“The Ballad of John and Yoko” by The Beatles
The Beatles’ “The Ballad of John and Yoko” vividly describes the wedding of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. It begins by revealing how he first attempted to get married at sea quietly in Southampton or Paris.
After finding out that getting married in Paris wouldn’t be possible, John mentions how The Beatles’ assistant manager, Peter Brown suggested that they could tie the knot in Gibraltar. The writer goes on to talk about how he and his new wife spent a week in bed, for their Bed-In protest for peace during their honeymoon season amidst criticism from the media.
According to John, he felt crucified by the media for his actions, specifically with regards to their Bed-In protest. He also predicted how the press would later blame him and Yoko for contributing to the breakdown of The Beatles even if it had nothing to do with it.
John Lennon & Yoko Ono’s Marriage
John and Yoko married in 1969, and they remained wed until John passed away in 1980. They had actually met in 1966 in an art gallery – both of them being married at the time – with Yoko having already established herself as an artist. A few years into their own marriage they birthed a son named Sean Lennon. Throughout the years John and Yoko’s relationship had its up and downs, with the couple even being separated for a spell. But overall, they were recognized as being inseparable, with Yoko even being present at John Lennon’s murder.
“The Ballad of John and Yoko” Facts
Writing: Lennon-McCartney
Production: George Martin
Lead Vocalist(s): Lennon
Album: The Beatles’ compilation album of 1970 titled after their classic “Hey Jude“
Release: May of 1969
A Number 1 Hit
This classic scored The Beatles a number 1 in several territories, including these:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
FYI: This classic holds the distinction of being the last number 1 hit the Beatles achieved in the UK.
It was also a top 10 hit single in America. It actually peaked at the 8th position on said country’s famous “Hot 100” singles chart.
