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.
Instant Karma
John Lennon & Yoko Ono Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gonna knock you right on the head
You better get yourself together
Pretty soon you're gonna be dead
What in the world you thinking of
Laughing in the face of love
What on earth you tryin' to do
It's up to you, yeah you
Instant Karma's gonna get you
Gonna look you right in the face
Better get yourself together darlin'
Join the human race
How in the world you gonna see
Laughin' at fools like me
Who in the hell d'you think you are
A super star
Well, right you are
Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Well we all shine on
Ev'ryone come on
Instant Karma's gonna get you
Gonna knock you off your feet
Better recognize your brothers
Ev'ryone you meet
Why in the world are we here
Surely not to live in pain and fear
Why on earth are you there
When you're ev'rywhere
Come and get your share
Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Yeah we all shine on
Come on and on and on on on
Yeah yeah, alright, uh huh, ah
Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Yeah we all shine on
On and on and on on and on
Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Yeah we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
The lyrics of John Lennon's song "Instant Karma" warn listeners that their actions and decisions have consequences that will come back to them quickly. The phrase "Instant Karma" refers to the idea that what goes around comes around instantly. The chorus of the song emphasizes this message, urging listeners to recognize their interconnectedness with others and take responsibility for their actions. The lyrics challenge listeners to think about their role in the world and to consider how they can contribute positively to society.
The verses of the song address specific actions and attitudes that the singer sees as problematic. Laughing in the face of love and looking down on others are highlighted as examples of negative behavior. The lyrics also suggest that people need to recognize and appreciate the humanity in others, as "we all shine on" and are part of a larger community. The song ultimately encourages listeners to come together and collectively make a difference in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Instant Karma's gonna get you
Your actions will have consequences, and the universe will respond accordingly.
Gonna knock you right on the head
This response will be swift and forceful.
You better get yourself together
To avoid the negative consequences, you must take responsibility for your actions and change your behavior.
Pretty soon you're gonna be dead
If you don't change your ways, you will face a serious consequence.
What in the world you thinking of
Your behavior is irrational and lacking in empathy for others.
Laughing in the face of love
You are failing to appreciate the positive aspects of life and love.
What on earth you tryin' to do
Your actions seem senseless and without purpose.
It's up to you, yeah you
Ultimately, it's your responsibility to change your behavior and avoid the negative consequences.
Gonna look you right in the face
The consequences of your actions will be impossible to ignore.
Better get yourself together darlin'
To be a part of society, you must make an effort to connect and understand others.
Join the human race
The human experience is one of shared struggle and interconnectedness.
How in the world you gonna see
Your close-mindedness and inability to empathize prevents you from truly seeing the world around you.
Laughin' at fools like me
You are mocking those who you see as inferior, without recognizing your own flaws.
Who in the hell d'you think you are
Your arrogance and sense of superiority are misguided.
A super star
Your perceived status and success do not excuse your negative behavior.
Well we all shine on
Despite our flaws and struggles, we are all capable of radiating positivity and goodness.
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
We all have a unique and important role to play in the world.
Ev'ryone come on
We are all in this together and need to support each other.
Gonna knock you off your feet
The consequences of your actions will be powerful enough to interrupt your daily life.
Better recognize your brothers
We are all part of the same human family and should treat each other with kindness and compassion.
Ev'ryone you meet
Every person you encounter is deserving of respect and understanding.
Why in the world are we here
The purpose of our existence is a profound and eternal question.
Surely not to live in pain and fear
Our lives are meant to be full of joy and love, not fear and suffering.
Why on earth are you there
Your actions are not serving your true purpose or connection to others.
When you're ev'rywhere
You have the potential to make an impact and connect with others in meaningful ways.
Come and get your share
There is enough love and positivity to go around, if we all choose to receive and give it freely.
On and on and on on on
The cycle of life and positivity continues perpetually.
Yeah yeah, alright, uh huh, ah
Expressing enthusiasm and positivity toward the idea of universal love and human connection.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rhagedorn
John's vocals in this song were incredible.
@sonoyta5386
Drum beat is kool
@pimprijs8836
Its also an effect he is using
@Slutuppnu
Yes! His voice was more steely here than ever.
@bluethunder6801
Yeeeep
@christined2495
Yesssssss! My favorite Lennon Song. Miss him
Drums can’t be beat
@romcallis
Mind boggling to think of all the great songs John would have created if he were still with us
@fougee1
Yes and the monster that took him is still alive. Lennon was talking
about a tour.Also a Beatles reunion possibly in the future. Miss him
every day.
@maxwellk10
WAP Remix - Cardi feat. John Lennon, city gurlz, machine gun Kelly, and t swizzle. This could’ve been a reality
@TheBCBuddy
....just imagine....❤