John Lennon – Think Bensonium

Song 3: Nobody told me, John Lennon

Roderick Benson — Thu, 26 May 2022 23:00:11 +0000

So today I have been watching the news and a Youtube commentary by a Russian intellect on understanding what is driving Putin’s insane war with Ukraine. In relation to Russia and how this great nation sees herself, she is like a charging horse that is trying to get somewhere but no-one knows where that destination actually is. Then the current UK political and economic crisis came to mind along with the seismic shift in traditional ethics that drives the 21^st century culture wars.

I was saying to friend how disorientating everything feels in late May of 2022. As I said this, it reminded me of a song by the late great John Lennon and I wondered what this rather eccentric yet genius-gifted musician would make of it all if he was still alive today. If he thought the late 1970s were odd, he would be apoplectic living in the 21^st century. I did not realise this song was not released until 1984 over 3 years after his tragic assassination in 1980.

Analysis of why Russia starts insane wars by Vlad Vexler

Day 401: (Anzac Day): Give peace a chance, John Lennon

Roderick Benson — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 23:00:13 +0000

So this is the second year that I have cited a song on Australian Anzac day. Anzac day is when Australians commemorate all those Aussies who have tragically lost their lives in armed conflict from the tragic souls who were gunned down by the Turks on Anzac cove to the many Aussies who suffered in were killed or suffered horrific injuries; both psychological and physical in the Vietnam war. If only we could really give peace a chance at those times when nations drift inexorably toward war.

Happy Anzac Day!

Day 277: Happy Xmas (The war is over), John Lennon

Roderick Benson — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

So I’m not a great fan of lots of Christmas hits produced by rock stars but I have always thought this one from John Lennon is pretty good although not particularly a cheerful Christmas ditty.

Day 176: Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy), John Lennon

Roderick Benson — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 21:31:27 +0000

Another one of John’s song from his Double Fantasy album which came out only shortly before he was assassinated in New York. I also wonder what this genius would have produced if he had lived another 30 or so years. Sadly we shall never know.

Day 97: How do you sleep at night?, John Lennon

Roderick Benson — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 20:34:50 +0000

Such an angry song sadly directed against his former band mate Paul McCartney. However it is a great tune that I can re-purpose for a much more deserving recipient, our current Prime Minister and charlatan Boris Johnson. On the night I write this it looks as if Britain is moving inexorably to crashing out of the EU without a deal which is only going to hurt so many vulnerable people and businesses.

All I can think about when I observe Johnson’s lying and trolling is the report he received from Eton back when I too was at school (yes I am a similar age to him). How little it seems this man has changed over the years.

“Boris really has adopted a disgracefully cavalier attitude to his classical studies . . . Boris sometimes seems affronted when criticised for what amounts to a gross failure of responsibility (and surprised at the same time that he was not appointed Captain of the School for next half): I think he honestly believes that it is churlish of us not to regard him as an exception, one who should be free of the network of obligation which binds everyone else.”

Day 10: Watching the Wheels, John Lennon

Rbenson — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 21:49:21 +0000

As I watched the video to this tune it made me feel really sad. Lennon, like McCartney, was an amazing talent and this song appeared on the album Double Fantasy which was release after his assassination in 1980. The album is only half decent in that all the songs he did were great while all Yoko’s contributions were ?? (well perhaps it is an acquired taste).

I also relate to this tune because in 2017, after leaving Imagen, I also spent a long time watching the wheels go round and round while writing my book. My conclusion: we live in mad world that’s for sure.