John Lennon & Yoko Ono – Some Time in New York City (1972)
A bold, controversial album of protest, politics, and activism.Introduction
Released on June 12, 1972, Some Time in New York City is one of John Lennon’s most politically charged albums and one of the most divisive entries in his solo catalog. Created with Yoko Ono and credited to the Plastic Ono Band, the album is a fiery collection of protest songs addressing global conflicts, social injustice, and political oppression.
While often criticized for its heavy-handed approach, the album stands as a powerful snapshot of Lennon and Ono’s activist period — when music became their primary tool for speaking truth to power.
Background and Context
In 1971, John Lennon and Yoko Ono moved to New York City, immersing themselves in political activism. The early 1970s were marked by widespread protest movements, including opposition to the Vietnam War, civil rights struggles, feminism, and labor activism.
During this time, Lennon was under FBI surveillance and facing possible deportation due to his activism and outspoken political views. Rather than retreat, Lennon and Ono leaned further into protest art, using music to amplify causes they believed in.
Some Time in New York City was recorded with the Plastic Ono Band and includes contributions from:
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John Lennon – vocals, guitar, piano
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Yoko Ono – vocals, composition
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Elephant’s Memory – backing band
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Jim Keltner – drums
Unlike Lennon’s previous albums, this release placed equal emphasis on Yoko Ono’s compositions, with each artist occupying one side of the original vinyl.
Musical Style and Themes
The album embraces a raw, street-level rock sound, influenced by blues, folk, and protest music. Gone are the lush arrangements of Imagine — replaced instead with gritty guitars, driving rhythms, and chant-like vocals.
Key themes include:
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Anti-war activism
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Women’s liberation
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Racial injustice
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Workers’ rights
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Political prisoners and global conflicts
While the messages are urgent and uncompromising, the musical approach reflects Lennon’s desire to make protest music accessible, loud, and confrontational.
Tracklist
Side One – John Lennon
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Woman Is the Nigger of the World (Lennon/Ono) – 5:32
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Sisters, O Sisters (Lennon/Ono) – 3:15
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Attica State (Lennon/Ono) – 3:51
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Born in a Prison (Lennon/Ono) – 4:55
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New York City (Lennon) – 4:28
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Sunday Bloody Sunday (Lennon/Ono) – 4:55
Side Two – Yoko Ono
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The Luck of the Irish (Lennon/Ono) – 4:45
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John Sinclair (Lennon/Ono) – 3:33
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Woman’s Place (Ono) – 4:28
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We’re All Water (Ono) – 5:29
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I Don’t Wanna Be a Soldier Mama I Don’t Wanna Die (Live Jam) – 7:46
(Note: Some editions include additional live tracks or alternate mixes.)
Album Credits
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John Lennon – vocals, guitar, piano
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Yoko Ono – vocals, composition
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Elephant’s Memory – backing band
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Jim Keltner – drums
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Stan Bronstein – bass
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Wayne “Tex” Gabriel – guitar
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Producer: John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Phil Spector
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Engineer: Phil McDonald
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Recorded: 1971–1972
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Studios: Record Plant East, New York
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Label: Apple Records
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Genre: Rock, blues rock, protest music
Reception and Legacy
Upon release, Some Time in New York City received largely negative reviews, with critics accusing the album of being preachy, lyrically blunt, and musically unrefined. It became Lennon’s lowest-charting solo studio album at the time.
However, in later years, the album has been reappraised as a fearless, uncompromising statement of political activism. While not as musically refined as Imagine or Plastic Ono Band, it stands as a crucial document of Lennon and Ono’s commitment to using their platform for social change.
Today, the album is often viewed as a time capsule of early 1970s protest culture and a bold example of celebrity activism through music.
Fun Facts
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The controversial song title “Woman Is the Nigger of the World” sparked significant backlash but was intended as a statement against sexism and oppression.
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Lennon and Ono appeared on The Dick Cavett Show to explain the meaning of the song’s title.
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The album sleeve was designed like a newspaper front page, reinforcing its political message.
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Lennon donated proceeds from some performances to political and humanitarian causes.
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The album marked one of the few times Lennon and Ono split an album evenly by sides.
Trivia
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“John Sinclair” was written to support the release of poet and activist John Sinclair, who was imprisoned for marijuana possession.
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Lennon performed several songs from the album at political rallies and benefit concerts.
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“Attica State” references the 1971 Attica Prison riot in New York.
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Elephant’s Memory served as Lennon’s touring band during this period.
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The album’s cover headline design was inspired by underground newspapers.
Did You Know?
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Lennon was under active FBI surveillance during the making of this album.
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“The Luck of the Irish” became an unofficial anthem for peace in Northern Ireland.
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Some radio stations refused to play certain tracks due to political content.
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Lennon later admitted that some songs were “journalism in song” rather than traditional songwriting.
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The album played a role in shaping the image of Lennon as a political activist rather than just a musician.
Conclusion
Some Time in New York City is John Lennon’s most radical and politically outspoken album. While controversial and polarizing, it reflects a moment when Lennon and Yoko Ono believed music should not merely entertain — but challenge, confront, and change the world.
For listeners interested in protest music, political history, or the activist side of Lennon’s legacy, this album remains a compelling and essential listen.
