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John Lennon — Crippled Inside
Album: Imagine
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1553









Released: 1971
Length: 3:44
Plays (last 30 days): 2
You can shine your shoes and wear a suit
You can comb your hair and look quite cute
You can hide your face behind a smile
One thing you can't hide
is when you're crippled inside

You can wear a mask and paint your face
You can call yourself the human race
You can wear a collar and a tie
One thing you can't hide
is when you're crippled inside

Well now you know that your cat had nine lives babe
Nine lives to itself
But you only got one
And a dog's life ain't fun
Mamma take a look outside.

You can go to church and sing a hymn
Judge me by the colour of my skin
You can live a lie until you die
One thing you can't hide
is when you're crippled inside.
Comments (161)add comment
 sfyi2001 wrote:

CRIPPLED INSIDE




 hayduke2 wrote:
 
the more they stay self important, mentally crippled criminals

Image

The man is a narcissistic sociopath, a pathological liar, a complete moron, a whiny crybaby, and yes, a convicted criminal. And yet, there are still millions of people stupid and gullible enough to believe his moronic lies and actually vote for him. If he told them to jump off a bridge, they probably would. 
If he gets in in November, all I can say is "America, you asked for it". 
 xrdstv wrote:

Some people need their parents here to stop them from posting childish photos. 




Has a Grateful Dead vibe to it.....
if you think there will be any significant difference in actual US policy (foreign or domestic) by having Tweedledee or Tweedledum as president, well you need a history lesson.
Who isn't?
Some people need their parents here to stop them from posting childish photos. 
 hayduke2 wrote:
 
the more they stay self important, mentally crippled criminals

Image



You obviously weren't paying complete attention.
 sfyi2001 wrote:

CRIPPLED INSIDE



You are sick.

CRIPPLED INSIDE

 hayduke2 wrote:
 
the more they stay self important, mentally crippled criminals

Image



Poorly, a public figure who has never had to overcome any hardship (his quality of life was never impacted by his failed businesses. How do you lose money on New York real estates and casinos?) But this mentally crippled was enabled by rational actors who sought increased influence, and were willing to deconstruct democracy in order to advance themselves. Who is the bigger threat? A naked narcissist and demagogue or these enablers?
san francisco bay?
 hayduke2 wrote:
 


Image


John Lennon jug band music! Got this album for Xmas in ‘71 and this was always one of my favorite tracks on it.
 hayduke2 wrote:
 
the more they stay self important, mentally crippled criminals

Image


 thewiseking wrote:

i love john and i love this album. this song however reveals an ugliness to john's personality and a bit of cruelty as well.


Ugliness and cruelty?  Where?!  That, and other comments that somehow manage to reverse the meaning of this lyric, are complete mis-reads.

And -- whether or not inspired/triggered by an incident with Paul -- this song is clearly directed to the human race as a whole and to each person individually (including, no doubt, to himself):  Do a little self-assessment of the soul and examine how you [we] treat others.
 hayduke2 wrote:
 . . . the more they stay self important, mentally crippled criminals
 
Aw, c'mon, brave Donnie was gonna rush into that high school without a gun and take down the shooter, single-handed, if only, he'd like, been there, y'know?!! Poor guy just never had the chance.
How can you dis such a fearless would-be hero?!
{#Bananapiano} zesty !
  hayduke2 wrote:
...'71 was loaded with emotionally crippled, power-mad dudes telling people how to live...

  
Baby_M wrote:

The more things change,.....

  
the more they stay self important, mentally crippled criminals

Image
Not one of my favorites from John.... 
 
I always liked this one. Very loose feel that complements John's lyric perfectly.
Love happy peppy songs about depressing topics !!!!!!!!!!!!!
This song and Bowie's entire Hunky Dory album are great examples.

 
 gofishbish wrote:
Funny, I was thinking the same thing... but for Hillary.

 

Me too.  To be fair, I think this applies to pretty much any politician these days.  Including Dear Leader.


no surprise here
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zDtRLLyAuQ
Funny, I was thinking the same thing... but for Hillary.
 
A_Radio_Head wrote:
Am I hearing Donald Trump's campaign song?
 

 


 hayduke2 wrote:
...'71 was loaded with emotionally crippled, power-mad dudes telling people how to live...

 
The more things change,.....
*Insert Abelism statement here* 
Am I hearing Donald Trump's campaign song?
 
them words reflect the times they were written, '71 was loaded with emotionally crippled, power-mad dudes telling people how to live

John was great. 
 zspoppa wrote:
Closest JL ever came to sounding like The Band

 
Levon never woulda wrote somethin this nasty
 thewiseking wrote:
I always loved John. Always considered him the genius of the group.
As for liking the man himself, well, not so much. Song lyrics like this certainly show his mean spirited, ugly side.  

 
Everyone has a mean-spirited side.
... toes a tappin' and bum buffing the chair all while playing my air piano...
I always loved John. Always considered him the genius of the group.
As for liking the man himself, well, not so much. Song lyrics like this certainly show his mean spirited, ugly side.  
Odd that this is the same voice that belted Slow Down and Revolution. 
Meh
I just watched a documentary on Nilsson. This sounds like his influance
i have this song on many cds and ipods so i hear it quite a bit and it always makes me smile---''take it brother!'
Because Sir Paul didn't want you to...JLenno was singing about his estranged former bandmate.

 
wintergaard wrote:
Wow!   Why have I never heard this song before?

 


Great song, enhanced by the dozens of brilliant comments you've all added, Cheers!  Peace and Love
Aren't we all?
I think Principle IV of the  Nuremberg Principles offers a bit of guidance on the significance of an individual's actions when the State is likely committing potentially unlawful acts.  Moreover, the State is not bound by ethical principles in the sense that individuals are.  Hence Mr. Snowden, as an individual, chose to violate his oath in the name of what he saw as a 'higher good.'  This is a decision that only an individual can make and, IMHO, marks Mr. Snowden as a man who wishes to preserve a democratic, civilized society.   Only time will tell whether Mr. Snowden's act will have served the higher good.  My feeling is that history will ultimately exonerate him, whether the USA chooses the path of the Stasi-like "Panopticon State" or reaffirms the need that its agencies respect the spirit of the Constitution. 

Just my 2c
Cheers!


Webfoot
wrote:
Well put Carl.

 



 zspoppa wrote:
Closest JL ever came to sounding like The Band

 

...or The Dead.

Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked...  love this song...  love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
 Carl wrote:
 Lazarus wrote:
Excellent song from a great album...  we need John Lennon as much as ever...  wonder what he would think of this—

There's a New Fascism on the Rise, and the NSA Leaks Show Us What It Looks Like

In his book, Propaganda, published in 1928, Edward Bernays wrote: "The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country."

Snowden’s revelation that Washington has used Google, Facebook, Apple and other giants of consumer technology to spy on almost everyone, is further evidence of modern form of fascism – that is the "abyss". Having nurtured old-fashioned fascists around the world – from Latin America to Africa and Indonesia – the genie has risen at home. Understanding this is as important as understanding the criminal abuse of technology...


Not to belabor this, but the NSA's been around 60 years and has done a pretty good job overall of protecting both national security and personal information. They've been able to intercept any communication whenever they want and have not abused this capability; unlike Congress, they are not for sale. Their big mistake was granting so much sensitive access to a contract employee—who, BTW, no doubt swore an oath to uphold the US Constitution and safeguard classified information entrusted to him. This doesn't mean Mr. Snowden gets to choose what information he will protect—if it's classified, he must protect it, period. Anyone who swears an oath then purposefully reneges on it has no rightful place in civil society. (Incidentally, this isn't an opinion; it's from personal experience.)

Oh, and agree, an excellent song from an excellent album!

  Well put Carl.
 Lazarus wrote:
Excellent song from a great album...  we need John Lennon as much as ever...  wonder what he would think of this—

There's a New Fascism on the Rise, and the NSA Leaks Show Us What It Looks Like

In his book, Propaganda, published in 1928, Edward Bernays wrote: "The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country."

Snowden’s revelation that Washington has used Google, Facebook, Apple and other giants of consumer technology to spy on almost everyone, is further evidence of modern form of fascism – that is the "abyss". Having nurtured old-fashioned fascists around the world – from Latin America to Africa and Indonesia – the genie has risen at home. Understanding this is as important as understanding the criminal abuse of technology...


Not to belabor this, but the NSA's been around 60 years and has done a pretty good job overall of protecting both national security and personal information. They've been able to intercept any communication whenever they want and have not abused this capability; unlike Congress, they are not for sale. Their big mistake was granting so much sensitive access to a contract employee—who, BTW, no doubt swore an oath to uphold the US Constitution and safeguard classified information entrusted to him. This doesn't mean Mr. Snowden gets to choose what information he will protect—if it's classified, he must protect it, period. Anyone who swears an oath then purposefully reneges on it has no rightful place in civil society. (Incidentally, this isn't an opinion; it's from personal experience.)

Oh, and agree, an excellent song from an excellent album!

Excellent song from a great album...  we need John Lennon as much as ever...

It is our needs that interpret the world; our drives and their For and Against.  Every drive is a kind of lust to rule; each one has its perspective that it would like to compel all the other drives to accept as a norm. — Friedrich Nietzsche, The Will to Power, p.p.481

 oldsaxon wrote:
John's head was so far up his butt his nose was back on his face. SInging "Imagine there's no possesions" on his amazing white grand piano was too much. Still if anyone deserves to sing this, I suppose it's him.
 A bad day for old saxby? Somebody been poking you with a sharp stick?

magnificent song...
 
Closest JL ever came to sounding like The Band

Everybody in my church loves this song...
 
John's head was so far up his butt his nose was back on his face. SInging "Imagine there's no possesions" on his amazing white grand piano was too much. Still if anyone deserves to sing this, I suppose it's him.
...take it brother.
@ gjr : Oh, puh-lease... .
Wow!   Why have I never heard this song before?
just don't like this song. sorry. especially after watching "anthology" where george, paul and ringo all jumped to his defense when they were asked about the time he was filmed making fun of the handicapped kids they were in a room with.  it really was horrific.  yes i'm an avid beatle fan but that moment and his "hitler" salute in australia leave a stain  
 daveesh wrote:
i've always thought this could easily have been a jerry garcia song
 

'ceptin Jerry wasn't much of a lyricist.... that's why he had Hunter and Barlow
 Carl wrote:
This is a perfect example of why I rate songs as I do. In the beginning, I rated songs by how good I thought they were, based on their "pedigree." After a while with RP, I decided, "Who am I to judge a song/singer/group — he/she/they probably forgot more about making music than I'll ever know!" So I began rating songs by the frequency that I'd like to hear others like it, and that's worked amazingly well, once I got used to it. Now, if a song that I like plays—regardless of who It is—I rate it only on how I like it. So, while I like and respect and miss John Lennon a lot, and the song OK, I'd like to hear it and others like it not so much compared with other RP stuff I've rated higher. Amen.
 

Or you could give it the number of the volume dial on your amp to which it makes you turn...
 romeotuma wrote:


The upbeat, honky-tonk piano rhythm is an ironic contrast to the profound lyrics...  this is one of Lennon's many many many great songs...  love it...


 
Ironic contrast......Exactamundo

 Stratocaster wrote:
Released in 1971.  Bought the album in 1971.  Loved this song since 1971.  In fact, I think every song on the record is great, with the possible exception of "I Don't Want To Be A Soldier".

Think I'm gonna give it a spin later today...thanks Bill! 
 

Don't skip I Dont Want to be a Soldier ..

This is one brilliant record.
Released in 1971.  Bought the album in 1971.  Loved this song since 1971.  In fact, I think every song on the record is great, with the possible exception of "I Don't Want To Be A Soldier".

Think I'm gonna give it a spin later today...thanks Bill! 
This is a perfect example of why I rate songs as I do. In the beginning, I rated songs by how good I thought they were, based on their "pedigree." After a while with RP, I decided, "Who am I to judge a song/singer/group — he/she/they probably forgot more about making music than I'll ever know!" So I began rating songs by the frequency that I'd like to hear others like it, and that's worked amazingly well, once I got used to it. Now, if a song that I like plays—regardless of who It is—I rate it only on how I like it. So, while I like and respect and miss John Lennon a lot, and the song OK, I'd like to hear it and others like it not so much compared with other RP stuff I've rated higher. Amen.
 WonderLizard wrote:
There are three gods in my life: James Joyce, Paul Cezanne, and John Lennon. I say this to somewhat mitigate the flaming that will follow what I'm about to suggest. But...can you imagine (NPI) what The Beatles would have done with this? I love this tune because it demonstrates the depth and breadth of Lennon's—very much like Dylan, Prince, and Beck in this respect—musical knowledge. but I can't help thinking that the input/pushback from Harrison and McCartney would have turned a musical ditty (and only the music—the lyrics are devastating, yes?) into something special.
 
This is true of so many of the songs from all the ex-Beatles. They pushed each other beyond their individual limitations.


"One thing you can't hide is when you're crippled inside" So true. 
Lyrical brilliance!


 Cynaera wrote:
Oh, geez. I'd forgotten this song - now it's back, and I'm grinning all over again.  THANK YOU to whoever submitted it. And thanks to Bill and Rebecca for playing it.  I'm crippled inside, but it doesn't matter, because this song makes me smile... {#Sunny}
 

same here, nobody makes you smile like the beatles/john lennon

I know I can relate....James are you listening?
Oh, geez. I'd forgotten this song - now it's back, and I'm grinning all over again.  THANK YOU to whoever submitted it. And thanks to Bill and Rebecca for playing it.  I'm crippled inside, but it doesn't matter, because this song makes me smile... {#Sunny}
 akousa wrote:
Only John Lennon could make insufferable pain sound joyful.

Please take note, Thom Yorke.

 
I think Thom Yorke has probably been taking note of John Lennon for a long time.

   {#Dancingbanana}...ode to the hoomins !

I was wondering to myself ...when did John Lennon ever play with the Dead?
I see now he did this on his own. 
Only John Lennon could make insufferable pain sound joyful.

Please take note, Thom Yorke.

 romeotuma wrote:


fantastic song...  I can relate because I got real bad drain bamage...  love it...
 
I hope you're joking...
 fredriley wrote:
Well f*ck my old boots! A John Lennon song that doesn't get me reaching for the mute. I didn't even know it was himself until I read the running order. Nice toe-tapping stuff, probably a horrible rip-off of some country style but wtf. 6 from the Nottingham jury.
 
Really, Fred? No love for John? Not even his Beatles songs?

Wow....forgot all about this SONG!!!!!!!!!!  {#Dancingbanana}
There are three gods in my life: James Joyce, Paul Cezanne, and John Lennon. I say this to somewhat mitigate the flaming that will follow what I'm about to suggest. But...can you imagine (NPI) what The Beatles would have done with this? I love this tune because it demonstrates the depth and breadth of Lennon's—very much like Dylan, Prince, and Beck in this respect—musical knowledge. but I can't help thinking that the input/pushback from Harrison and McCartney would have turned a musical ditty (and only the music—the lyrics are devastating, yes?) into something special.
you can wear a mask ;)
 crockydile wrote:

My album didn't come with that..but the music was good. {#Lol}
 

{#Roflol}
 Papernapkin wrote:
This has the flavor of a Grateful Dead song — except it sounds good.
 

Perfect!{#Clap}
{#Roflol}{#Yes}{#Roflol}

 
Papernapkin wrote:
This has the flavor of a Grateful Dead song — except it sounds good.
 


 romeotuma wrote:


classic song from a seminal album...
 
My album didn't come with that..but the music was good. {#Lol}
Kin to Dylan's "You're Gonna Have to Serve Somebody"
i've always thought this could easily have been a jerry garcia song
This has the flavor of a Grateful Dead song — except it sounds good.
 Hannio wrote:
Or maybe Paul was just saying what everybody already knew, and John couldn't face the reality.

 
{#Iamwithstupid}

 Geecheeboy wrote:
I think I hide it pretty well.
 
Hilarious  {#Lol}
Oh John why'd you have to go...
 thewiseking wrote:
i love john and i love this album. this song however reveals an ugliness to john's personality and a bit of cruelty as well.

 
That's part of the appeal of this tune (to me).  Despite what many people may believe - he was just a human being (albeit, an exceptional one).


Well f*ck my old boots! A John Lennon song that doesn't get me reaching for the mute. I didn't even know it was himself until I read the running order. Nice toe-tapping stuff, probably a horrible rip-off of some country style but wtf. 6 from the Nottingham jury.
 Hannio wrote:
Or maybe Paul was just saying what everybody already knew, and John couldn't face the reality.

 
FUNNY!  {#Biggrin}
 nuggler wrote:
We lie to ourselves daily in desperate attempts to prove this song wrong....
 
We? Surely you gestate.

{#Dance}

John tells it like it is!
Personal battles among bandmembers notwithstanding, I prefer to think of lyrics in a general sense. Do they have a message for all of us? These do.
ThePoose wrote:
On the contrary, John made it very clear that this was solely a major shot at Paul, whom he said might look ''pretty'' to all on the outside but was all fucked up inside. One example: John and Yoko styaed with Paul briefly after John and Cynthia split--until Paul left a note on the mantel for John that said, ''You and your Jap tart think you're hot shit.'' Crippled inside indeed.
Or maybe Paul was just saying what everybody already knew, and John couldn't face the reality.
On_The_Beach wrote:
From Wikipedia: "...Lennon also incorporates the myth about a cat having nine lives into the song, and compares it to a dog's one: "... This could be interpreted as a veiled criticism of reincarnation, advising listeners to instead focus on the one life that they do have."
Oh yah. That struck me soon as I heard that lyric. I'm sure.
thewiseking wrote:
i love john and i love this album. this song however reveals an ugliness to john's personality and a bit of cruelty as well.
I don't sense any cruelty, just a statement toward bigotry.
i love john and i love this album. this song however reveals an ugliness to john's personality and a bit of cruelty as well.
Classic John Lennon song, typical of his intelligent, insightful lyrical style. From easily one of the best rock albums ever made.
What a great chap. We certainly miss him very much.
Pyro wrote:
John!
You know it John!!
From Wikipedia: "The song's lyrics detail examples of false pretenses in human behavior, as well as common hypocrisy. Lennon especially attacks religion, which he did not believe in, as a prime source of hypocrisy, saying, "You can go to church and sing a hymn" and that "You can live a lie until you die, but one thing you can't hide, is when you're crippled inside." Lennon also incorporates the myth about a cat having nine lives into the song, and compares it to a dog's one: "Well, you know that your cat has nine lives, babe, but you only got one, and a dog's life ain't fun." This could be interpreted as a veiled criticism of reincarnation, advising listeners to instead focus on the one life that they do have."
Truly "The day music died" - all those years ago
algrif wrote:
A friend (who I have now lost touch with) who was schizofrenic took this song very personally. He hated Lennon for it. I have to agree, that it can be a very hurtful song for some people. Lennon never really made it clear where this song was aimed. But taking purely on rock music basis, I give it an 8
On the contrary, John made it very clear that this was solely a major shot at Paul, whom he said might look ''pretty'' to all on the outside but was all fucked up inside. One example: John and Yoko styaed with Paul briefly after John and Cynthia split--until Paul left a note on the mantel for John that said, ''You and your Jap tart think you're hot shit.'' Crippled inside indeed.
algrif wrote:
Thanx. Yes. If it was a real criticism, I wouldn't have given an 8. Although I still maintain that the aim of the song is not as clear as some of you seem to think.
Oh, its clear enough...'look at yourself' is what he's saying....
buckskin wrote:
I have a 24yo bi-polar daughter. She sometimes takes things personally that have NOTHING to do with her. I'm sure algrif was merely relaying an anecdote (listen to MY co-dependent, gotta-fix-everything self - geeeez)
Thanx. Yes. If it was a real criticism, I wouldn't have given an 8. Although I still maintain that the aim of the song is not as clear as some of you seem to think.
I've never heard this before! I love it!
It's fortunate for the world that we are able to recieve the gifts of geniuses on occasion. I wish I could deliver my messages with such clarity, apropos sardonic wit, and beauty. He's right - you can't hide it. (Oh.. And the schizo that took issue with the song? Seems he was afflicted by "metaphor intreprative deficiency syndrome" as well.)
Maaike wrote:
I'm quite sure it's about hypocrisy in general and it has nothing to do with mental illness.
I have a 24yo bi-polar daughter. She sometimes takes things personally that have NOTHING to do with her. I'm sure algrif was merely relaying an anecdote (listen to MY co-dependent, gotta-fix-everything self - geeeez)
A bit o' ragtime - evocative of Rocky Raccoon Why the BEATLES were so versatile (as a group & as solos) tho' Lennon may have been the most versatile; at least the most experimental & daring (IMO)
algrif wrote:
A friend (who I have now lost touch with) who was schizofrenic took this song very personally. He hated Lennon for it. I have to agree, that it can be a very hurtful song for some people.
I'm quite sure it's about hypocrisy in general and it has nothing to do with mental illness.
You still rock John!!!
mojoman wrote:
An artist only barely surpassed in the fatuousness category by the afore-going Morrissey.
fatuousness is as fatuousness does.
algrif wrote:
A friend (who I have now lost touch with) who was schizofrenic took this song very personally. He hated Lennon for it. I have to agree, that it can be a very hurtful song for some people. Lennon never really made it clear where this song was aimed. But taking purely on rock music basis, I give it an 8
We lie to ourselves daily in desperate attempts to prove this song wrong....
A friend (who I have now lost touch with) who was schizofrenic took this song very personally. He hated Lennon for it. I have to agree, that it can be a very hurtful song for some people. Lennon never really made it clear where this song was aimed. But taking purely on rock music basis, I give it an 8
What a sweetheart, singing about his torments in as goofy a ramble as you might conjure.
An artist only barely surpassed in the fatuousness category by the afore-going Morrissey.
dreadpixie wrote:
Please stop spinning the washed-out beatle swill.
Talk about "crippled inside."
Another astute observation from Mr. Lennon.
Oh John, why you had to die? But: Only the good die young!
Dang, if he doesn't keep getting better and better. I always loved him, but, somehow, his wisdom just grows and grows. Even here, with what really is a ditty, his points resonate. I wish he were still with us. Who knows what concepts he would be bringing us today?