The song was written about his wife Yoko Ono, and features Nicky Hopkins on piano and co-producer Phil Spector on harmony vocal. Lennon plays harmonica for the first time on a solo recording (since the Beatles' "Rocky Raccoon"),[2] and it would also be the last time he used the instrument in a released recording.
Background
Lennon began writing the song in 1968 during the Beatles' visit to India, but was not fully completed until the sessions for Imagine three years later.[2] The melody was inspired by Lonnie Donegan's "Lost John", a song Lennon enjoyed and played often.[2] The song was recorded on 25 May 1971 at Ascot Sound Studios.[3] The song has been described as "a carefree ditty expressing love for his wife."[4]Robert Christgau called it "an instant folk song worthy of Rosie & the Originals".[5]
An uncompleted version of the song can be heard and was recorded on tape at the Sheraton Oceanus Hotel in Freeport, Bahamas, on 25 May 1969.
Stereogum contributors Timothy and Elizabeth Bracy rated it as Lennon's 9th best solo song, saying that "Few romantic ballads hit home as hard as 'Oh Yoko!,' a lilting testimony to enduring passion, every bit as melancholy as it is devotional."[6]Ultimate Classic Rock critic Stephen Lewis rated it as Lennon's 10th greatest solo love song, saying that "A jaunty and swinging tune, with a breathless Nicky Hopkins piano line, the tune beats with a warm, positive optimism."[7]
^Madinger, Chip; Raile, Scott (2015). Lennonology – Strange Days Indeed – A Scrapbook Of Madness. Chesterfield, MO: Open Your Books. pp. 239, 247. ISBN978-1-63110-175-5.
^Woods, Larry (31 October 2004). "LETTERS; Song Resonates: [HOME EDITION]". Los Angeles Times.
