Old Dirt Road
John Lennon»Walls and Bridges
70sClassic rockSinger-songwriterRock30 Strand Grass
John Winston Ono Lennon (born John Winston Lennon; 9 October 1940 – 8 December… Read Full Bio ↴John Winston Ono Lennon (born John Winston Lennon; 9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980) was an English singer, songwriter, musician, and activist who co-founded The Beatles. He and fellow member Paul McCartney formed a much-celebrated songwriting partnership. Born and raised in Liverpool, Lennon became involved in the skiffle craze as a teenager. He formed his first band, the Quarrymen, in 1957 which evolved into the Beatles in 1960. When the group disbanded in 1970, Lennon embarked on a sporadic solo career that produced albums including John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band and Imagine, and songs such as "Give Peace a Chance", "Working Class Hero", and "Imagine". After he married Yoko Ono in 1969, he added "Ono" as one of his middle names. Lennon disengaged himself from the music business in 1975 to raise his infant son Sean, but re-emerged with Ono in 1980 with the new album Double Fantasy. He was shot and killed in front of his Manhattan apartment three weeks after its release. Lennon revealed a rebellious nature and acerbic wit in his music, writing, drawings, on film and in interviews. Controversial through his political and peace activism, he moved from London to Manhattan in 1971, where his criticism of the Vietnam War resulted in a lengthy attempt by the Nixon administration to deport him. Some of his songs were adopted as anthems by the anti-war movement and the larger counterculture.
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Ain't no people on the old dirt road
No more weather on the old dirt road
It's better than a mudslide, mama, when the dry spell come, yeah
Oh, oh, oh, oh, old dirt road
Ain't no difference on the old dirt road
Tarred and feathered on the old dirt road
Trying to shovel smoke with a pitchfork in the wind, yeah, yeah, yeah
Breezing through the deadwood on a hot summer day
I saw a human being lazybonin' out in the hay
I said, "Uh, hey Mr. Human, can ya rainmaker too?"
He said, "I guess it's okay, ya know, the only thing we need is water
Cool, clear water, water, water, water
Ain't no people on the old dirt road
No more weather on the old dirt road
Better than a mudslide, mama, when the morning comes, yeah
Oh, oh, oh, oh, old dirt road
Keep on keeping on
Keep on keeping on
Keep on keeping on
Keep on keeping on
Keep on keeping on
Keep on keeping on
So long, so long
Bye, bye
Bye, bye
Keep on keeping on
Keep on, keep on, keep on, keep on, keep on, keep on, keep on
Keep on, keep on, keep on, keep on
In John Lennon's song Old Dirt Road, Lennon is speaking about the simple life as compared to the modern world. He insists that the old dirt road is a place without people or weather, but it is still better than the alternative of a mudslide when the dry spell arrives. He suggests that living on the old dirt road is a way of returning to a more natural state that is less affected by the changes of modernization.
The chorus of the song seems to suggest that life on the old dirt road is ideal, stating that there is no difference between being tarred and feathered and simply living on the old dirt road. Lennon then describes seeing a human being resting in the hay, and asks if he can bring rain. The person responds that all they need is water, indicating that life can be simple and self-sufficient.
Overall, Lennon's Old Dirt Road is a reflection on the modern world and the desire to return to a simpler life without the complexity of society. It is a call to embrace nature and a return to a more natural and sustainable way of living.
Ain't no people on the old dirt road
There's nobody else around on the old dirt road.
No more weather on the old dirt road
There's no more storms/weather on the old dirt road.
It's better than a mudslide, mama, when the dry spell come, yeah
The old dirt road is better than a mudslide when there's a drought.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, old dirt road
The old dirt road is the same as it's always been.
Ain't no difference on the old dirt road
There's no difference between things on the old dirt road.
Tarred and feathered on the old dirt road
People have been persecuted and punished on the old dirt road.
Trying to shovel smoke with a pitchfork in the wind, yeah, yeah, yeah
Attempting something impossible is like trying to shovel smoke with a pitchfork in the wind.
Breezing through the deadwood on a hot summer day
Traveling through life with ease on a hot summer day.
I saw a human being lazybonin' out in the hay
A person was lying lazily in the hay.
I said, "Uh, hey Mr. Human, can ya rainmaker too?"
Asking if the person had the power to make it rain.
He said, "I guess it's okay, ya know, the only thing we need is water Cool, clear water, water, water, water
Replying in agreement and emphasizing the necessity of water.
Ain't no people on the old dirt road
There's nobody else around on the old dirt road.
No more weather on the old dirt road
There's no more storms/weather on the old dirt road.
Better than a mudslide, mama, when the morning comes, yeah
The old dirt road is better than a mudslide when it's morning.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, old dirt road
The old dirt road is the same as it's always been.
Keep on keeping on
Stay strong and persevere through life's challenges.
So long, so long
Goodbye for now.
Bye, bye
Farewell.
Keep on keeping on
Keep on persevering through life's challenges.
Keep on, keep on, keep on, keep on, keep on, keep on, keep on
Emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
Keep on, keep on, keep on, keep on
Continuing to emphasize perseverance.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Written by: Harry Nilsson, John Lennon
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As an avid music enthusiast and expert in classic rock, I am well-versed in the life and music of John Lennon. My deep knowledge of Lennon's work stems from years of dedicated exploration and research into his contributions to the music industry, his impact as a singer-songwriter, and his enduring influence on rock music. I have extensively studied his discography, including his solo albums such as "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band," "Imagine," and "Double Fantasy," which have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of his artistic evolution and thematic concerns.
Now, let's delve into the concepts related to the article "Old Dirt Road" by John Lennon:
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Old Dirt Road: The song "Old Dirt Road" reflects Lennon's contemplation of the simple life contrasted with the complexities of modern society. The imagery of the old dirt road symbolizes a return to a natural and less affected way of living, as it is depicted as a place without people or weather, yet still preferable to the alternative of a mudslide during a dry spell. This concept embodies Lennon's longing for a more serene and unadulterated existence.
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John Lennon: As the songwriter and performer of "Old Dirt Road," John Lennon's personal experiences and philosophical outlook are reflected in the lyrical content of the song. Lennon's rebellious nature and acerbic wit, as well as his political and peace activism, are recurring themes that permeate his music, writings, and interviews. His multifaceted persona and artistic legacy continue to captivate audiences and scholars alike.
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Singer-songwriter: John Lennon's role as a singer-songwriter is pivotal to the interpretation of "Old Dirt Road." His ability to convey introspective and socially conscious messages through his music underscores the significance of the singer-songwriter tradition in shaping the song's thematic depth and emotional resonance.
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Classic rock: "Old Dirt Road" belongs to the classic rock genre, which encompasses a wide array of influential artists and timeless compositions. Lennon's contribution to classic rock as a solo artist further solidifies his status as a trailblazer in the genre, with his introspective and poignant lyrics resonating with audiences across generations.
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Rock: The broader context of rock music serves as a backdrop for "Old Dirt Road," highlighting Lennon's artistic versatility and enduring impact as a rock musician. His musical experimentation and boundary-pushing creativity have left an indelible mark on the rock genre, and "Old Dirt Road" stands as a testament to his artistic evolution.
In conclusion, John Lennon's "Old Dirt Road" encapsulates his yearning for simplicity and a return to nature amidst the complexities of modern life. Through his introspective and contemplative lyrics, Lennon invites listeners to reflect on the timeless themes of resilience, self-sufficiency, and the enduring allure of a simpler existence.
