From American Songwriter · Em Casalena · · 40s
John Lennon Songs That Changed Songwriting
John Lennon's 1967 songs redefined songwriting with surreal lyrics and studio techniques.
In brief
John Lennon's 1967 songs redefined songwriting with surreal lyrics and studio techniques. John Lennon's 1967 songs like 'Strawberry Fields Forever' and 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' changed songwriting through surrealism and studio innovation. Originally reported by American Songwriter.
Strawberry Fields Forever
This song mixed two recordings in different keys, inspiring producers to innovate in pop songwriting.
“Strawberry Fields Forever utilized Lennon’s go-to surreal lyricism and fascinating studio editing techniques.”
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
Lennon claimed it was inspired by his son’s childhood friend, not LSD, yet the song broke traditional lyrical tropes.
“Lennon was pretty firm on the fact that this work from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was inspired by his son’s childhood friend and not the psychedelic drug.”
A Day In The Life
Lennon turned mundane events into a surreal examination of life, challenging songwriting conventions.
“A Day In The Life was inspired by average events and real-world observations that Lennon made.”
What it means
John Lennon's 1967 songs like 'Strawberry Fields Forever' and 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' changed songwriting through surrealism and studio innovation.
