Mrs. Lennon

"Mrs. Lennon" is Yoko Ono's first single from her second studio album '' Fly'', released in 1971. It was written and performed by Ono, and produced by Ono and her husband John Lennon. It includes the B-side "Midsummer New York". "Mrs. Lennon" was featured in the 1972 film ''Imagine''.

Reception

Ono biographers Nell Beram and Carolyn Boriss-Krimsky described the song's theme as the way the public defined Ono solely as ex- Beatle John Lennon's wife and did not recognize her as an artist in her own right. Beram and Boriss-Krimsky felt that the lack of promotion her records including ''Fly'' received was a reflection of this theme, since her record company did not believe that the public would be interested in Ono's solo work. Ben Urish and Ken Bielen described the song's theme similarly, stating that it is an "ironic ballad" that it sounds like a love song, but the lyrics describe Ono's anxiety about losing her identity.

'' Cash Box'' described the song as "a most beautiful ballad," stating that it "adds new dimension to no'stalents as she can now appeal to both AM and underground markets." Zachary Hoskins of '' Slant Magazine'' described "Mrs. Lennon" as a "haunting, piano-led ballad." Allmusic critic Ned Raggett called the song "reflective," stating that it provides "as wry but heartfelt a portrait of her position in the public eye as any." ''Pitchfork'' critic Mark Masters calls it an attempt by Ono to write a more conventional song than she has in the past and describes it as "glammy balladry." Masters describes her singing as "somber" and notes that she is accompanied by Lennon's "slow piano chords." Urish and Bielen praised Lennon's piano work, describing it as "evocative faux classical piano playing." ''The Spill Magazine'' critic Aaron Badgley stated that "Mrs. Lennon" is "proof that Ono can write, and produce standard pop ballads, but even then, she throws in her own curves which makes the song that more interesting and enjoyable." Lennon biographer Geoffrey Giuliano described the song as "haunting." Lennon described it as more of a "straight" track than her previous work, stating that it shows off "her more conservative side."

Music video

A music video for the song premiered on ''The Dick Cavett Show'' on 11 September 1971, when John Lennon and Yoko Ono were guests on the programme. (The video is introduced at approximately the 39:24 mark). Film of "Mrs. Lennon" depicting the couple walking around their Ascot mansion was included in the 1972 television film ''Imagine''.

Legacy and influence

Alex Chilton utilized a section of the song's chord progression in his song "Holocaust."

Personnel

* Yoko Ono – vocals
* John Lennon – piano, organ
* Klaus Voormann – acoustic guitar, bass

References

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Yoko Ono songs
1971 debut singles
1971 songs
Song recordings produced by John Lennon
Song recordings produced by Yoko Ono
Songs about Yoko Ono
Songs written by Yoko Ono
1970s ballads
Pop ballads