Cold Turkey
John Lennon · Acoustic
Fever is high
Can't see no future
Can't see no sky
My feet are so heavy
So is my head
I wish I was a baby
I wish I was dead
Cold turkey has got me on the run
My body is aching
Goose-pimple bone
Can't see no body
Leave me alone
My eyes are wide open
Can't get to sleep
One thing I'm sure of
I'm in at the deep freeze
Cold turkey has got me on the run
Cold turkey has got me on the run
Thirty-six hours
Rolling in pain
Praying to someone
Free me again
Oh I'll be a good boy
Please make me well
I promise you anything
Get me out of this hell
Cold turkey has got me on the run
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Cold Turkey
Cold Turkey stands as one of John Lennon's most experimental and raw compositions, marking a significant departure from his earlier Beatles-era pop sensibilities. Written during a period of intense personal turmoil, the track features a jagged, stop-start rhythm that mirrors the erratic nature of withdrawal. The song's structure is unconventional, shifting abruptly between frenetic energy and sudden silence, creating a disorienting yet compelling listening experience. It showcases Lennon's willingness to embrace avant-garde elements within a rock framework, utilizing a driving bassline and percussive guitar work to build tension. As a standalone recording, it highlights his ability to convey deep emotional states through musical dynamics rather than relying solely on melodic hooks. This piece remains a testament to his innovative approach to songwriting and his capacity to push the boundaries of popular music.