10 Darkest Songs John Lennon Ever Wrote
8. How?
Featured on: Imagine (1971)
How? is the Lennon song that was dark enough for ‘The Prince of Darkness’ Ozzy Osbourne to cover.
Lennon uses the track to discuss his fears that he is unable to show his feelings and to give love. Even when the lyrics are ambiguous, Lennon’s vocal delivery bears his soul before the microphone. Stand out lines include:
“How can I have feelings when my feelings have always been denied?”
“How can I give love when I don't know what it is I'm giving? How can I give love when love is something I ain't never had?”
He also added, “And the world is so tough. Sometimes I feel I've had enough”.
The opening deals with an existential paralysis where Lennon laments that he can’t move forward as he doesn’t know which way he is facing, which way to turn, and is heading into something he is unsure of. Lennon’s angst during the track adds much to his song writing arch of him dealing with his flaws in interpersonal relationships, while tapping into a universal ennui. The complimentary sections featuring Alan White’s bass drum and Lennon’s piano playing are the song’s musical highlights.