John Lennon, a name synonymous with iconic songwriting, left an indelible mark on music history not only with The Beatles but also through his compelling solo work. Among his vast and deeply personal catalog, the song “God,” from his debut solo album John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, stands out as a starkly honest and introspective piece. This track, dissected in a special episode of the podcast Song Exploder, offers a unique window into Lennon’s post-Beatles artistic expression and his raw emotional landscape.
Released in December 1970, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band emerged in the wake of the Beatles’ tumultuous breakup, which Lennon himself had initiated in September 1969. The public announcement of the split in April 1970 solidified the end of an era, paving the way for Lennon to explore his individual artistic identity. “God” became a cornerstone of this new chapter, a powerful declaration of personal belief and disillusionment. The Plastic Ono Band, a collaborative project with his wife Yoko Ono, served as the musical vehicle for this album. For “God,” the lineup featured Ringo Starr, Lennon’s former Beatles bandmate, on drums, the immensely talented Billy Preston on piano, and Klaus Voormann, a long-time friend of the Beatles and the album’s bassist.
John Lennon in a promotional image for Song Exploder podcast episode about his song 'God'
The Song Exploder episode dedicated to “God” is particularly noteworthy as it delves into the song’s creation through archival audio featuring John Lennon himself, alongside insights from key collaborators. Klaus Voormann shares his firsthand experiences recording the track, while archival interviews with Ringo Starr and Billy Preston provide further perspectives on the song’s genesis and impact. Listeners are also treated to the original demo of “God,” offering a glimpse into the song’s evolution, as well as outtakes from the recording sessions held at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. The final version of “God” was recorded on a significant date – October 9, 1970, John Lennon’s 30th birthday, adding another layer of personal resonance to the track.
The archival audio within the Song Exploder episode draws from several key sources, enriching the narrative and offering authentic voices from the song’s history. John Lennon’s voice is excerpted from a profound interview with Jann S. Wenner of Rolling Stone, recorded on December 8, 1970, providing direct insight into Lennon’s mindset during that period. Quotes from Arthur Janov, the psychologist who pioneered primal therapy and deeply influenced Lennon, and Billy Preston are sourced from 2005 interviews owned by Yoko Ono Lennon, offering retrospective reflections. Ringo Starr’s audio comes from the 2008 Classic Albums documentary on John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band, directed by Matthew Longfellow, capturing his memories from a later vantage point.
“God” is more than just a song; it’s a confessional, a statement of independence, and a cornerstone in understanding John Lennon’s solo artistic journey. The Song Exploder episode provides an invaluable opportunity to explore the layers of meaning and musicality within this seminal track from one of music’s most influential songwriters.
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You can buy or stream “God” here.
For a transcript of this episode, click here.
