John Lennon's Songwriting Philosophy and Influence: A Reflection on The Beatles and The Doors
John Lennon's focus during the Beatles' career was always on songwriting. While Paul McCartney excelled at creating catchy melodies, Lennon prioritized the poetic and lyrical aspects of their music. He aimed to create songs that were not just pop hits but also pieces of poetry that documented his life experiences. Lennon enjoyed experimenting with new and unconventional ideas in his music, such as the avant-garde style of "I Am The Walrus" and the stream of consciousness in "Come Together".
When the Beatles released Sgt. Pepper, Lennon saw it as a mixed blessing. While the album turned many people onto the Summer of Love, Lennon also noticed that some individuals were embracing the peace and love movement for the wrong reasons. He was critical of bands like The Doors, acknowledging their captivating imagery but feeling that they sometimes veered into being overly theatrical or trying too hard to convey a message. Lennon appreciated the depth and heaviness in Jim Morrison's performances, recognizing him as a poet rather than just a typical rock singer.
Despite The Doors' unconventional style, Lennon found value in their music, appreciating both the immediate appeal of songs like "Touch Me" and the deeper, more introspective journey of tracks like "Riders on the Storm". Morrison's ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through his lyrics and performances resonated with Lennon, who saw him as a unique voice in the music industry. Lennon's own approach to songwriting, focused on authenticity and personal expression, aligned with Morrison's poetic sensibilities, making him appreciate The Doors' contribution to the music scene.