John Lennon is best remembered for his legendary music and iconic role in The Beatles, but a newly discovered piece of writing shows a much darker and controversial side to the legendary artist.
After 64 years, a racist poem written by Lennon has come to light, revealing uncomfortable and offensive language that contrasts sharply with the peace and love messages he later became famous for.
The Story Behind the Poem and Its Shocking Language
The poem, written in 1961 during The Beatles’ early days in Hamburg, tells the story of a boy named Tom who is described as “black and dirty” and looking for work.
What stands out immediately—and shockingly—is Lennon’s use of the N-word multiple times in the piece, a harsh term that makes the poem deeply offensive by today’s standards.
This piece was kept in an A5 notebook Lennon had while living in the Hamburg flat of German photographer Astrid Kirchherr, who was close to the band.
The poem’s blunt and raw language paints a grim picture of racial attitudes at the time, though it sharply contrasts with Lennon’s later public persona as a peace activist.
From Early Days to Global Fame
Just a year after writing this poem, The Beatles, now featuring the famous Fab Four lineup with Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr alongside Lennon, released their breakthrough single Love Me Do.
Their debut album Please Please Me followed in 1963, setting the stage for their meteoric rise to worldwide superstardom.
The Poem’s Journey to Auction
The notebook containing this controversial poem was gifted by Kirchherr to another owner and eventually ended up with a collector.
Now, the piece is set to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, with an estimated value of around £15,000 ($20,000).
Giles Moon, head of music at Julien’s Auctions, commented on Lennon’s complicated character, emphasizing the struggles and contradictions behind the artist’s public and private lives.
A Complex Legacy of a Troubled Genius
It’s no secret that John Lennon was a complex and sometimes troubled figure.
Beyond the music, Lennon’s darker side has been well documented.
He openly admitted to moments of violence, including physically abusing his first wife, Cynthia Lennon, and was accused of emotional cruelty toward his son Julian.
Additionally, Lennon was caught on film mocking disabled people and was involved in violent incidents, like attacking Bob Wooler, the MC of the Cavern Club, after a joke was made about his personal life.
These aspects of Lennon’s history reveal a far less flattering side to the man who would later become a symbol of peace and love.
The End of the Beatles and Lennon’s Tragic Death
The Beatles officially split in 1970, and a decade later, Lennon was tragically murdered outside his apartment in New York City by an obsessed fan, Mark Chapman.
Despite his flawed and sometimes troubling past, Lennon’s music and influence continue to resonate deeply with millions.
What’s Next for This Controversial Piece of History
The auction of this rare Lennon poem is scheduled for May 30.
It serves as a stark reminder of the complexities behind famous figures and how history can reveal uncomfortable truths about even the most celebrated icons.