The Ballad Of John & Yoko

John Lennon's song "The Ballad of John & Yoko" is a candid and autobiographical account of his experiences with Yoko Ono, particularly focusing on the challenges they faced from the media and society. The song begins with Lennon describing their attempts to travel and marry, only to be met with obstacles and resistance. The line "The man in the Mac said, 'You've gotta go back'" highlights the bureaucratic hurdles they encountered, symbolizing the broader societal pushback against their relationship.

The recurring refrain, "Christ, you know it ain't easy, you know how hard it can be, the way things are going, they're gonna crucify me," serves as a powerful metaphor for the persecution Lennon felt. By comparing his struggles to crucifixion, Lennon underscores the intensity of the scrutiny and criticism he and Yoko faced. This metaphor also alludes to the idea of martyrdom, suggesting that their love and quest for peace were misunderstood and vilified by the public and the press.

Throughout the song, Lennon details various episodes of their journey, from their honeymoon in Paris to their "Bed-In for Peace" in Amsterdam. These events are depicted with a mix of humor and frustration, as seen in lines like "The newspeople said, 'Say, what're you doing in bed?' I said, 'we're only trying to get us some peace.'" This highlights the couple's efforts to promote peace and love, despite being constantly misinterpreted and mocked by the media. The song concludes with a sense of resignation, as Lennon repeats the refrain, emphasizing the relentless nature of their persecution.