Just Because
John Lennon Lyrics


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Ah, remember this?
Why, I must have been thirteen when this came out!
Or was it fourteen?
Or was it twenty-two?
I could have been twelve actually

Just because you left and said goodbye
Do you think that I will sit and cry?
Even if my heart should tell me so
Darling, I would rather let you go

Just because I want someone who's kind
With a heart as good and pure as mine
But maybe I am asking for too much
Darling, please don't ever break my heart
I know you think you're smart
Just runnin' around breaking lovers hearts

Just because you left and said goodbye, hey
Do you think that I will sit and cry?
Even if my heart should tell me so
Darling, I would rather let you go

"this is doctor winston o'boggie saying goodnight
From record plant east, New York
We hope you had a swell time
Ev'rybody here says hi
Goodbye

Just because you left and said goodbye
Do you think that I will sit and cry?
Even if my heart should tell me so
Darling, I would rather let you go

Uh-uh-uh, goodbye




Uh-uh-uh, so long
Been a long year

Overall Meaning

John Lennon's song "Just Because" can be interpreted as a farewell to a relationship that has ended. The lyrics suggest a sense of maturity in the singer's understanding of love and the importance of self-respect. The singer is acknowledging that just because their partner has left and said goodbye, it doesn't necessarily mean they will sit and cry. They clearly state that if their heart tells them to cry, they would still rather let go of their partner than hold onto a relationship that isn't healthy for them.


The song also touches on the idea that the singer wants to be with someone who shares their kindness and pureness of heart. They acknowledge that perhaps they are asking for too much, but they still want to be with someone who could reciprocate the love they have to give. The song's ending includes a goodbye message delivered by Doctor Winston O'Boogie, a pseudonym for Lennon himself. The message is a playful farewell to the listener, adding a sense of nostalgic feel to the song.


Line by Line Meaning

Ah, remember this?
Reflecting on a memory of the past.


Why, I must have been thirteen when this came out!
Expressing uncertainty about the exact age due to faded memory.


Or was it fourteen?
Still trying to recall the exact age at which the song was released.


Or was it twenty-two?
Jokingly exaggerating how long ago the song was released.


I could have been twelve actually
Finally settling on an estimate but acknowledging that it could be incorrect.


Just because you left and said goodbye
Questioning whether leaving warrants the singer to cry.


Do you think that I will sit and cry?
Challenging the assumption that someone will cry if they are left.


Even if my heart should tell me so
Acknowledging a possible feeling of sadness but stating that it will not overpower the desire to let go.


Darling, I would rather let you go
Choosing to move forward and not hold onto a relationship that has ended.


Just because I want someone who's kind
Expressing a desire for a partner who is compassionate and loving.


With a heart as good and pure as mine
Describing the characteristics the singer seeks in a partner.


But maybe I am asking for too much
Acknowledging the possibility that these ideals may be hard to find.


Darling, please don't ever break my heart
Asking a current or future partner to not hurt them emotionally.


I know you think you're smart
Addressing a past partner who may have hurt the singer emotionally.


Just runnin' around breaking lovers hearts
Accusing this past partner of being careless with other people's feelings.


This is doctor winston o'boggie saying goodnight
Ending the song with a humorous nod to a fictional character.


From record plant east, New York
Acknowledging the recording location of the song.


We hope you had a swell time
Wishing the listeners enjoyed the song.


Ev'rybody here says hi
Sending greetings to anyone who may be listening.


Goodbye
Final farewell to the listeners.


Uh-uh-uh, goodbye
Singing the final farewell.


Uh-uh-uh, so long
Another way to say farewell.


Been a long year
Reflecting on the passing of time and the changes that have occurred.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: ALEXANDRA LOUISE BROWN, SAMI R MC KINNEY, MICHAEL J O'HARA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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