Ballad Of John and Yoko

This is the cover for the single
Ballad of John and Yoko. It shows John Lennon in a very unusual pose. He's wearing strange white shoes and sitting amongst some statues. John's long hair and beard do not seem to go with his suit and tie.

Yoko also looks a little strange. She's dressed like a cross between a gangster and a cowboy.

The other three band members stand behind them. Nobody looks happy.

The story behind the song

The Ballad of John and Yoko is the only explicitly autobiographical Beatles song. It tells the story behind the wedding John and Yoko in 1969. It also comments on the problems Lennon and Ono were having with the media (and with other band members).

There are direct references to real people: John and Yoko and The Beatles publicity offer, Peter Brown.

To listen more about this song and try some listening comprehension exercises click here