Search - Beatles :: Ballad of John and Yoko

It Just Ain't Easy, Is It Yoko?

Leigh Egan | San Antonio | 07/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Lennon, one of The Beatles (and arguably the "best" Beatle), married Yoko Ono on March 20, 1969 in Gibraltar. Shortly after the wedding, the couple honeymooned together in Amsterdam. The couple decided on marriage in Gibraltar after several failed attempts at other places. They had planned to get married in France ( Finally made the plane into Paris/Honeymooning down by the Seine ), yet they didn't have passports. Before the decision to marry in France, the couple was to wed in SouthHampton. For various reasons, this was not possible either( You know they didn't even give us a chance/Christ you know it ain't easy ). Finally the couple settled on Gibraltar since Lennon was a British citizen. After a quick ten minute wedding, the couple finally wed, and within the hour were on their way to Amsterdam's Hilton ( From Paris to the Amsterdam Hilton, talking in our beds for a week ).



Instead of a private honeymoon, the couple allowed press access to their private suite. For seven days, the couple sat in bed in their pajamas to promote peace ( The newspaper said, what ya doing in bed? I said we're only trying to get us some peace ).



After a more than well rested honeymoon, the couple then took off to Vienna, where they were spotted eating chocolate cake from a bag. As if Yoko didn't already have enough problems, this kind of added to it ( Made a lightning trip to Vienna/Eating Chocolate Cake in a Bag/The Newspaper said/She's gone to his head/They look just like two coolies in drag ). However, arriving back in England, Yoko was greeted with a warm reception ( The men from the press/Said we wish you success/It's good to have the both of you back ) and treated fairly, even if many did not agree with the marriage.



As you can see, this song is basically about the crazy adventure that John and Yoko had in order to wed and then to honeymoon. The song itself has a catchy beat, and simple chords. As said before, only John and Paul actually played on this song. The reason for this is because Lennon was in a great rush to get this song recorded, and Paul was the only Beatle available. Therefore while John played the lead and acoustic guitars (while singing lead), Paul helped out by playing the maracas, piano, drums, and bass guitar. This was done by the guys going back and mixing and dubbing the instruments together, then re-recording to make the song complete. What we get after this song was completed, is an upbeat and very nicely put together little ballad. John Lennon's infectious guitar riffs accompanied by Paul Mccartney's maracas and drums in the background make this song impeccable. Lennon doesn't necessarily have the most beautiful singing voice, but he sounds incredible. Lennon's voice comes off strong and sturdy, while Paul goes alto in the background and harmonizes perfectly. The song to some has kind of an rock/country sound, but to me it sounds like a pop/rock song that was performed amazingly despite the short time it took to record it (9 hours total).



Even though the song was completed and released to the U.S. on June 4th, 1969, the problems weren't over just yet. Some stations would not play the song because Lennon used the word "Christ" many times in the song (the chorus Christ, you know ain't easy was sung quite a few times). Other would play the song, but just left out the word Christ. Other stations got words confused and refused to play the song, thinking Lennon meant "piece" instead of "peace" (which is what he actually meant), meaning sexual messages about him and Yoko in their hotel suite.



Final Recommendation



Well, if you haven't heard this song, then go listen to it! Heck, just buy the entire album. The Ballad of John and Yoko can be found on disc two of The Beatles: Blue Album (a compilation of their greatest hits from 1967-1970). There are plenty great songs on this entire album, and well worth a listen. If you don't want to buy the album, then buy the song on-line for no more than a dollar. The single is out of stock on Amazon but hopefully they will get it back. It is well worth the 2:59 minutes of listening time.

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