Nobody Told Me

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Nobody Told Me" by John Lennon from the album Milk and Honey, and Zoo Freaks, you’re in for some cool trivia about this track. Originally written in 1976 under the working title "Everybody’s Talkin’, Nobody’s Talkin’," Lennon crafted this song with a playful yet profound vibe, reflecting on the absurdities of life with lines like “There’s UFOs over New York, and I ain’t too surprised.” This lyric nods to a real experience Lennon had on August 23, 1974, when he and his then-girlfriend May Pang reportedly spotted a “saucer-shaped object” gliding over New York City, an event he later referenced in the liner notes of his 1974 album Walls and Bridges. The song’s quirky chorus—“Strange days indeed, most peculiar, mama”—flips the old adage “My mother told me there’d be days like this,” giving it a sarcastic twist that captures Lennon’s wit.

Another fascinating tidbit is that Lennon initially intended "Nobody Told Me" for his Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr to record for his 1981 album Stop and Smell the Roses. Lennon even planned to produce the track, with recording set to begin on December 8, 1980, but his tragic murder that day halted those plans. After his death, Yoko Ono completed the song in 1983, releasing it as the lead single from Milk and Honey in 1984. The track became a posthumous hit, reaching #5 in the US and #6 in the UK. The promo video, compiled in 2003 for the Lennon Legend DVD, features archival footage from the early 1970s, including clips from the 1972 film Imagine, with appearances by George Harrison, Dick Cavett, and even Miles Davis playing basketball. The song’s raw energy, driven by studio pros like bassist Tony Levin and drummer Andy Newmark, gives it a dynamic swagger that stands out despite its rough, demo-like quality.

John Lennon, born John Winston Lennon on October 9, 1940, in Liverpool, England, began his musical journey as a teenager with a deep love for rock ‘n’ roll and skiffle. Inspired by artists like Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly, he formed a skiffle group called the Quarrymen in 1956 at age 16. This band evolved into The Beatles, with Lennon recruiting Paul McCartney and later George Harrison, and eventually Ringo Starr joining as drummer. The Beatles’ meteoric rise in the 1960s made them global icons, with Lennon’s songwriting—often in collaboration with McCartney—producing hits like “She Loves You” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” His sharp wit and rebellious spirit shaped the band’s early image, but by the late 1960s, his growing interest in avant-garde art, influenced by his relationship with Yoko Ono, led him to explore solo work. After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, Lennon launched a solo career with albums like John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band and Imagine, blending raw emotion, political activism, and experimental sounds.

You can dive deeper into Lennon’s world through his official channels and fan communities. His official website, johnlennon.com, offers music, lyrics, and stories about his life. Follow updates on his Facebook page, Instagram, and X account, where posts often share rare photos and insights, like a January 6, 2023, post highlighting "Nobody Told Me"’s release anniversary. Fan websites like The Beatles Bible provide detailed song histories, while Reddit’s r/beatles community hosts lively discussions, with posts praising "Nobody Told Me" as a standout track. On Facebook, groups like John Lennon Fans connect enthusiasts sharing memories and trivia, keeping Lennon’s legacy alive for Zoo Freaks and beyond.