Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Among the peace anthems, vibrant psychedelic sounds, and poignant love songs in John Lennon’s recording history, one particular experiment stood out: his raw and emotional track, “Mother.” This exploration of profound feelings can be found on the seminal album John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band. The song’s genesis, strikingly unique, underscores Lennon’s experimental approach to music. The album, featuring Ringo Starr on drums and Klaus Voormann on bass, remains a powerful statement.
The Genesis of “Mother”
In 1970, while composing for his album John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, Lennon drew inspiration from a surprising source for one pivotal track.
Inspiration from Television
“Well, I was watching TV as usual, in California, and there was this old horror movie on, and the bells sounded like that to me,” he explained, referring to the introductory sounds of “Mother,” in a 1971 interview with Rolling Stone.
- The sounds, manipulated for effect, became the song’s signature opening.
- “It was probably different, because those were actually bells slowed down that they used on the album. They just sounded like that and I thought oh, that’s how to start ‘Mother’.”
He also revealed its significance in the album’s structure: “I knew ‘Mother’ was going to be the first track so…”
Analyzing “Mother”: A Haunting Ballad
“Mother,” a haunting ballad and the album’s lead single, commences with eerie bell sounds, followed by a minimalist rhythm and Lennon’s impassioned vocals, conveying raw emotion through powerful cries.
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Interpretations and Lennon’s Response
Initially, many theorized that the song conveyed Lennon’s feelings of abandonment by his parents, claims he later refuted on a posthumously released live album.
Lennon’s Commercial Expectations
During his Rolling Stone interview, when queried if the album would produce any chart-topping hits, Lennon responded: “I keep thinking ‘Mother’ is a commercial record, because all the time I was writing it, it was the one I was singing the most, it’s the one that seemed to catch on in my head. I’m convinced that ‘Mother’ is a commercial record.” Lennon believed in the potential of “Mother”, viewing it as a commercially viable track.
The Enduring Legacy of “Mother”
Contrary to Lennon’s predictions, “Mother” peaked at number 43 on Billboard’s Top 100. However, this doesn’t diminish its impact.
Cover Versions and Cultural Influence
Over the years, “Mother” has been reinterpreted by diverse artists across genres, appealing to wide audiences, including:
- Barbra Streisand (1971)
- Christina Aguilera (2007)
- David Bowie (posthumous album, 2021)
- Lou Reed (numerous times)
Further Recognition
- A punk rendition by Australian band X (1984)
- A South African version by Ratau Mike Makhalemele (1990)
- An Italian rendition (“Madre”) by Mia Martini (1972)
- Inspiration for the title of Shigesato Itoi’s Mother video game series.
The continuing reinterpretations of his emotional ballad demonstrate its significance in popular culture, making “Mother” a lasting and influential song.