About The Song
"Cold Turkey" by John Lennon is a raw and intense song that provides a glimpse into the personal struggles of the artist during a tumultuous period in his life. Released in 1969 as a single and later included in the album "Live Peace in Toronto 1969," the song is a departure from the more melodic and optimistic tunes associated with Lennon's work with The Beatles. Instead, "Cold Turkey" delves into themes of addiction and withdrawal, offering a candid and unfiltered portrayal of Lennon's experiences.
The song was written during Lennon's attempt to overcome his addiction to heroin, a substance he and his wife, Yoko Ono, had been using. The lyrics vividly describe the physical and emotional toll of withdrawal, providing an unflinching look at the pain and desperation associated with breaking free from addiction. Lennon's decision to address such a personal and challenging subject in his music reflects his commitment to honesty and authenticity in his art.
Musically, "Cold Turkey" features a driving and frenetic rhythm, mirroring the urgency and restlessness described in the lyrics. The song's guitar riffs, played by Eric Clapton, contribute to its edgy and dissonant sound. Lennon's vocals, marked by a sense of urgency and anguish, add a visceral quality to the track. The overall production style aligns with the raw and unpolished aesthetic that characterized much of Lennon's solo work during this period.
The release of "Cold Turkey" as a single without the collaborative input of The Beatles marked a significant moment in Lennon's solo career. The song's bold and confrontational nature set it apart from his earlier, more commercially oriented work. It showcased Lennon's willingness to use his art as a means of self-expression and exploration, even if it meant departing from the familiar sound that had defined his earlier career.
"Cold Turkey" is not only a reflection of Lennon's personal struggles but also a snapshot of the countercultural climate of the late 1960s. The song emerged during a period of social and political upheaval, and its themes of rebellion and breaking free from societal constraints resonated with the spirit of the times. Lennon's openness about his own vulnerabilities and challenges contributed to the song's impact and its lasting place in the rock canon.
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Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Temperature's rising
Fever is high
Can't see no future
Can't see no sky
My feet are so heavy
So is my head
I wish I was a baby
I wish I was dead
Cold turkey has got me on the run
My body is aching
Goose-pimple bone
Can't see no body
Leave me alone
My eyes are wide open
Can't get to sleep
One thing I'm sure of
I'm in at the deep freeze
Cold turkey has got me on the run
Cold turkey has got me on the run
Thirty-six hours
Rolling in pain
Praying to someone
Free me again
Oh I'll be a good boy
Please make me well
I promise you anything
Get me out of this hell
Cold turkey has got me on the run
Oh, oh, oh, oh