About The Song
"Whatever Gets You thru the Night" by John Lennon is a vibrant and upbeat song released in 1974 on his album "Walls and Bridges." This track is notable for its energetic rock sound, featuring a collaboration with Elton John, and its optimistic, anthemic message.
Lennon's lyrics in "Whatever Gets You thru the Night" convey a message of encouragement and resilience. The chorus, with the repeated line "Whatever gets you through the night, it's alright, it's alright," suggests a philosophy of embracing whatever coping mechanisms or sources of comfort one needs to navigate life's challenges. The song exudes a positive and uplifting vibe, which contrasts with some of Lennon's more introspective and introspective compositions.
The collaboration with Elton John on this track adds a dynamic element to the song. Elton John not only played keyboards on the recording but also provided backing vocals and shared lead vocals with Lennon. The synergy between the two artists creates a lively and engaging performance, with Elton John's piano playing and vocal contributions complementing Lennon's distinctive voice.
Musically, "Whatever Gets You thru the Night" incorporates elements of rock and roll and features a catchy melody. The song's upbeat tempo, coupled with the brass section and the energetic piano, contributes to its feel-good atmosphere. Lennon's ability to blend different musical styles is evident in this track, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
The song's title also carries a personal significance for Lennon. In interviews, he mentioned that the lyrics were inspired by a conversation with his lover, May Pang, who encouraged him to express himself freely and not be constrained by preconceived notions. The result is a celebration of individuality and the diverse ways people find solace and strength in challenging times.
"Whatever Gets You thru the Night" achieved commercial success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it Lennon's only solo chart-topping single during his lifetime. The song's popularity was further boosted by Lennon's rare live performance on stage with Elton John at Madison Square Garden in 1974, which marked Lennon's last major concert appearance.
In conclusion, "Whatever Gets You thru the Night" is a standout track in John Lennon's solo discography, known for its infectious energy, positive message, and collaboration with Elton John. The song reflects Lennon's ability to evolve as an artist, experimenting with different musical styles while maintaining his distinctive voice and lyrical wit. Its success on the charts and enduring appeal highlight the impact of Lennon's music in connecting with audiences on both a personal and universal level.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Whatever gets you through the night
It's all right, it's all right
It's your money or your life
It's all right, it's all right
Don't need a sword to cut through' flowers
Oh no, oh no
Whatever gets you through your life
It's all right, it's all right
Do it wrong, or do it right
It's all right, it's all right
Don't need a watch to waste your time
Oh no, oh no
Hold me, darlin', come on, listen to me
I won't do you no harm
Trust me, darlin', come on, listen to me
Come on, listen to me, come on, listen, listen
Whatever gets you to the light
It's all right, it's all right
Out of the blue, or out of sight
It's all right, it's all right
Don't need a gun to blow you mind
Oh no, oh no
Hold me, darlin', come on, listen to me
I won't do you no harm
Trust me, darlin', come on, listen to me
Come on, listen to me, come on, listen, listen