The Simple, Yet Impactful Songwriting Advice John Lennon Gave David Bowie

John Lennon and David Bowie share a lot of commonalities, but their relationship went far beyond the surface-level notions the public knows about. Both individuals were fans of each other, but they were also friends who talked shop and bounced ideas of one another. That being so, John Lennon gave David Bowie an invaluable piece of songwriting advice that surely showed up on numerous of his tracks.

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In the ’70s, David Bowie was at the height of his pop career, whereas Lennon had taken a unique approach and started making a bit more experimental music. Despite their differing career trajectories, Lennon still was able to find a point of relativity between him and Bowie. Consequently, Lennon vicariously helped Bowie reach the top of the charts several different times.

The Minimalistic Point John Lennon Gifted David Bowie

John Lennon has never been one to complicate or confuse things. Rather, he has always been blunt and straight to the point, and that is the very thing David Bowie found so admirable about the former Beatle. Bowie himself very well could be viewed in a similar fashion, though, according to himself, he struggled with his directiveness until he received the much-needed advice from John Lennon.

In 1983, David Bowie sat down for an interview and divulged how exactly Lennon influenced his songwriting. Bowie stated in the interview, “I’ll never forget something John Lennon told me; we were talking about writing, and I had always admired the way he used to cut through so much of the bullshit, just come straight to the point with what he wanted to say.”

Bowie added, “He said, ‘It’s very easy—all you have to do is say what you mean, make it rhyme, and put a backbeat to it,’ and I keep coming back to that principle as a writer.” “It was so easy” and “John had incredible charisma that made you cut through things. I can see the effect that he must have had on McCartney,” concluded David Bowie.

It is unclear what Bowie songs this advice directly pertains to, though, given the profound impact it had on him, it’s fair to surmise it did pertain to at least a few. Regardless, John Lennon gave Bowie some invaluable advice, and Bowie gave it to the masses, so if you’re struggling with the blank page, maybe put this piece of knowledge to work. It certainly worked for the two of them.

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🌟 “Say what you mean, make it rhyme, put a backbeat to it.” – The legendary John Lennon’s words to David Bowie, echoing through the corridors of creativity and resonating with the beat of our own artistic hearts. ✨ In the cluttered noise of our daily lives, where we’re often told to speak in a certain way, to conform to the norm, and to follow the trends, Lennon’s advice cuts like a laser through the fog. To be authentic, to be raw, to be unapologetically ourselves – that’s the core of what it means to create. 🎨🎶 To every musician strumming the strings of soul-searching, to every artist painting the canvases of courage – remember this: your voice matters. Your strokes, your words, your sounds, they carry the weight of your unique experience. When you make it rhyme, when you set your truth to a rhythm, you’re not just creating a piece of art, you’re igniting a conversation with the world. 🌍 But let’s not forget the backbeat. The steady pulse that underlies our favorite songs – the heartbeat of music itself. It’s the foundation upon which melodies dance and lyrics come to life. The beat that John Lennon spoke of isn’t just a musical element; it’s the persistence, the consistent drive with which we must pursue our passions. 🥁 And to those who feel the absence of a Lennon in their lives, a charismatic muse to cut through the chaos, remember that the effect he had on others can be the effect you have on the world. You might be the McCartney looking for your Lennon, or maybe you’re the Bowie learning from them both – a testament to the fact that we all sorely miss those magical connections that once helped us to see clearer. But within us, we have the power to clear the fog for others. 🌫️✨ So, let’s take from Bowie’s reflection and Lennon’s wisdom. Let’s be courageous. Let’s say what we mean, make it rhyme, put a backbeat to it. Because in the end, that simplicity, that clarity of expression, is the purest form of artistry – and it’s within each of us, waiting to cut through the silence. 🚀 #davidbowie #johnlennon #thebeatles #paulmccartney #songwriting #songwritingtips #behindthemusic

♬ what was I made for? – Instrumental – Wheeler

David Bowie performing at Giant Stadium per Getty Images