This Boy

This was John's first attempt at recording a ballad and it shows how well John, Paul, and George can harmonize. The song "This Boy" expresses John's feelings regarding the physical abuse that his mother, Julia, was receiving from her common-in-law husband, John Dykins. The song was most likely written shortly after Julia had visited her older sister Mimi one night, battered, bruised, and crying. Dykins had beaten the crap out of her again. Although young John Lennon was in the house at the time of Julia's visit and listened to her cries, he didn't come forward to acknowledge his presence or hers.

this song is in my top 10 songs by The Beatles, i just love it.

This song really shows how they used 3 part harmony to their advantage. Plus John really, really sounds good in this song.

yah! and also, like, THIS girl loves THIS song because it's so "I-want-you-back-and-here's-the-reason-why" to me-ish. Oh the life of love...;p ok, bye.

this song is very 50's-like, and the harmony is awesome. great song.

Became "Ringo's Theme" in A Hard Day's Night. An intrumental version can be heard during Ringo's solo scene.

In response to The Great Wok: Initially I didn't see a clear connection between the song and his mother (I had another interpretation that I will get to); however, after reading about the relationship John had with his mother, the correlation is there. It makes sense this song is from an outsiders perspective by the fact that he sees Dylkins for who he truly is; an abusive man who finds joy in bringing others suffering. And his mother must not “see” it because John says “ tho’ he may want you too.. that boy isn’t good for you” implies that he might seem apologetic after, which is the reason why is mother goes back, but “that boy won’t be happy till he’s seen you cry”(he is perpetually abusive).

I really appreciate you giving this perspective on Lennon. I would have never known of this. Another thing that just sparked my interest is the fact that John didn't comfort his mom when she came over. I obviously don't see this as indifference, but maybe a problem expressing his feelings through one means; thus, repressing those strong feelings, and leaving one outlet, through his music. I could be reading way to into this, but it could be a factor to his extraordinary ability to write amazing songs.

My initial interpertation was somewhat freudian. I saw "that" boy as the darker/inner part of us that is selfish and feeds on fleeting needs that eventually leads to the transient downfall of "this" boy; who is reflective and realizes the decadent desires that degrade our spirits in inconceivable ways. "This" boy realizes the dualality that encumbers us all and would do anything to get her back in his life. Once again, might be reading into it a little, but that was my initial interpretations (the main idea atleast)

Insightful feedback Goose. I don't think you're reading too much into the song (ref: your second of three comments).....Lennon was extraordinary ability to write amazing songs, amazing lyrics. I see Leenon as one of the first to write songs that were more "personal" in nature than other song writers back in the '60's. More personal than most realized at the time.....hid his feelings by writing lyrics loaded with double meanings. He was clever in his use of words he would use in his songs. Let's turn to another gem, "If I Fell". Share your thoughts on this one.....you first this time!