John Lennon’s Journey to ‘In My Life’: A Song That Defined His Growth
John Lennon never stood still as a songwriter. Constantly seeking to improve his craft, he refused to accept mediocrity. With The Beatles, Lennon could have easily relied on the band’s meteoric success and repeated a winning formula. Instead, he chose to evolve, showcasing his determination to grow as an artist.
For Lennon, songwriting was a deeply personal journey that took years of effort and introspection to perfect. Early in his career, he struggled to channel his storytelling instincts into lyrics, facing numerous challenges along the way. This self-critical approach proved pivotal, as Lennon was unafraid to revisit ideas that didn’t meet his standards. His relentless pursuit of excellence ultimately led to the creation of ‘In My Life,’ a track that marked a significant step forward for him as a songwriter.
Appearing on the 1965 album Rubber Soul, ‘In My Life’ reflected a tonal shift in Lennon’s approach to music. For the first time, he drew inspiration from his own life, exploring the emotional weight of his memories and experiences. The introspective track serves as a guided tour of Lennon’s past, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped him into the man he became. This departure from his earlier, more impersonal lyrics gave the song a resonance that still captivates listeners today.
Initially, Lennon’s vision for ‘In My Life’ was less focused. He conceived the song as a journalistic recounting of a bus journey from his childhood home on Menlove Avenue to downtown Liverpool, naming various places along the way. However, Lennon found the first draft unsatisfying, later describing it as “ridiculous” and likening it to a mundane travelogue. Recognizing its shortcomings, Lennon decided to rework the song, transforming it into something far more meaningful.
In an interview with David Sheff in 1980, Lennon reflected on this process: “‘In My Life’ started out as a bus journey…mentioning every place I could remember, and it was the most boring sort of ‘What I Did on My Holidays’ bus trip song. It wasn’t working at all.” Instead of abandoning the idea, Lennon shifted focus, turning the song into a reflection on the people and relationships that had defined his life. By doing so, he infused the lyrics with a universal emotional depth that transcended its original concept.
Paul McCartney contributed to the song’s music, helping to craft the middle eight, but Lennon took full ownership of the lyrics. He proudly noted, “All lyrics written, signed, sealed, and delivered. And it was, I think, my first real major piece of work.” The influence of figures like journalist Kenneth Allsop and songwriter Bob Dylan encouraged Lennon to embrace a more literary and introspective style, which became evident in this composition.
Through the editing process, Lennon transformed ‘In My Life’ from a forgettable draft into a masterpiece. The song’s deeply personal yet universal appeal solidified its place as one of The Beatles’ most iconic tracks. Lennon himself regarded it as the first time he consciously applied his literary sensibilities to songwriting, a milestone in his career that set the stage for future innovations.
Ultimately, ‘In My Life’ became a testament to Lennon’s growth as a songwriter. By channeling his memories and emotions into the lyrics, he created a piece that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, capturing the essence of his journey and artistry.
