John Lennon - God [#][*] Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main theme of John Lennon's song "God [#][*]"?

   The main theme of "God [#][*]" by John Lennon is the rejection of various forms of belief, whether they're religious, spiritual, or cultural, and the affirmation of self-belief. John Lennon expresses his view that 'God' is a concept used to measure pain and declares his disbelief in many figures and ideologies while emphasizing belief in himself and his relationship with Yoko Ono.

2. Why does John Lennon repeat the phrase "God is a concept by which we measure our pain"?

   John Lennon repeats this phrase to emphasize his view that the idea of God, or other forms of belief, is often used as a way to understand and contextualize suffering and hardship. This underlines his critical stance toward reliance on abstract concepts for dealing with pain, advocating instead for personal inner strength.

3. Who does John Lennon say he believes in at the end of the song?

   At the end of the song, John Lennon states, "I just believe in me, Yoko and me," highlighting his turn towards personal relationships, particularly with Yoko Ono, and self-belief as the ultimate sources of reality and stability, moving away from external ideologies and figures.

4. What historical and cultural figures does John Lennon mention in the song?

   In the song, John Lennon mentions a diverse range of historical and cultural figures including Jesus, Buddha, Kennedy, Hitler, Elvis, and Zimmerman (Bob Dylan). This eclectic list underscores his rejection of widely followed leaders, religious figures, and icons, aligning with the song's theme of disbelief in external saviors or guides.

5. What does John Lennon mean by "The dream is over"?

   "The dream is over" signifies John Lennon's disillusionment with various forms of idealism—whether cultural, religious, or personal. It marks a transition from his previous state of mind where he might have believed in collective dreams or ideologies, towards a more individualistic and realistic view centered on personal experience and relationships.

6. Is "God [#][*]" autobiographical?

   Yes, "God [#][*]" is considered largely autobiographical. John Lennon reflects on his personal transformation and disillusionment with previous ideals. He transitions from identifying with the persona of 'The Walrus,' a reference to his earlier Beatles image, to his authentic self, marking a significant moment in his solo career and personal philosophy.