📚 Swift Recording and Release: “The Ballad of John and Yoko” was recorded quickly, with the entire process taking place on April 14, 1969. Only John Lennon and Paul McCartney were in the studio, as George Harrison and Ringo Starr were unavailable. Just weeks after this recording session, the single was officially released on May 30, 1969.

📚 Lennon-McCartney Partnership: The track is a unique collaboration between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Written by Lennon, who also provided the lead vocals, the song saw McCartney taking on bass, drums, and backing vocals, with both members covering all instrumental parts due to the absence of Harrison and Starr.

📚 Controversial Lyrics and Public Reaction: The lyrics sparked debate for referencing Lennon and Yoko Ono’s marriage, their honeymoon in Amsterdam, and their activism. Some radio stations banned or censored the song, particularly for the line, “Christ, you know it ain’t easy.” Nevertheless, the song resonated widely and topped charts internationally, showcasing its appeal despite the controversy.

Lyrics

Standing in the dock at Southampton

Tryin’ to get to Holland or FranceThe man in the mac said, “You’ve got to go back”You know, they didn’t even give us a chance

Christ, you know it ain’t easyYou know how hard it can beThe way things are goingThey’re going to crucify me

Finally made the plane into ParisHoney mooning down by the SeinePeter Brown called to say”You can make it OKYou can get married in Gibraltar, near Spain”

Christ, you know it ain’t easyYou know how hard it can beThe way things are goin’They’re going to crucify me

Drove from Paris to the Amsterdam HiltonTalking in our beds for a weekThe newspapers said, “Say what you doing in bed?”I said, “We’re only trying to get us some peace”

Christ, you know it ain’t easyYou know how hard it can beThe way things are goin’They’re going to crucify me

Saving up your money for a rainy dayGivin’ all your clothes to charityLast night the wife said, “Oh boy, when you’re deadYou don’t take nothing with you but your soulThink”

Made a lightning trip to ViennaEating chocolate cake in a bagThe newspapers said, “She’s gone to his headThey look just like two gurus in drag”

Christ, you know it ain’t easyYou know how hard it can beThe way things are goin’They’re going to crucify me

Caught the early plane back to London50 acorns tied in a sackThe men from the press said, “We wish you successIt’s good to have the both of you back”

Christ, you know it ain’t easyYou know how hard it can beThe way things are goin’They’re going to crucify me

The way things are goin’They’re going to crucify me