Instant Karma!

John Lennon

About Instant Karma!

"Instant Karma!" (also titled "Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)") is a song by English rock musician John Lennon, released as a single on Apple Records in February 1970. The lyric focuses on a concept in which the causality of one's actions is immediate rather than borne out over a lifetime. The single was credited to "Lennon/Ono with the Plastic Ono Band", apart from in the US, where the credit was "John Ono Lennon". The song reached the top five in the British and American singles charts, competing with the Beatles' "Let It Be" in the US, where it became the first solo single by a member of the band to sell a million copies. "Instant Karma!" was conceived, written, recorded and released within a period of ten days, making it one of the fastest-released songs in pop music history. The recording was produced by Phil Spector, marking a comeback for the American producer after his self-imposed retirement in 1966, and leading to him being offered the producer's role on the Beatles' Let It Be album. Recorded at London's Abbey Road Studios, "Instant Karma!" employs Spector's signature Wall of Sound technique and features contributions from George Harrison, Klaus Voormann, Alan White and Billy Preston. The B-side was "Who Has Seen the Wind?", a song composed and performed by Yoko Ono. When released in the US, the single was given a minor remix by Spector. 


Year:
1990
122 
#3

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Instant Karma's gonna get you
Gonna knock you right on the head
You better get yourself together
Pretty soon you're gonna be dead
What in the world you thinking of
Laughing in the face of love
What on earth you tryin' to do
It's up to you, yeah you

Instant Karma's gonna get you
Gonna look you right in the face
Better get yourself together darlin'
Join the human race
How in the world you gonna see
Laughin' at fools like me
Who in the hell d'you think you are
A super star
Well, right you are

Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Well we all shine on
Ev'ryone come on

Instant Karma's gonna get you
Gonna knock you off your feet
Better recognize your brothers
Ev'ryone you meet
Why in the world are we here
Surely not to live in pain and fear
Why on earth are you there
When you're ev'rywhere
Come and get your share

Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Yeah we all shine on
Come on and on and on on on
Yeah yeah, alright, uh huh, ah

Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Yeah we all shine on
On and on and on on and on

Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Yeah we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun

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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 LENNON

Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Creation Process
"Instant Karma!" was written, recorded and mixed by John Lennon in just one day, which is almost unheard-of speed for a pop music recording. It was created on January 27, 1970.
Fast Release
The song was released just 10 days after it was written and recorded, making it one of the fastest-released songs in pop music history.
Famous Producer
"Instant Karma!" was produced by Phil Spector, who’s known for his "Wall of Sound" production method. This collaboration marked the beginning of other joint works including work on the Beatles’ "Let It Be" album.
Chart Success
The song peaked at no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S and reached no.5 in UK Singles Chart, becoming one of Lennon's most successful solo hits.
Stylistic Influence
The song is a blend of rock, pop and folk music styles, showing off Lennon's diverse musical influences.
Political and Cultural References
The song’s lyrics reflect on the social and political upheavals of the time. The line "we all shine on" has often been interpreted as a reference to the Buddhist concept of universal interconnectivity.
Beatles Participation
Although an official 'solo' project of Lennon’s, fellow Beatle George Harrison played on the song, contributing backing vocals and guitar.
Non-album release
Despite its success, "Instant Karma!" wasn't included on its corresponding album, instead being released as a standalone single. It was later included on the compilation album "Shaved Fish".
Critical Acclaim
The song has been praised for its catchy melody and profound lyrics, and is often cited as one of Lennon's best solo performances. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it 62 on their list of the 100 greatest Beatles songs.
Honors and Legacy
In 2018, the song was officially certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for sales of over 200,000. Long after Lennon’s death, the song remains a staple in pop culture. It has been interpreted and covered by various artists including U2, Duran Duran, and Paul Weller.

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