The recording featured Elton John on harmony vocals and piano. While in the studio, Elton bet Lennon that the song would top the charts, and such was Lennon's scepticism that Elton secured from him a promise to appear on stage at one of his performances, should the record indeed hit No. 1. When the record did achieve that feat, Lennon appeared at John's Thanksgiving performance at Madison Square Garden on 28 November 1974. It was Lennon's last major concert appearance.
The inspiration for the lyrics came from late-night television. In December 2005, May Pang told Radio Times: 'At night [Lennon] loved to channel-surf, and would pick up phrases from all the shows. One time, he was watching Reverend Ike, a famous black evangelist, who was saying, 'Let me tell you guys, it doesn't matter, it's whatever gets you through the night.' John loved it and said, 'I've got to write it down or I'll forget it.' He always kept a pad and pen by the bed. That was the beginning of "Whatever Gets You thru the Night".'
"Whatever Gets You thru the Night" was Lennon's only solo No. 1 single in the United States during his lifetime, and he was the last member of the Beatles to top the charts. In Canada, the single spent two weeks at No. 2, and became the 30th biggest hit of 1974.
Whatever Gets You Thru the Night
John Lennon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's alright, it's alright
It's your money or your life
It's alright, it's alright
Don't need a sword to cut through flowers
No-no, oh-no
Whatever gets you through your life
Do it wrong, or do it right
It's alright, it's alright
Don't need a watch to waste your time
Oh-no, oh-no
Hold me, darlin', come on, listen to me
I won't do you no harm
Trust me, darlin', come on, listen to me
Come on, listen to me, come on, listen, listen
Whatever gets you to the light
It's alright, it's alright
Out of the blue, or out of sight
It's alright, it's alright
Don't need a gun to blow you mind
Oh-no, oh-no
Hold me, darlin', come on, listen to me
I won't do you no harm
Trust me, darlin', come on, listen to me
Come on, listen to me, come on, listen, listen
The lyrics of John Lennon's song "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night" are a celebration of individuality and self-expression. He encourages listeners to do whatever they need to do in order to survive and thrive, whether that means indulging in vices, taking unconventional paths, or simply being true to oneself. He affirms that whatever makes you feel alive and brings you to the light is valid, and that you don't need to conform to societal norms or expectations to live a fulfilling life.
The repeated refrain of "it's alright, it's alright" emphasizes that whatever choices you make, they are acceptable and should not be judged by others. The line "It's your money or your life" suggests that sometimes you may need to make sacrifices or difficult decisions in order to survive or achieve your goals. The mention of flowers and timelessness in the verses further highlight the idea that life is about finding your own path and not being tied down to convention or societal expectations.
The repetition of the phrase "hold me, darlin', come on, listen to me" creates a sense of intimacy and connection between the singer and the listener. It is almost as if Lennon is telling the listener that he understands their struggles and is there to support them, no matter what.
Overall, "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night" is a message of hope and encouragement to stay true to oneself and persevere through whatever challenges come your way.
Line by Line Meaning
Whatever gets you through the night
No matter what helps you get through the difficult times
It's alright, it's alright
It's okay, don't worry
It's your money or your life
You have to do what it takes to survive
Don't need a sword to cut through flowers
You don't need to use force when something gentle will suffice
Whatever gets you through your life
Whatever helps you cope with the challenges of living
Do it wrong, or do it right
Do it the best way you know how, regardless of what others say
Don't need a watch to waste your time
Life is too short to worry about every second; enjoy every moment
Hold me, darlin', come on, listen to me
Let's spend some time together and talk about what's on our minds
I won't do you no harm
I won't hurt you; you can trust me
Trust me, darlin', come on, listen to me
Believe in me and what I'm telling you
Whatever gets you to the light
Whatever helps you see the way forward
Out of the blue, or out of sight
Unexpected or hidden, but still there
Don't need a gun to blow your mind
You don't need something drastic or violent to make a big impact
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tratore
Written by: John Lennon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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