3 of the Best Songs Commemorating Beatles Legend John Lennon

To this day John Lennon continues to receive homage in nearly every corner of the globe. Though, amidst the billions of grieving fans it is hard to truly realize who was hit hardest by this loss. However, when one peels back all the pageantry it’s easy to see who mourned his death the most—his friends and musical peers.

Lennon being Lennon seemingly had tons of close relationships warranting a heart-stricken response to his death. Though, very few ever wrote a song about him. That being so, numerous musicians have gone to the studio to commemorate Lennon’s death, but here are the best three.

1. “All Those Years Ago” by George Harrison

Lennon and Harrison’s relationship has been extensively documented for years, but the nuances of it go far beyond what has been recorded. Even though their public relationship underwent slander and scrutiny. Harrison’s “All Those Years Ago” proves the two said goodbye to one another on the right foot. Both an homage to Lennon and a testament to his success, the song serves as an insight into their relationship.

Released in 1981, the premise of the song revolves around Lennon’s influence on Harrison. Lines such as Living with good and bad / I always looked up to you and You had control of our smiles and our tears / All those years ago display Lennon’s effect on both Harrison and the rest of the band. It is through this song that Beatles fans can truly grasp the fondness the two shared for each other.

2. “Here Today” by Paul McCartney

Following The Beatles’ break-up, it became public knowledge that McCartney and Lennon’s bickering was one of the reasons for the band’s separation. Due to this alleged reason, it seems McCartney utilized this song not only to clear the beef but to also apologize to the then-deceased Lennon.

With lyrics encompassing McCartney’s grief and guilt, “Here Today” is a tune articulating the conversation they seemingly never had prior to Lennon’s death. And if I said I really knew you well / What would your answer be / If you were here today are just some of the lyrics expressing this platform and the themes of estrangement it entails. It truly is a heartbreaking song and displays just a snippet of what McCartney felt following Lennon’s death in 1980.

3. “Life Is Real (Song for Lennon)” by Queen

Freddie Mercury never met John Lennon in person. Nevertheless, Mercury and the rest of his band still held Lennon close to their hearts before and after his death. So much so that Mercury and Queen wrote an homage to Lennon attempting to write the song as if it was one of his.

In addition to mimicking Lennon’s lyrical style, the song’s overall message is shedding light on the everlasting effects of Lennon’s music. One can tell from the lyrics that Queen wrote the tune as fans of Lennon. But given this fact, it almost makes the song that much more impactful to know that someone just as talented as Lennon viewed him as an influence and not a competitor.

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