Yoko Ono and John Lennon collaborated on many albums, beginning in 1968 whe… Read Full Bio ↴Yoko Ono and John Lennon collaborated on many albums, beginning in 1968 when Lennon was still a Beatle, with Unfinished Music No.1: Two Virgins, an album of experimental and difficult electronic music. Two less controversial, yet equally challenging and experimental albums were released in addition to Two Virgins; Unfinished Music No.2: Life with the Lions, and Wedding Album, both in 1969.

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.

Goodbye Sadness
John Lennon & Yoko Ono Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴

Goodbye, sadness, goodbye, goodbye,
I don't need you anymore.
I wet my pillow evry night,
But now I saw the light.

Goodbye, goodbye, sadness,
I don't need you anymore.
Goodbye, goodbye, sadness,

I can't take it anymore.

Goodbye, sadness, goodbye, goodbye,
I don't need you anymore.
I lived in fear evry day,
But now I'm going my way.

Goodbye, goodbye, sadness,
I don't need you anymore.
Goodbye, goodbye, sadness,
I can't take it anymore.

Hello, happiness, wherever you are,
I hope you hear my song.
Never want to cry again
Or hold my breath in fear again.

Goodbye, goodbye, sadness,
I don't need you anymore.

Goodbye, goodbye, sadness,
I can't take it anymore.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Goodbye Sadness" by John Lennon and Yoko Ono depict a powerful declaration of liberation from the grip of sadness and fear. The repeated phrases of "Goodbye, sadness, goodbye, goodbye," serve as a cathartic release, signaling a turning point in the singer's emotional journey. Through these words, the song conveys a sense of finality and resolution, as the singer firmly states that they no longer need sadness in their life. This line is a clear assertion of agency and a determination to break free from the shackles of negative emotions that have weighed them down.

The imagery of wetting the pillow every night suggests a deep sense of sorrow and anguish that the singer has been grappling with for some time. However, the realization that they have seen the light signifies a moment of clarity and enlightenment. The decision to bid farewell to sadness is not taken lightly but is portrayed as a necessary step towards a brighter future. By letting go of the past pain and embracing the light ahead, the singer is ready to move forward and leave their sorrow behind.

The lines "I lived in fear every day, but now I'm going my way," further emphasize the theme of liberation and self-empowerment. The singer acknowledges the suffocating grip that fear has had on their life but asserts their newfound sense of direction and purpose. This transformation from living in constant fear to forging their own path highlights the resilience and courage of the singer in overcoming their struggles. The repetition of "Goodbye, goodbye, sadness," reinforces the decisiveness of their decision to break free from the confines of negativity.

The final verses of the song introduce a hopeful tone as the singer greets happiness with open arms. The desire to never cry again or feel the grip of fear underscores a yearning for a life filled with joy and peace. The shift from bidding farewell to sadness to welcoming happiness signals a shift in perspective and a commitment to embracing positivity. The resolution in the closing lines reiterates the singer's determination to leave the past behind and embark on a new chapter filled with hope and optimism. Overall, "Goodbye Sadness" is a powerful anthem of resilience, inner strength, and the unwavering pursuit of happiness.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: YOKO ONO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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