John Lennon and Elton John: The Story Behind 'Whatever Gets You Thru The Night
In 1975, John Lennon took a break from music to focus on spending time with his newborn son, Sean. Before this, he had left the Beatles, released six solo albums, and collaborated with various artists. One notable collaboration was with Elton John on the song "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night." This track, featuring John on piano and harmony vocals, became Lennon's only solo No. 1 hit in the U.S. and led to his final live performance.
Elton John and John Lennon shared a mischievous bond, leading to a bet between them regarding the success of "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night." If the song reached No. 1, Lennon agreed to perform live with John. To Lennon's surprise, the song topped three charts, and he fulfilled his promise by joining John on stage at Madison Square Garden on Thanksgiving, creating a magical moment for both artists.
After parting ways with Yoko Ono, Lennon began a romantic relationship with May Pang, his personal assistant. Pang revealed that the inspiration for "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night" came from a phrase Lennon heard while channel-surfing late at night. The song's chorus reflects a message of acceptance and resilience, emphasizing the importance of finding ways to cope with life's challenges.
Despite its upbeat and catchy nature, "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night" carries a deeper message about facing reality and finding inner strength. It seems fitting that this song, which became Lennon's final concert performance before his tragic death in 1980, encapsulates his journey of acceptance and peace.