John Lennon's songwriting partnership with Paul McCartney is the stuff of legend, but his solo contributions to The Beatles' catalog are equally remarkable. Even before the band's breakup, Lennon was a prolific writer, crafting not just songs but poetry, prose, and political essays. His work was often at its most powerful when he drew from his own life, especially during the late '60s when his style evolved beyond the pop norms of the era. Here are the five greatest Beatles songs written by John Lennon, ranked.
5. "Revolution" (1968)
The Beatles released three versions of "Revolution": the hard-rocking single, the slower "Revolution 1," and the avant-garde "Revolution 9" on the White Album. The single version, released in August 1968, became the most iconic, with its driving guitar riff and Lennon's impassioned vocals. Inspired by the political protests of 1968, Lennon supported social change but rejected violence, singing, "When you talk about destruction / don't you know that you can count me out." The New Left criticized the song as dismissive, and Lennon later adjusted the lyrics in live performances to "We better get it on right away," showing his evolving stance.
4. "Come Together" (1969)
Opening Abbey Road, "Come Together" is a masterclass in groove and wordplay. The song's title came from a campaign slogan used by a politician during the anti-Vietnam War protests that Lennon and Yoko Ono championed. The lyrics are famously cryptic—"He wear no shoeshine, he got toe-jam football"—and are thought to reference drugs and the era's political unrest. Lennon also interpolated lines from Chuck Berry's "You Can't Catch Me," which later led to a legal settlement. The track topped the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a staple of classic rock radio.
3. "All You Need is Love" (1967)
Written for the first live global satellite broadcast, Our World, "All You Need is Love" became an anthem for the Summer of Love. Lennon intentionally kept the lyrics simple and universal: "All you need is love, love / Love is all you need." The song's message of peace resonated worldwide, and its performance on the broadcast was watched by millions. It's a testament to Lennon's ability to craft a song that transcends boundaries, and it remains a timeless call for unity.
2. "In My Life" (1965)
Lennon called "In My Life" his first "real" piece of work, and it's easy to see why. Written as a nostalgic reflection on his Liverpool childhood, the song's lyrics are deeply personal and poetic: "Though I know I'll never lose affection / For people and things that went before." The track features a memorable piano solo recorded at half-speed, giving it a harpsichord-like sound. It's a beautiful meditation on memory and love, and it's often cited as one of the greatest songs ever written.
1. "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" (1965)
Topping our list is "Norwegian Wood," a song that showcases Lennon's storytelling genius. The lyrics tell the tale of an extramarital affair, wrapped in metaphor and wit. The addition of George Harrison's sitar introduced Indian music to Western pop, marking a turning point in The Beatles' sound. The song's enigmatic ending—"So I lit a fire, isn't it good, Norwegian wood?"—leaves listeners guessing, and its influence can be heard in countless artists who followed. It's a masterpiece of subtlety and innovation.
These five songs highlight Lennon's range as a writer, from protest anthems to intimate reflections. They remain as powerful today as when they were first recorded, cementing his place as one of music's greatest voices. For more on the cultural impact of such works, check out our ranking of rock concept albums and modern action movie essentials.
