John Lennon’s songwriting—both with The Beatles and as a solo artist—produced some of the most influential and enduring music of the 20th century. His catalog includes iconic tracks such as “Imagine,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “Come Together,” “Instant Karma!,” and many others[1].
A selection of Lennon’s most celebrated songs includes:
- Imagine (1971) – Lennon’s signature solo track, known globally as a “spellbinding plea for a planet in which all people can live as one”[2].
- Strawberry Fields Forever (1967) – A psychedelic masterpiece reflecting Lennon’s introspective musings on childhood and self-identity[1][2].
- Come Together (1969) – The distinctive opener to The Beatles’ “Abbey Road,” marked by Lennon’s unique lyrics and groove[1].
- Instant Karma! (1970) – A solo hit with a memorable chorus, celebrated for Lennon’s passionate vocals[1].
- Woman (1980) – An emotional ballad and one of Lennon’s most personal later works[1].
- #9 Dream (1974) – A lush, dreamy solo single often praised for its atmosphere[1].
- Whatever Gets You Thru the Night (1974) – An upbeat track with Elton John, notable as Lennon’s only solo U.S. number-one single during his lifetime[1][3].
- Glass Onion (1968) – A tongue-in-cheek reflection on Beatles lore[1].
- Don’t Let Me Down (1969) – A Beatles classic showcasing Lennon’s raw emotion[1].
- Nowhere Man (1965) – One of Lennon’s early philosophical explorations in song[1].
- Happy Xmas (War Is Over) (1971) – Lennon’s holiday-themed anthem of peace[3].
- A Day in the Life (1967) – The innovative finale to “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” co-written with Paul McCartney[3][4].
- Ticket To Ride (1965) – An early Beatles hit with a distinct folk-rock vibe[3].
- Across the Universe (1970) – A meditative Beatles song with poetic lyrics[4].
Beyond his own recordings, Lennon also wrote songs for other artists, particularly in the early Beatles era. Notable examples include “Do You Want to Know a Secret” and “Bad to Me,” which became hits for Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas and The Fourmost, among others[5].
Lennon’s solo material often reflected social issues, personal introspection, and a hope for peace, as illustrated in “Imagine,” which he co-wrote with Yoko Ono[6].
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