Instant Karma!
John Lennon
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Instant Karma's gonna get you Gonna knock you right on the head You better get yourself together Pretty soon you're gonna be dead What in the world you thinking of Laughing in the face of love What on earth you tryin' to do It's up to you, yeah you Instant Karma's gonna get you Gonna look you right in the face Better get yourself together darlin' Join the human race How in the world you gonna see Laughin' at fools like me Who in the hell d'you think you are A super star Well, right you are Well we all shine on Like the moon and the stars and the sun Well we all shine on Ev'ryone come on Instant Karma's gonna get you Gonna knock you off your feet Better recognize your brothers Ev'ryone you meet Why in the world are we here Surely not to live in pain and fear Why on earth are you there When you're ev'rywhere Come and get your share Well we all shine on Like the moon and the stars and the sun Yeah we all shine on Come on and on and on on on Yeah yeah, alright, uh huh, ah Well we all shine on Like the moon and the stars and the sun Yeah we all shine on On and on and on on and on Well we all shine on Like the moon and the stars and the sun Well we all shine on Like the moon and the stars and the sun Well we all shine on Like the moon and the stars and the sun Yeah we all shine on Like the moon and the stars and the sun
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
10 facts about this song
Creation Process"Instant Karma!" was written, recorded and mixed by John Lennon in just one day, which is almost unheard-of speed for a pop music recording. It was created on January 27, 1970.
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Fast ReleaseThe song was released just 10 days after it was written and recorded, making it one of the fastest-released songs in pop music history.
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Famous Producer"Instant Karma!" was produced by Phil Spector, who’s known for his "Wall of Sound" production method. This collaboration marked the beginning of other joint works including work on the Beatles’ "Let It Be" album.
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Chart SuccessThe song peaked at no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S and reached no.5 in UK Singles Chart, becoming one of Lennon's most successful solo hits.
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Stylistic InfluenceThe song is a blend of rock, pop and folk music styles, showing off Lennon's diverse musical influences.
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Political and Cultural ReferencesThe song’s lyrics reflect on the social and political upheavals of the time. The line "we all shine on" has often been interpreted as a reference to the Buddhist concept of universal interconnectivity.
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Beatles ParticipationAlthough an official 'solo' project of Lennon’s, fellow Beatle George Harrison played on the song, contributing backing vocals and guitar.
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Non-album releaseDespite its success, "Instant Karma!" wasn't included on its corresponding album, instead being released as a standalone single. It was later included on the compilation album "Shaved Fish".
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Critical AcclaimThe song has been praised for its catchy melody and profound lyrics, and is often cited as one of Lennon's best solo performances. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it 62 on their list of the 100 greatest Beatles songs.
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Honors and LegacyIn 2018, the song was officially certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for sales of over 200,000. Long after Lennon’s death, the song remains a staple in pop culture. It has been interpreted and covered by various artists including U2, Duran Duran, and Paul Weller.
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"Instant Karma! Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/10611635/John+Lennon/Instant+Karma%21>.
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