Paul McCartney's finest line was:
"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."
All are timeless.
July 3, 2023
A nice little book with some good quotes. I would have done it in a different order, with more of the music and fame quotes nearer the beginning and some of the more esoteric quotes later in the book. But worth your time if you're a Lennon fan.
September 4, 2021
An interesting quick read. Weird that it ends with a quote from Mark David Chapman.
July 18, 2020
Too many “as cited by quotes” (do your homework) and two quotes by “he who should not be named” ruin what is otherwise a decent collection.
June 5, 2009
This is a great book for light reading while giving some thoughts to ponder whether or not one is a Lennon fan.
January 9, 2015
A collection of the great John Lennon's quotes as he lived life. Nice to use as a reference for a bit of humor and inspiration
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews