We tend to focus on the beginning and end of John Lennon’s solo career, but there are a couple of fascinating albums of original songs he released in between that deserve closer scrutiny. From one of those albums, Walls and Bridges in 1974, comes “#9 Dream,” a sneaky hit single at the time and an alluring entry in the Lennon song catalog.
What is the song about? Who is the female voice whispering to Lennon? And how is the song evidence of Lennon taking charge of his career again amidst a rough patch in his life? Here is the story of “#9 Dream.”
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Not as “Lost” as You Think
The CliffsNotes version of John Lennon’s history circa 1973 and 1974 generally focuses on the so-called “Lost Weekend” period. During a separation from his wife Yoko Ono (at her suggestion), Lennon headed out to the West Coast and indulged in a period of raucous behavior, often fueled by drug and alcohol, with buddies like Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, and Harry Nilsson.
But that version of the story leaves out what Lennon was able to accomplish with his 1974 album Walls and Bridges. He headed back to New York with a fresh batch of songs and acted as his own producer on sessions that were very organized and free of drama. Still, his emotional state was raw, which likely filtered its way into the songs he wrote, as he explained to interviewer David Sheff:
“If you listen to Walls And Bridges you hear somebody that is depressed. You can say, ‘Well, it was because of years of fighting deportation and this problem and that problem,’ but whatever it was, it sounds depressing. The guy knows how to make tables, but there’s no spirit in the tables.”
“Dream” Weaver
“#9 Dream” is one of the few songs on Walls and Bridges that features a somewhat upbeat vibe. Lennon himself wasn’t all that complimentary of the song in later interviews, as he considered it more a piece of craft than something inspired. He also felt somewhat sheepish that he actually did take the song from a dream he had, one where he heard the nonsense lyrics that he eventually included in the song (Ah bowakawa pousse, pousse).
During the time he was separated, Lennon lived with girlfriend May Pang in Los Angeles. That’s Pang’s voice you can hear whispering John after he sings, Somebody call out my name. In addition, the title of the song continues Lennon’s fascination with the number nine, which he felt held special significance in his life.
Perhaps because he wasn’t that fond of the song in its simplest form, Lennon the producer made sure to ladle some lush atmosphere on the track. Guitarist Jesse Ed Davis plays some slide guitar that’s eerily reminiscent of George Harrison’s work. It all came together nicely, and Lennon ended up with his second straight U.S. Top-10 hit from Walls and Bridges as a result.
What is the Meaning of “#9 Dream”?
John Lennon’s own misgivings about the song notwithstanding, “#9 Dream” does an excellent job of evoking that feeling of an elusive dream you can still sense the next day, even if you can’t quite remember all the details. The descriptions of what he does remember are quite vivid: Took a walk down the street / Through the heat whispered trees.
Two spirits dancing so strange is one flash from the dream that sticks with him, suggesting he was connecting with a lover of some sort. But at no point can he commit to anything that he recalls, constantly wavering about the experience he just had: Magic in the air / Was magic in the air?
Lennon finally comes to a decision about how to approach this “#9 Dream” at song’s end: I believe, yes I believe / More I cannot say / What more can I say? He said more than enough, because this song calls to mind the elusive, intangible world that surrounds us at all times and beckons us with its charms and mysteries.
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