About the song
**Introduction to “(Just Like) Starting Over” by John Lennon**
Released amidst anticipation and poignant circumstances, “(Just Like) Starting Over” stands as a poignant testament to John Lennon’s enduring musical legacy. As the lead single from his 1980 album, *Double Fantasy*, the song marked Lennon’s triumphant return to the music scene after a five-year hiatus. Its release on October 24, 1980, in the United Kingdom, with Yoko Ono’s “Kiss Kiss Kiss” as the B-side, coincided with a period of personal and creative rejuvenation for Lennon.
**Background**
After stepping away from the music industry in 1975 to focus on family life, Lennon returned with a renewed sense of purpose. He chose “(Just Like) Starting Over” as the lead single not only because of its musical appeal but also because it symbolized his fresh start in both his personal and professional life. Initially titled “Starting Over,” Lennon added the “(Just Like)” prefix to differentiate it from Dolly Parton’s similarly named song that had recently topped the US Country Charts. During production, Lennon humorously referred to the song as his “Elvis/Orbison” track, playfully incorporating elements of their vocal styles into his performance.
**Composition and Recording**
The song’s composition was finalized during Lennon’s holiday in Bermuda and was recorded at The Hit Factory in New York City shortly thereafter. Producer Jack Douglas recalled the song’s late introduction during rehearsals for *Double Fantasy*, highlighting its significance in completing the album’s narrative. The opening chime, reminiscent of the bell toll in Lennon’s earlier song “Mother,” signaled a reflective journey from his tumultuous past to a hopeful present.
**Release and Reception**
“(Just Like) Starting Over” soared to the top of the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom following Lennon’s tragic assassination on December 8, 1980. In the US, it held the number one spot for five consecutive weeks, earning accolades for its infectious melody and Lennon’s heartfelt vocals. Billboard ranked it as the fourth best-performing song of 1981, underscoring its enduring popularity and cultural impact.
Critics praised the song’s upbeat tempo and nostalgic charm, with Record World hailing Lennon’s return to mainstream appeal with “this glorious pop-rocker.” Over the years, it has been celebrated as one of Lennon’s finest solo achievements, with its optimistic lyrics and catchy rhythm resonating with audiences worldwide.
**Legacy and Covers**
Despite its tragic association with Lennon’s untimely death, “(Just Like) Starting Over” remains a cherished reminder of his musical prowess and enduring influence. It has been covered by various artists, including The Flaming Lips for the benefit album *Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur*, showcasing its timeless appeal and universal resonance.
In conclusion, “(Just Like) Starting Over” not only encapsulates Lennon’s journey of personal renewal but also serves as a poignant reminder of his enduring musical legacy. Its success as a chart-topping single and critical darling reaffirms Lennon’s ability to connect with listeners through his heartfelt lyrics and timeless melodies, solidifying its place as a beloved classic in the pantheon of rock and roll history.
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Lyrics
Our life together is so precious together
We have grown – we have grown
Although our love is still special
Let’s take a chance and fly away somewhere alone
It’s been too long since we took the time
No-one’s to blame, I know time flies so quickly
But when I see you darling
It’s like we both are falling in love again
It’ll be just like starting over – starting over
Every day we used to make it love
Why can’t we be making love nice and easy
It’s time to spread our wings and fly
Don’t let another day go by my love
It’ll be just like starting over – starting over
Why don’t we take off alone
Take a trip somewhere far, far away
We’ll be together on our own again
Like we used to in the early days
Well, well, well darling
Our life together is so precious together
We have grown – we have grown
Although our love is still special
Let’s take a chance and fly away somewhere alone
It’s been too long since we took the time
No-one’s to blame, I know time flies so quickly
But when I see you darling
It’s like we both are falling in love again
It’ll be just like starting over – starting over