John Lennon’s Contentious Relationship with The Beatles’ Music: From Near-Death Vocals to ‘Sabotaged’ Songs
The Beatles, icons of music history, poured their hearts and souls into their work. Yet, behind the fame and iconic status, internal conflicts and creative disagreements simmered. John Lennon, in particular, held strong opinions, sometimes critical, about the band's discography. This article delves into Lennon's complex relationship with The Beatles' songs, exploring moments of near-disaster and perceived sabotage.
One such moment of potential disaster occurred during the recording of 'Twist and Shout'. As Far Out reported, the recording session nearly cost Lennon his voice. Producer George Martin wisely scheduled it as the last song of the day during the Please Please Me sessions, knowing it would be a "larynx-tearer". Lennon himself recalled, "The last song nearly killed me. My voice wasn’t the same for a long time after; every time I swallowed it was like sandpaper." While perhaps hyperbolic, the intensity of the performance could have permanently damaged his vocal cords. Paul McCartney later commented on the unparalleled power in Lennon's voice on that track, attributing it to Lennon working himself "bollocks off."
Beyond vocal strain, Lennon also expressed disdain for certain songs. He openly admitted to hating 'It's Only Love', calling it a "lousy song" with "abysmal" lyrics. Even McCartney conceded that the lyrics were bland. This highlights the perfectionism within the band, but also the varying standards applied to different tracks.
The tensions weren't always about quality, but also about creative control. Lennon accused McCartney of "subconscious sabotage" on 'Across the Universe'. He felt that while his own songs were often subject to a "looseness and casualness and experimentation," McCartney meticulously cleaned up his own compositions. Lennon claimed that McCartney's "sabotaging" ways almost ruined the song during recording, citing disharmonious vocals and unsatisfactory harmonies. Despite the initial struggles, 'Across the Universe' ultimately triumphed and became celebrated as one of The Beatles' most introspective and lyrically rich pieces.
Despite these criticisms and creative conflicts, Lennon's deep bond with McCartney remained. He described McCartney as a brother, acknowledging their ups and downs but affirming his unwavering loyalty. This complex dynamic – a blend of fierce collaboration and critical assessment – ultimately fueled the Beatles' unprecedented creative output. The Beatles, despite their internal struggles, created a body of work that continues to resonate with generations.
Lennon's candid opinions offer a fascinating glimpse into The Beatles' creative process. What are your thoughts on Lennon's assessment of these songs? Do you agree with his criticisms? Share your opinions in the comments below!
