The only published song John Lennon wrote with Phil Spector, ‘Here We Go Again’ was recorded in 1973 but remained unreleased until 1986.
Lennon recorded two home demos of ‘Here We Go Again’ in October 1973, performed on an acoustic guitar. The first take broke down, but the second showed how Lennon was still working on the lyrics.
Later that month work began on the Rock ‘N’ Roll project with Spector. As an original composition it was unlikely that ‘Here We Go Again’ was considered for the album, so the reason for its recording remains unclear. It is possible that Lennon was considering hiring Spector to produce the follow-up to Mind Games, but their working relationship ended during those chaotic sessions.
Spector’s role in the songwriting is unclear. Lennon had the tune in place by the time the demos were recorded, so it is possible that the producer’s contribution was to assist with the final lyrics. The song was copyrighted to both men on 16 July 1975.
‘Here We Go Again’ was shelved by Lennon, most likely because its full-on deployment of Spector’s trademark Wall of Sound would have sat uneasily on Walls And Bridges. Although it would have made a fine standalone single in early 1974, it was eventually released after Lennon’s death as the lead track on the posthumous collection Menlove Ave.
The lyrics were a contemplation on the purposes of life, with a sense of being guided by karma and destiny – themes which Lennon had touched upon in early compositions such as ‘Instant Karma’ and ‘Mind Games’.
Lennon’s doleful vocals, seemingly resigned to the various lows he would experience throughout the Lost Weekend, were perfectly complemented by the spiralling brass arrangement. His screams towards the end of the song encapsulated his frustrations at having parted from Yoko Ono, the decline in his commercial fortunes since the release of Some Time In New York City, and his descent into alcohol abuse.
I think its a great song .sounds mystic like #9 dream and a few others lennon was great at that .
I agree with Craig Braelow, this song sounds mystic like”# 9 Dream”. I agree with the editorial, this would have made a great stand alone single. Having just got “Menlove Avenue” earlier this year, this is a favorite of mine. Brilliant vocals by John Lennon.
Also Lennon’s falling out with Phil Spector at the time, ( who he co-wrote it with), may have contributed to it not being released at the time.
I was surprised by the reviewers comment about how, it would have been a nice stand alone single in early 1974. I’ve never heard anyone else suggest that. But its a good idea! Maybe too long & mellow to be a huge hit, but a worthwhile idea.
As to it not fitting in with Walls & Bridges sonically, or stylistically. I’m not so sure about that, Walls & Bridges is a little harder sonically, but I think it would have probably fit. Sort of fits with the mellower feel of Mind Games too. I really wonder if Lennon & Spector cut any others, like perhaps Mucho mungo, which Lennon said they both worked on during this period. But whether they cut a version of Mucho Mungo during the Here We Go Again period I don’t know. I’d sure like to hear it, if they did.
Reflecting back the solo works, I can almost hear how this would have been a terrific Beatles song. Polished up by McCartney and Harrison’s guitar work.
There was something magical about the confluence of talent. While on its own is a great song, so many songs that were issued individually could have been augmented significantly.
Real Love and Free as a Bird come to mind as Great Lennon songs in demo format that were massaged into beautiful pieces with much more depth.
Oh well…
One of John’s best songs. I really don’t know where Phil Spector comes in on this other than producing the song. It’s a typical John song that, with a different arrangement, would blend in perfectly with the Mind Games album.
Absolutely captivating song, it makes you think that maybe we have all been here before and as the man says.” They keep moving the doors”
I believe this is an amazing song! Amazing…. This song is no less to “Strawberry fields” both in terms of melody and the orchestration; it could have easily be in Sgt Pepper or Magical mystery tour and maybe even into the White album. This is definitely a very Beatle-ish song…
So why it was hidden all these years and why John didn’t include it in any of his person records? Perhaps the answer can be found to the personality contractions of this genius: The title says it all- maybe he was just wondering whether he would be able to write again a song like those he did in the Beatles era or he has lost it, like Paul did. So, he did it and even the orchestration was as it was supposed to be even without George Martin. But then again, the song is too Beatle-ish in style and John has moved many steps forward since and he didn’t wish to send a wrong message…
This would have been a great song for John to take to New Orleans to work on with McCartney and Wings. Think of this song going into Listen to What the Man Followed by Treat Her Gently/Lonely Old People.
The man is gone. What we put up matters zip
The man has gone so what right do we have to pass a comment which in the end is judgment
Long live Lennon he is with us forever
Imagine having all those musicians/songwriters listed in the personnel in the studio at the same time. It must’ve been like a dream for any outside observers. I know it would be for me.