John Lennon

Released: October 8, 1971

Songwriter: John Lennon

Producer: Phil Spector Yoko Ono John Lennon

[Verse 1]
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier, mama, I don't wanna die
Well, I don't wanna be a sailor, mama, I don't wanna fly
Well, I don't wanna be a failure, mama, I don't wanna cry
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no

[Verse 2]
Well, I don't wanna be a rich man, mama, I don't wanna cry
Well, I don't wanna be a poor man mama, I don't wanna fly
Well, I don't wanna be a lawyer mama, I don't wanna lie
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no

[Verse 3]
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier, mama, I don't wanna die
Well, I don't wanna be a thief now, mama, I don't wanna fly
Well, I don't wanna be a churchman, mama, I don't wanna cry
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier, mama, I don't wanna die
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no
Hit it!

[Verse 1]
Oh well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die
Well, I don't wanna be a sailor mama, I don't wanna fly
Well, I don't wanna be a failure mama, I don't wanna cry
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no

As the founding member of The Beatles, John Winston Lennon (1940-1980) is one of the most recognizable cultural icons of the 20th Century. He is also the other half of the Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership, alongside fellow Beatle, Paul McCartney.

As a solo artist and through his relationship and collaboration with avant-garde artist Yoko Ono, he became just as recognizable for his political activism.

Lennon was murdered by Mark David Chapman on December 8, 1980, outside of his New York apartment, The Dakota. Since then, his music and message remain timeless.

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