In June 1965, amidst the whirlwind of Beatlemania, John Lennon engaged in a revealing BBC radio interview to promote his second book, ‘A Spaniard In The Works.’ Broadcast on July 3rd as part of ‘The World Of Books’ program, this interview offers a unique glimpse into Lennon’s creative mind and his perspective on writing, humor, and the world around him in 1965. This conversation delves beyond his musical persona, showcasing Lennon as an author grappling with discipline, spontaneity, and the nuances of language.
Lennon’s Disciplined Spontaneity: The Writing Process Unveiled
When questioned about his writing process, Lennon dispels the romantic notion of pure inspiration. He admits to a more structured approach, particularly for ‘A Spaniard In The Works.’ “It’s more disciplined,” Lennon states, contrasting it with his first book where ideas were gathered over time. The pressure of deadlines imposed by publishers played a role in shaping his writing routine for this second endeavor. However, he resists the idea of rigid schedules, asserting, “No, none of that. I haven’t written enough. It’s not a job, you see.” This highlights Lennon’s perception of writing as a creative outlet rather than a profession, even as deadlines loom.
Despite his aversion to strict discipline, Lennon acknowledges an inherent structure to his work, albeit unconsciously. He humorously observes, “It seems odd being a Beatle, because we’re disciplined– but we don’t feel as though we’re disciplined. I don’t mind being disciplined and not realizing it.” This reflects the Beatles’ rigorous work ethic masked by their seemingly effortless cool, a duality that extends to Lennon’s writing.
Spontaneity and Revision: A Paradoxical Approach
The interviewer probes the seemingly polished nature of Lennon’s writing, questioning whether his pieces are heavily revised. Lennon expresses surprise at the perception of perfection, responding with “Do they?” when asked if his pieces appear finished. He firmly denies extensive revisions, claiming, “They’re not at all. I never– nobody’s ever said that to me. Wonderful.” Lennon attributes this to a degree of self-confidence and possessiveness over his work: “Once I’ve written it, I like it.” While admitting to occasional additions before publication, he insists on minimal alterations, emphasizing the spontaneous nature of his creative output. This suggests a writing style that values initial impulse and raw expression over meticulous refinement.
Navigating Language and Humor: Onomatopoeia and Wordplay
The interview delves into the technical aspects of Lennon’s writing, specifically his use of puns and onomatopoeia. Amusingly, Lennon is unfamiliar with the term “onomatopoeia,” requiring the interviewer to explain it using the example of “buzz.” Upon understanding, Lennon embraces the concept, exclaiming, “Lot of onomatopoeias.” This exchange reveals Lennon’s intuitive grasp of language and sound, even without formal linguistic terminology. He attributes his wordplay to a playful ignorance, stating, “Automatic peer– sounds like to me. That’s probably why I change words. ‘Cuz I haven’t a clue what words mean half the time.” This highlights Lennon’s whimsical approach to language, where sound and rhythm often take precedence over strict semantic accuracy, leading to his distinctive brand of humor.
Influences and Ignorance: From Carroll to “Automatic Peer”
When questioned about literary influences, Lennon humorously downplays any conscious imitation of established authors. While acknowledging a fondness for Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ which he revisits annually, he claims ignorance of other cited influences like Edward Lear and even Joyce’s ‘Finnegan’s Wake.’ “I deny it because I’m ignorant,” Lennon quips. He recounts purchasing books by these authors after being compared to them but finding little resemblance. He notes a slight connection to the wordplay in ‘Finnegan’s Wake’ but emphasizes the vast difference in style. This apparent rejection of direct influence underscores Lennon’s desire for originality and his self-deprecating humor when confronted with literary analysis.
Humor and Social Commentary: Beyond “Sick” Jokes
The interview addresses the criticism that Lennon’s humor is “sick.” He deflects this judgment, stating, “If it makes people sick– they’re sick. But I can read it without… It doesn’t appear sick to me.” This reflects Lennon’s unapologetic comedic style, which often pushed boundaries and challenged conventional sensibilities. The interviewer points to specific examples from ‘A Spaniard In The Works,’ such as the cartoon featuring blind characters, as typical of Lennon’s humor – a blend of the absurd and slightly dark.
Expanding on the themes in ‘A Spaniard In The Works,’ the interviewer observes a heightened social conscience compared to his first book. Lennon acknowledges this element but denies any overt “do-gooder” intentions. “I’m not a ‘do gooder’ about things. I won’t go around marching or… I’m not that type,” he clarifies. However, he admits that his personal feelings on social issues “do happen to work with the way I write.” He acknowledges using potentially sensitive topics like race and religion for humor, clarifying, “I make fun of colored people in the book, and christians and jews, but really, I’m not against them… But I use them to get laughs.” This reveals a complex interplay between Lennon’s comedic impulse and his underlying social awareness, using satire to provoke thought while maintaining a humorous distance.
Drawing and Storytelling: A Visual Dimension
The conversation touches upon Lennon’s drawings, another facet of his creative expression featured in his books. He describes his drawing style as developing over a long time, initially using basic tools like fountain pens. When it came to illustrating his books, he incorporated his drawings, acknowledging their “scrappy” nature due to his “heavy handed” style. Lennon explains that the drawings rarely precede the stories, stating, “Because I draw like I write– I just start and draw, and if it looks like something vaguely to do with a story, I do it.” This parallels his spontaneous writing process, where both words and images emerge from an initial impulse, creating a cohesive, if unconventional, artistic vision.
Conclusion: A Glimpse into Lennon’s 1965 Creative World
This 1965 BBC interview provides valuable insight into John Lennon’s creative process during a pivotal year in his career. Promoting ‘A Spaniard In The Works,’ Lennon reveals a writing approach characterized by disciplined spontaneity, an embrace of linguistic playfulness, and a humorous yet socially aware perspective. His words offer a compelling portrait of the artist as a young man navigating fame, creativity, and the complexities of the modern world in 1965.
