Watching The Wheel

gordonshumway:

“People like me are aware of their so-called genius at ten, eight, nine…I always wondered, “Why has nobody discovered me?” In school, didn’t they see that I’m cleverer than anybody in this school? That the teachers are stupid too? That all they had was information I didn’t need? […] A couple of teachers would notice me, encourage me to be something or other, to draw or paint—express myself. But most of the time they were trying to beat me into being a fuckin’ dentist or a teacher. And then the fuckin’ fans tried to beat me into being a fuckin’ Beatle or an Engelbert Humperdinck, and the critics tried to beat me into being Paul McCartney.”

— John Lennon
Rolling Stone, January 21, 1971

I’ve been on a crazy Lennon kick the last few days — I woke up with Oh Yoko! stuck in my head, and that was that.

This happens to me a few times a year — a testament to his staying power, relevance, and my inherent attraction to his life and words.

This time, though, I plan on taking this opportunity to really learn more about him. Downloaded his entire solo discography last night, and plan on investing in some books tonight.

There’s a reason I’ve had this itch. Time to scratch it.

And as I write this, “Watching The Wheel” comes on Pandora. A favorite of mine from his solo days. Perfect.