Several of their later albums were released under the name The Plastic Ono Band, and often featured other musicians such as Eric Clapton, Klaus Voorman, and Alan White. The Plastic Ono Band's first album, Live Peace in Toronto 1969, was recorded during the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival Festival. The first half of their performance consisted of rock standards, and during the second half, Ono took the microphone and along with the band performed what may be one of the first expressions of the avant garde during a rock concert. The set ended with music that consisted mainly of feedback, while Ono screamed and sang.
Their fifth album together, Some Time in New York City, released in 1972, is fiercely motivated by political issues the couple found themselves confronted with upon moving to New York City in September, 1971. The album was highly controversial but is generally seen as the beginning of Ono's emergence as a songwriter with "Sisters O Sisters", "Born In A Prison", and "We're All Water"
With the birth of their son Sean in 1975, Lennon put his career on hold to raise the boy and rekindle his relationship with his older son Julian. In the summer of 1980, both Lennon and Ono felt ready to resume to work and began composing. They made the decision to release their impending songs together on the same album. Subtitled "A Heart Play", Double Fantasy would be a collection of songs whereby John and Yoko would be singing to each other.
Released in 1984, Milk and Honey is notable for being Lennon's first posthumous release of music, having been recorded in the last months of his life during and following the sessions for Double Fantasy. Though Lennon's death caused a temporary shelving of the project, Ono was later capable of returning to complete it.
Borrowed Time
John Lennon & Yoko Ono Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Living confusion and deep despair
When I was younger
Living illusion of freedom and power
When I was younger
Full of ideas and broken dreams (my friend)
When I was younger ah hah
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow
Now I am older
The more that I see the less that I know for sure
Now I am older
The future is brighter and now is the hour
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow
Good to be older
Would not exchange a single day or a year
Good to be older
Less complications everything clear
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow
The song "Borrowed Time" by John Lennon And Yoko Ono is a reflection on life, particularly on the transition from youth to adulthood. The opening lines describe the confusion and despair felt in the younger years, when the idea of freedom and power were merely illusions. Lennon sings about the clash between his youthful ideas and the harsh reality of broken dreams. The lyrics suggest that life is not simple, and clarity is a difficult thing to come by.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the central theme of time, and how it is something borrowed. The melody and lyrics combine to create a haunting image of someone living with no thought of the future. The imagery created is that of a person who is so consumed by the present moment that there is nothing left for tomorrow. Lennon seems to be saying that living in the moment is an important part of life, but it cannot be done at the expense of planning for the future.
As the song progresses, Lennon reflects on his own life, acknowledging that he is now older and that the future is brighter. Despite the challenges of the past, the singer is content with the idea of growing old and gaining an understanding of life that was not possible in the younger years. The last chorus repeats the concept of borrowed time, but the tone is now one of satisfaction and contentment.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was younger
During my youthful years
Living confusion and deep despair
I felt lost and hopeless
Living illusion of freedom and power
I thought I had control over my life but it was just an illusion
Full of ideas and broken dreams (my friend)
I had many aspirations but they never came to fruition
Everything simple but not so clear
Life seemed straightforward, yet there was confusion
Now I am older
As I've aged
The more that I see the less that I know for sure
The more I witness, the less I am certain about
The future is brighter and now is the hour
The future looks promising and it's time to seize the moment
Good to be older
It's great to have reached a more advanced age
Would not exchange a single day or a year
I wouldn't trade any of the days or years I've lived
Less complications everything clear
Life has become simpler and easier to understand
Living on borrowed time
Knowing that life won't last forever
Without a thought for tomorrow
Living in the moment without worry for what's to come
Living on borrowed time
Acknowledging that my time on earth is limited
Without a thought for tomorrow
Not dwelling on the future and instead enjoying the present
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@laodiceiasilva4770
When I was younger
Living confusion and deep dispair
When I was younger ah hah
Living illusion of freedom and power
When I was younger
Full of ideas and broken dreams (my friend)
When I was younger ah hah
Everything simple but not so clear
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow
Now I am older
The more that I see the less that I know for sure
Now I am older ah hah
The future is brighter and now is the hour
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow
Good to be older
Would not exchange a single day or a year
Good to be older ah hah
Less complications everything clear
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow
@j.c7719
Yet another masterpiece from Lennon. That verse melody is something else ❤ the greatest songwriter of all time bar none.
@dawncharlonne1961
Happy Birthday John! 80 years old! Thank you for the wonderful music and wise words! Peace and Love!
@lisaparsons4124
Yes happy birthday to John Lennon
@johnlennon
"When I was younger..."
The John Lennon and Yoko Ono album 'Milk and Honey' was released #onthisday 9 Jan 1984
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WggUweuTFxg
@bellaangel2860
John had the nicest smile, love this song ❤
@graceland329
Baby John Lennon was so cute! 🥰
@carriad11
Sadly John is no longer with us but his music will live forever!
@lisaparsons4124
Yes I agree 💯 and love John Lennon
@theneweraofmusic5578
Not the same as meeting him live.
@bertenqvist7324
Stop mourning.