Working Class Hero

John Lennon

About Working Class Hero

"Working Class Hero" is a song by John Lennon from his 1970 album John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, his first album after the break-up of the rock band the Beatles.


Year:
1998
3:58
53 

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As soon as you're born they make you feel small
By giving you no time instead of it all
Till the pain is so big you feel nothing at all
A working class hero is something to be
A working class hero is something to be

They hurt you at home and they hit you at school
They hate you if you're clever and they despise a fool
Till you're so fucking crazy you can't follow their rules
A working class hero is something to be
A working class hero is something to be

When they've tortured and scared you for twenty-odd years
Then they expect you to pick a career
When you can't really function you're so full of fear
A working class hero is something to be
A working class hero is something to be

Keep you doped with religion and sex and TV
And you think you're so clever and classless and free
But you're still fucking peasants as far as I can see
A working class hero is something to be
A working class hero is something to be

There's room at the top they're telling you still
But first you must learn how to smile as you kill
If you want to be like the folks on the hill

A working class hero is something to be
A working class hero is something to be
If you want to be a hero well just follow me
If you want to be a hero well just follow me

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John Lennon

John Ono Lennon MBE, born John Winston Lennon (9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980) was an English musician, singer and songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as a founder, and member of the Beatles, one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Together with Paul McCartney, he formed one of the most celebrated songwriting partnerships of the 20th century. Lennon left the Beatles at the end of the sixties soon after meeting Yoko Ono. He formed the Plastic Ono Band and continued a succesful solo career recording until 1975, when his second child Sean Lennon was born. In 1980, with the release of the LP "Double Fantasy," Lennon was once more in the publice eye. Lennon passed away after being shot b… more »

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Written by: John Winston Lennon

Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Working Class Hero" was written and performed by John Lennon, who was a former member of the highly popular band, The Beatles.
Album History
The song was released as a part of John Lennon's very first post-Beatles solo album, "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band", which was released in 1970.
Inspiration
"Working Class Hero" strongly reflects Lennon's own upbringing in Liverpool, discussing social issues and class differences, and his views were heavily influenced by his own working-class background.
Controversy
The song has several explicit lyrics and it faced numerous radio bans. Despite the controversy, it became one of Lennon's most critically acclaimed songs.
Style
The song showcases an acoustic folk tune which is a significant departure from Lennon's usual rock and roll.
Cover Versions
A wide range of musicians have covered the song over the years, including Marianne Faithfull, Green Day, and Marilyn Manson, each bringing their own unique interpretation to it.
Lyrics
Lennon has said in interviews that the lyrics are meant to comment on the manner in which society creates conformist individuals. It is a critique of the British social system.
Song Length
The song runs for approximately 3.48 minutes which makes it a mid-length track as per the norms of that era.
Popularity
Although the song never charted upon initial release, it has lived on as one of Lennon's most celebrated solo works.
Influence
As a testament to its cultural impact, the lyrics were referenced in the British drama film, "Looking for Eric", and it was also included in the soundtrack of the documentary "The U.S. vs. John Lennon."
Use in Protests
The song has been adopted by numerous social and political movements since its release, and has often been performed at protests and rallies.
Impact on Green Day
Green Day's cover version included in "Make Some Noise - The Amnesty International Campaign To Save Darfur" helped the band to gain more popularity.
Recorded and Produced
The song was recorded at Ascot Sound Studios, Ascot and produced by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Phil Spector.
Emotional Outpour
“Working Class Hero” was one of the numbers from Lennon’s unflinchingly confessional and deeply, emotionally honest album, almost a kind of primal therapy session set to music.

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