SuperWeh wrote: Get over it- (we all do not seem so great to those around us) In the long run he worked hard to make this all better for us = he is a GOD!!

Vogelfrei wrote: Well, when my father left "us" (my mother, my brother and I) it didn't feel bad like the times I was envious of when my brother got a present and I didn't, it felt _really_ bad. Don't worry, I've gotten over all that now and have forgiven (and re-forgiven many times) but I can imagine (imagine, dig?) that for Julian hearing this song must have been extremely difficult. Personally I don't have a very favourable opinion of John Lennon, for a guy advocating world love & peace & all that he seemed rather ugly to those around him.

siandbeth wrote: First, I doubt you have any facts to prove that Cynthia and Julian got "nothing". Second, haven't you ever heard of growing up, maturing, becoming a better person? I have to wonder how many people marry the first time and AREN'T good spouses/parents? By the time they marry again, HOPEFULLY, they are better people than they were at that young age. It's a wonder ANYTHING any of the Beatles did while they were famous was a good decision. Under the circumstances, I'm certain John did the best he could. Your assumptions allow you to judge him, which is sad.

Life is just what happens to you, While your busy making other plans

Say what you will but 25+ years later, I remain immensely saddened by our loss of this singer / songwriter.

IMHO, this last album by John was the pinnacle of his career and personal life. He SEEMED to have reached a place where he was finally enjoying life, love, and family. How sad that he was taken shortly after this CD came out....

The follow-up to this should be "Dear Jessie" by Madonna:-)

God. I've always loved this song, but never really Heard It. Especially in context. Thx Bill.

dmax wrote: One of the really amazing things about Lennon's solo work, and especially his songs on this final album, is how intensely personal and specific to his own life they are, and yet they still resonate with many of us. It's not so much that his songs have universal themes (though they often do), it's that his work touched us so intimately that he felt like family. So when he wrote biographical lyrics, we feel like we know just what he's talking about. siandbeth wrote: meydele wrote: It does seems to be true that John was a better husband and father in his second marriage than in his first. And Julian has gone on record as being quite bitter about his absent celebrity father. But that said, I don't agree that this serenade for Sean has to be interpreted as a slight against his firstborn. For one thing, John did write a lullaby for Julian: "Good Night" which appeared on the White Album (sung by Ringo, which sparked a whole other bit of family drama). But more to the point, I don't think it's wrong for a parent to do something for one child without including the other siblings at all times. When you have a birthday party for one of your kids, do you feel you have to buy presents for the other kids too? I don't. The other siblings have their own birthdays, and should learn to be gracious and respect that today is their brother's or sister's special day. In the same way, I imagine when Julian listens to this song, he's mature enough to think "Good on you, Sean. What a beautiful song Dad wrote for you."

Another egomaniacal man who gets remarried, has a kid and discovers that being a husband and father is the best thing in the world. Meanwhile, first wife and first child get nothing. Been there, seen that, moving from "marginal" to "sucko barfo". Lowers my opinion of the man greatly, turns him into just another deadbeat dad.

meydele wrote: Would be very hard to be the other son. . .

This is my unofficial song for my two sons. "I can hardly wait to see you come of age". Some don't get the chance. So listen to the line "life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans". Its the little things, cereal together, not trips to Paris, that make your life with your family. I visited the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and while interesting, it's pretty distant stuff. But then I came across a sheet with John's hand-written lyrics for "Beautiful Boy" and it moved me to tears.

Sunman wrote: This must be a hard song for Julian to listen to.

azdcryan wrote: I have to agree with others who commented on how John's love seemed reserved primarily for his younger son. As much as I love this song, I also find it disturbing in subtle way that has always kept it off of my mental rotation list.

azdcryan wrote: Yeah

Cool! Was just thinking about this song today. :-)

azdcryan wrote: Wow. I think you spoke for me and most of the rest of us, too. And very insightfully, at that.

Krispian wrote: couldn't agree more...and in spite of the *fact* according to most here that this song is trite or otherwise too cute...(keep in mind that we aren't talking about the entire canon of his/their material) this song is its own. ...this song, as with many John wrote in his later years, is so incredibly real and sad and visceral and tragic and hopeful and stirring...and ultimately successful at raising the flesh on your arms & neck, causing that uncontrollable churning in your stomach, and that uncomfortable knot in your throat. When I sit quietly and sing this to my baby boy, I can count on the tears, the choked voice...and everytime I thank God that John Lennon graced this mortal coil... John gave voice to the frailty and hopefulness of man; however flawed he is. I like most, spend my life trying my best...sometimes failing, being a fool, being a creep, sometimes I succeed...all the while, there's love in my heart... ...John Lennon painted the human condition in a way that my soul can feel, but my pen cannot write. For that I am grateful.

rKokon wrote: Wonder how his first son felt? I can't enjoy this song because he seems to have missed showing his first son such love. Since my husband had a similar experience with his dad, I know the suffering it causes. Then again since I didn't know John Lennon personally I am only just reacting to what I've heard which could all be rubbish!

I've always thought that this must be a hard song for Sean to listen to.

celadonstone wrote: That's a very touching scene.

LizDeines wrote: But she isn't on this one!

At our wedding, this was the Mother/Son dance.

On_The_Beach wrote: And that's the one I've always hated. The song is mawkish, but I still like it.

I'd never listened to the words carefully - he ends "Darlin' Sean"... Wow!

I love that movie!!!! thewiseking wrote:

etwilson wrote: I find the song a tad mawkish for my tastes, but I always loved that line.

Pyro wrote: Yoko is his second wife. Or third?

great song. please dont associate it with that mr hollands opus; absolute maudlin crap.

I recommend watching U.S. vs John Lennon. Gives you a great picture of how crazy the govt was then, shows how amazing John was and what he sacrificed to promote world peace. You'll laugh, you'll cry.

sutcliff wrote: Good film, Mr. Holland's Opus. Used this song nicely as Mr Holland tried to reach out to his deaf son. He signs the whole thing. :-)

What a strange album this is. John's songs are brilliant, Yoko's are utter crap.

dmax wrote: