(This is part of a #SongLyricsSunday challenge, which is hosted by Jim at An Unique Title For Me. Anyone can join! Details on how to participate are found at the end of this post!)
My Mom’s Genuine Love For The Beatles
If you ever talk to my mom about The Beatles, she will tell her life story with the Fab Four, starting with how her aunt introduce to the band when she was 4 or 5 years old. She will also tell you little facts of each Beatles song and any others that relate to the iconic band (or their members, like “Layla” by Derek And The Dominos),
Growing up, my mom would play tapes and CDs from three English bands: The Police (and their solo stuff), Genesis (and Phil Collins’ solo career), and The Beatles. These bands were constantly playing in the car as we went to soccer practice, church, or even to the supermarket. As kids, my siblings and I didn’t mind listening to these bands, especially the Beatles. But as teenagers, we thought it annoying (you should ask my sister about The Beatles). But, now that we are adults, my siblings and I now appreciate the musicality of The Beatles and how talented they were.
My siblings and I always tease our dad about my mom’s love for John Lennon. We always tease him who does mom love more, though knowing mom’s answer already. That is because next to my mom’s side of their bed is a framed picture of the iconic singer-songwriter. As I write this, I think back on that photo as I now know my mom really admire Lennon and his music. And that my mom loves my dad more.
‘Cause I’m Going to Strawberry Fields
“There was something about the place that always fascinated John. He could see it from his window … He used to hear the Salvation Army band [playing at the garden party], and he would pull me along, saying, ‘Hurry up, Mimi – we’re going to be late.’”
Bob Splitz[1]
When I was about six and seven years old, I asked my mom what was her favorite Beatles song. And her reply was simply: “Strawberry Fields Forever”. She even remarked later on in life that when she passes away, she would like the lyrics of the 1967 song engraved on her tombstone. It has left quite an impression for my mom to really cherish the song.
“Strawberry Fields Forever” was written in 1966 but released the following year as a double A-side single with “Penny Lane”. Strawberry Field was actually the name of the Salvation Army children’s home that was near the house where Lennon grew up in Woolton. Lennon and his friends would often play in the wooded gardens behind the house. Also, he would often attend the garden parties held at the house in delight as a treat.
Strawberry Fields
Lennon wrote the song in a difficult part of his life. He was facing some difficulties in life as this was the period of his life where his “more popular than Jesus” comment became a huge controversy, mob violence involving the Fab Four in The Philippines, and starring in Richard Lester’s How I Won the War. His first wife, Cynthia, said that working on film without Ringo, George, and Paul made him vulnerable.
Lennon wrote “Strawberry Fields Forever” to get away from his state of vulnerability and difficulties. It was a song that reflected back on the early days when The Beatles in Liverpool. Lennon himself said it was “psychoanalysis set to music” as the song itself reflected on how Lennon felt different all his life. [1][2][3] The iconic singer-songwriter said that “Strawberry Fields Forever” was one of the best songs that he had ever wrote.
My Thoughts on “Strawberry Fields Forever”
To tell you the truth, I like “Strawberry Fields Forever” but not so much as my mom. That is because I am more of a fan of The White Album, Abbey Road, and the two singles released in the 90s: “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love”. I do like some of the tunes from the earlier part of The Beatles’ discography, but I always love a tune with a harder rock vibe.
Although I am not a big fan of “Strawberry Fields Forever”, I still like to listen to it and appreciate it. It is one of the first tunes that had an influence on the psychedelic genre, which is something worthy of. But, the feelings and the memories of John Lennon embedded in each note and word are something remarkable, making “Strawberry Fields Forever” a true classic.
Listen to “Strawberry Fields Forever” and let me know what you think of the song in the comments!
Lyrics for “Strawberry Fields Forever”
Let me take you down, ’cause I’m going to
Strawberry Fields
Nothing is real, and nothing to get hung about
Strawberry Fields forever
Living is easy with eyes closed
Misunderstanding all you see
It’s getting hard to be someone, but it all works out
It doesn’t matter much to me
Let me take you down, ’cause I’m going to
Strawberry Fields
Nothing is real, and nothing to get hung about
Strawberry Fields forever
No one I think is in my tree
I mean it must be high or low
That is you can’t, you know, tune in, but it’s all right
That is I think it’s not too bad
Let me take you down, ’cause I’m going to
Strawberry Fields
Nothing is real, and nothing to get hung about
Strawberry Fields forever
Always, no, sometimes think it’s me
But you know I know when it’s a dream
I think a “no”, I mean, a “yes”, but it’s all wrong
That is I think I disagree
Let me take you down, ’cause I’m going to
Strawberry Fields
Nothing is real, and nothing to get hung about
Strawberry Fields forever
Strawberry Fields forever
Strawberry Fields forever
Cranberry sauce
