All The Beatles Songs That John Lennon Hated

Throughout their career, John Lennon, one of the founding members of the Beatles, expressed his dissatisfaction with several songs, both his own and those of his bandmates. Despite their popularity and critical acclaim, Lennon was unafraid to voice his criticisms, shedding light on his discerning musical taste and the occasional discord within the band. Here is a compilation of songs that Lennon openly criticized.

“A Taste Of Honey” – Please Please Me (1963)

Lennon often mocked the song, playfully altering the lyrics to sing “A Waste of Money” during live performances.

“Yes It Is” – Past Masters (1965)

Attempting to recreate the success of “This Boy,” Lennon felt that “Yes It Is” fell short in capturing the same rhythm and greatness.

“Lady Madonna” – Past Masters (1965)

While Lennon appreciated the piano licks in “Lady Madonna,” he didn’t hold a strong sense of pride for his contribution to the song.

“It’s Only Love” – Help! (1965)

Lennon admitted that he considered this song to be lousy, criticizing the abysmal lyrics in an interview.

“Run For Your Life” – Rubber Soul (1965)

Lennon referred to this track as his “throwaway song,” expressing discontent with it on multiple occasions.

“Paperback Writer” – Past Masters (1966)

Lennon dismissed this song as a mere offspring of the Beatles’ hit “Day Tripper.”

“When I’m Sixty-Four” – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)

Lennon often sneered at the music-hall style of Paul McCartney, describing it as “granny music sh*t.”

“Good Morning, Good Morning” – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)

Lennon referred to this track as a throwaway, considering it a piece of garbage.

“Lovely Rita” – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)

Lennon expressed disinterest in writing songs about other people and preferred songs that centered on his own experiences.

“Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds” – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)

Lennon acknowledged the greatness of the song but criticized the production, stating that it wasn’t made right.

“Hello Goodbye” – Magical Mystery Tour (1967)

Lennon made critical comments about McCartney’s song, suggesting that it wasn’t a great piece.

“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” – White Album (1968)

Lennon’s disdain for this song reflected his dislike for what he considered “granny sh*t.” George Harrison shared a similar sentiment.

“Cry Baby Cry” – White Album (1968)

Lennon despised this song to the extent that he disowned it entirely.

“Rocky Raccoon” – White Album (1968)

Expressing relief that this track wasn’t one of his own, Lennon dismissed it as unremarkable.

“Birthday” – White Album (1968)

Lennon believed that McCartney aimed to write a 1950s-style song, which he considered a piece of garbage.

“Mean Mr. Mustard” – Abbey Road (1969)

Referring to this song as “crap,” Lennon expressed his disappointment with it.

“Sun King” – Abbey Road (1969)

Lennon dismissed this song as garbage and revealed that it had been lying around unfinished.

“Dig A Pony” – Let It Be (1970)

Lennon acknowledged that this was a nonsense song, admitting to its lack of substance.

“Across the Universe” – Let It Be (1970)

Lennon regarded the track as a lousy representation of a great song, expressing disappointment with its execution and wishing for more support from McCartney in polishing it.

“Let It Be” – Let It Be (1970)

Despite giving the album its title, Lennon admitted to not being a huge fan of the song, even suggesting that it could have been a song for McCartney’s later band, Wings.