How Do You Sleep?
John Lennon, Plastic Ono Band, Flux Fiddlers
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So Sgt. Pepper took you by surprise You better see right through that mother's eyes Those freaks was right when they said you was dead The one mistake you made was in your head Ah, how do you sleep Ah, how do you sleep at night You live with straights who tell you, you was king Jump when your momma tell you anything The only thing you done was yesterday And since you're gone you're just another day Ah, how do you sleep Ah, how do you sleep at night Ah, how do you sleep Ah, how do you sleep at night A pretty face may last a year or two But pretty soon they'll see what you can do The sound you make is muzak to my ears You must have learned something in all those years Ah, how do you sleep Ah, how do you sleep at night
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Written by: John Winston Lennon
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Composition"How Do You Sleep?" is a song written by John Lennon, a member of the band The Beatles. It was first released on his 1971 solo album "Imagine."
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Song Subject MatterThe song is widely interpreted as a criticism and personal attack on Paul McCartney, Lennon's former songwriting partner in The Beatles. However, Lennon later suggested that the song was really about himself.
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Album DetailsThe song appears on the "Imagine" album. The album has a beautiful title song, which is seen as an anthem for peace, whereas "How Do You Sleep?" contrasts sharply with its direct and biting lyrics.
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Famous Musicians CollaborationNotable guitarist George Harrison, another member of The Beatles, contributed in playing slide guitar for this track.
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Controversy Surrounding LyricsThe original lyrics of the song were even more critical of McCartney. However, Lennon was persuaded by others involved in the album's production, including Yoko Ono, to soften the language.
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McCartney's ReactionPaul McCartney felt hurt by the song's lyrics. He later responded indirectly to it through music in his 1973 song "Let Me Roll It."
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Song LegacyDespite the controversy, the song has been covered by various artists and has retained cultural significance as a look into the tumultuous relationship between Lennon and McCartney after The Beatles' breakup.
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Cinematic ReferencesThe song's title appears in the 2006 film "The Departed" when Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) sends a message to determine if there's a rat in his organization.
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Creative Method"How Do You Sleep?" takes a traditional blues form which Lennon often altered in his post-Beatles career.
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Song ProgressionCritics noted the progression of John's anger, which starts subtly and builds throughout the song, reflecting his feelings towards McCartney at the time.
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Citation
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"How Do You Sleep? Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 31 Oct. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/21193595/John+Lennon/How+Do+You+Sleep%3F>.
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