Phenomenal song. Probably my favorite solo John. Odds weren't great that he would continue writing songs this good for decades, though. Can't think of any artist who did tbh.
My Mother Dorothy Jean Tandle…“Dotty” worked at Electro-Strings Rickenbacker Guitars “RIC” in early 1964. She did the work on the Beatles guitars. George’s 360-12... John’s 325-6 and 12 string (first ever)…. Paul’s Left handed 4001s (first ever).…Ten years later…..In the 1974, I worked for “Fender Musical Instruments” in Fullerton California. I made two Fender Rhodes Electric Pianos for John Lennon/Apple Studios. The one used on “Walls and Bridges” “Well if they’re gonna send one, send two cause I’d like one as well” John Lennon ordering a Fender Rhodes Electric Piano at the Apple studios. (Elton John recorded “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” with the same piano) My mother and myself are the only mother/son that both built an instrument for John Lennon. My mother made guitars for many famous Rockers, including the red guitar that was smashed by Peter Townsend of the WHO and is in the Rock HOF. Chris Squire, Roger Waters, Paul McCartney (left-handed 1964 4001S FG Rickenbacker bass) , John Entwistle, George Harrison’s 12 String. Roger McGuinn 12 string and many others. I have built pianos for “You name it” just about everyone IE: “Pink Floyd” on “Dark Side Of The Moon” It is our little contribution to Classic Rock. I’m very proud of that fact.
For those who lived through the times of The Beatles and beyond it would be more of a surprise that someone didn't know this beautiful song. Glad you you found it Harri, there's loads more gems out there.
Walls and Bridges gets overlooked critically, but there are some great tines on there, other than the two hits. Steel and Glass, and Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out are vocal triumphs for sure.
@@markbishopmusic Nobody sounds like John Lennon he has a certain delivery in his voice that's aristocratic in a sense, unique like in Glass onion, Sexy Sadie, Steel & Glass, Mother and many more... #9 Dream is a very special sweet dreamy Gem!
John believed he and Paul could communicate without speaking (and they did through music obviously). There are many instances of the two of them having similar dreams at the same time and John in particular believed in their telepathy. The lyrics “I know, yes I know” show up in this song (and in others- he wrote a song “I Know” that seems to be directed to McCartney). Apparently the two of them spent a whole night (their first acid trip together) staring into each other’s eyes and repeating “I know.” They referenced and communicated to each other through their songs long after they split. I believe the wistful longing of this song is directed at Paul and the deep friendship that once was, and continues through their music.
Beautiful. I believe it, having had some telepathy, premonitions. I feel that I can connect with the other side & if I try more, it’ll open a huge door. But afraid. Was open minded but sceptical before my mom died. Then she showed me signs that made no sense unless it was her. Immediately after she died. Now I believe.
Heaven is mentioned in the Bible, you get there through Christ only. Jesus said: I’m the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me !!
Was just thinking the same Thing. Lennon is immortal. still see him fronting HIS band The Beatles with his commanding wide stance holding up the entire right side of the stage. wow.
I love John Lennon & still shed tears over his death. He was a spiritual person like George Harrison, but each on a different path. Thanks for playing another Lennon song, made my day 😻💜☮️🇨🇦
This piece is very close to what George Harrison could do in the 70s and even the guitar playing is reminiscent. Moreover, in the last line ("Music touching my soul, Something warm, sudden cold...") we can hear some backwards voice saying "George" then "hare krishna" which is in a way a wink to his ex-Beatles partner !
I think John Lennon was very happy at this point in his life. I just feel like she was glad to be free of The Beatles and the obligations I love Yoko when he was high all the time so it was probably Pleasant
"Forgotten" is a bit of an exaggeration. After all, the track is currently being clicked on youtube about 1,000,000 times a year and has reached about 18,000,000 streams on spotify so far. That's more streams than "Whatever gets you thru the Night" (10,000,000)
@@braudabo You surprise me -- I'd have thought that "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night" (with that Elton John harmony) would be more popular. "I clearly overstated my point. All I meant to say that this is not a song that has entered the public consciousness the way that, say, "Imagine" or "Give Peace a Chance Have," songs that even non-fans would know by name.
In retrospect, WALLS AND BRIGES is one of the most underrated LPs EVER!! I played it more than any of the BEATLES LPs or any of the other LPs or CDs in my vast collection of other artist or groups.....ROCK ON!
Wells and Brigades is pure Lennon-unique...its was a loose time for John. I have the original Vinyl LP in good condition. And of course I love John & Beatles..I was 10 in the Beatlemania days in 1964...it was pure fun! Beatles were like dolls to children; in retrospect they were a magnet to children and they came up with a Beatles animations series, Beatles were everywhere!
A beautiful song about a dream John had. The phrase Ah! Bowakawa, pousse pousse doesn't mean anything but it sure catches my attention as well Harri. Great reaction and glad you read up about the number 9 in John's life. 👍✌️❤️🥁
It is like an ethereal song John showing his beauty. And it’s true what you say. I agree. It’s like a dream we had him. He was magic. I believe in what he and the Beatles stood for.
Well, when I saw the title, I thought: "I don't remember this song", but when it started: "How could I forget it? I used to hear it a lot in my younger days!" Thank you! Beautiful song!
Having heard this song so many many many times since it came out, I would like the experience of hearing it again for the first time. The song is so ethereal it never gets old.
It may make you sad in that it's so transcendently (& dreamily/ethereally) beautiful to where it's, perhaps, symbolic of John having transcended the earthly plane...
I think because his voice sounds so dream like or like it's on another plane (spirit plane) it makes me think he is no longer on earth as well, at least in a physical form, but his spirit is very much alive and lives on in his music
I've always thought that this song was John looking back on Beatlemania like it "was just a dream". "it seemed so real to me...." "So long ago..." "Magic in the air? Was magic in the air?' For those of us who lived through the Beatle era, magic truly was in the air, and we were blessed for it.
This song is a premonition to his death and a huge gift to those who loved him! That’s why this song often brings back his death. #9, I’ll bet John actually transitioned to his new life on the 9th of December and never forget #9 was a John Lennon favorite reminder from his musical past. How ironic? That he most likely hit the next life on #9 of the month. He was shot 1 hour before the 9th of December! Take the words in…and understand your soul is picking up this message as everyone who hears this, thinks if his tragic death… listen… “so long ago…..Dream, was it a dream? “Seemed so very real….to walk down his street by the Dakota….he though he could hear, hear, hear….. somebody called out his name…( John Lennons name was called out by Chapman, before he crouched and shot him 7 times. “and it started to rain” (weather data “Weather Spark,’” for Dec. 8th, 1980 say between 10 pm and 11 pm it was drizzling) 2 spirits dancing so strange. ( something was going on he realizes, but escapes the tragic and fatal pain of his murder) dream away….Was there magic in the air? He believes, yes he believes, ( he tells us ) more he cannot say…( but he’s trying to understand) ..on a river of sound ( he hears his music he gave the world by the angels), to the mirror go round, round ( his life reflected back to him) he started to feel, feel…then, he was hearing his music, he was able to feel, feel….music touching his soul ( he’s enveloped in his purpose and gifts, music to remove him from the event) “ something warm (the HEAT of the bullets), SUDDEN cold ( the shots and with so much immediate blood loss, you get very cold as your dying) “the spirit dance was unfolding…” ..(the transition to the afterlife began immediately ) John didn’t feel any pain, he leaves us this message to always remember when we’re sad. This song is a sacred gift for everyone to not cry for any pain, he didn’t have any, and to believe! ah, Bowa ( in Japanese, bowa means smoke, steam etc…) kowa (In Japanese it means frightening or terrifying) Bowakowa, Pousse ( In Japanese means pulse), pousse. Ah, Bowakowa, pousse pousse…smoke, terrified, pulse. Seems very very related to what was to come and all he said. It was a gift to truly believe, remember him without sadness, and he NEVER felt a thing. The guides and angels wouldn’t let a man who gave so much to this world suffer. We love you, John. Please read this, it will make your hair stand up! www.beatlesstory.com/blog/2019/10/09/9-dream-john-lennon-and-numerology/
This is one of my favourite Lennon songs but s others have said, it was in the period when Yoko separated from him and set him up with their assistant May Pang as a substitute. The female voice on this is May, not Yoko and she is Chinese, not Japanese. The "foreign words" are neither, they were made up by John. I always associate this song with "Dream Gerard" by Traffic. They were both played a lot in 1974 by Radio Caroline or North Sea International, I forget which.
When John Lennon is Dailed in. Can't touch his Genius. His Voice is Hypnotic. May Pang was inspiration for this song . She adds Whispering John to the song. The Strings and the Harrison like guitar is just Magical. Great Song . Walls and Bridges is my go to album.
Its from the album "Walls and Bridges." I loved that album in high school. When someone stole my records from school I had to replace Walls and Bridges right away.
When it comes to any of our deep favorites who have passed on, we will always hear their music through the filter of the knowledge of their deaths. That is especially true for someone like John Lennon, maybe even MOST ESPECIALLY, due to the nature of his death. That knowledge is always present in any sincere listener's mind, when hearing John's music. Thank you for this one! May I make a suggestion? Find the entire "Lennon Legend: The Very Best of John Lennon" album, and react (or at least listen) to the entire thing. All from his solo career, fantastic stuff, and not a wasted moment on it!
To the host: John Lennon, while living in his house ( penthouse) in New York had a UFO sighting that he stated was very close and moved slowly past his window/ balcony gliding over the Hudson River. After that he stated that the ‘ refrain’ in his song that sounds foreign ( it’s not Japanese) came to him after that sighting so he included it in this song. He and girlfriend at the time witnessed the craft.
You may know this by now, but this song/album was recorded in L.A. during John's time away from Yoko (with her being in NYC). This was recorded during his so called "Lost Weekend," from about late 1973 to February (?) 1975.
I was born in the mid seventies, my dad used to play the Beatles and John Lennon records all the time when I was a kid and it’s always this song that gets me emotional about his passing
You want a reference to number 9? Check out "Revolution 9". One hundred years from now, it will be a hit. LOL Anyway, "Ah! böwakawa poussé, poussé" is a meaningless phrase that came to John in a dream.
Fantastic pick, Imadrummin. Your taste is impeccable. This is one of John's later hits that made one think about what would have been? Great reaction Prince Harri. 🤴🇬🇧🇺🇸🇺🇦🇨🇦👍🔥🕊️
Alan White (from YES), played on this song. "#9 Dream" And Alan played drums in Toronto (with John, Clapton, and Delaney and Bonnie). And he played drums on "All Things Must Pass" from George Harrison. And he played on "Double Fantasy" with John. ;-)
Respectfully. the credits say Jim Keltner on drums for #9 Dream. As a drummer for 50 years, I will say Alan White is on my top shelf along with a hand full of drummers I was inspired by. When I heard Alan passed away (as when Neil Peart passed away), it broke my heart. RIP Alan & Neil. ✌️
His voice sounds mesmerizing, and the line you highlighted means nothing, he heard those words on a dream and then when writing the rest of the song he realized it contains 9 syllabes, also all his life was surrounded by the number 9 in many ways.
You mentioned the song 'Woman' from Double Fantasy. When recording Woman, John referred to the song as "The Beatle one'. For me, this is 'The Beatle one'. John's last homage to his mid 60's more flowery, dreamy and often ambiguous, side of his songwriting catalogue. #9 Dream is historically underappreciated. One listen changes that forever. John is on top of his game and the band is locked in. Great reaction Hari. I'm glad you've heard this classic. A diamond in the rough, recorded during John's "Lost Weekend". Cheers mate, RNB
Gorgeous song. And I totally get you what mean about it making you sad. I feel the same way with this one. I think part of it has to do with the song showing us what we're missing out on because he was taken from us too soon. Who knows how many dozens and dozens of classic songs we missed out on.
You are right. I remember when I first heard this song in 1994 n the song had a sad feeling. My dad told me he loved this song n I fell inn love with it!!
When one sings along to this old time favorite the thought of lost love ones to fate brings a whisper of a treat as if flouting through a dream pressing my focus on you of all things I think how could it be different than it is no matter how hard I tried the thought I could change the world encroached on my peace of mind and equilibrium but all is fine when my thoughts sing along to the words ~ Ahi! Bowakawa, pousse pousse Ahi! Bowakawa, pousse pouss Ahi! Bowakawa, pousse pousse
I'd love to calibrate with you Harri, just heard sadness. I've been listening to this song forever. No oh Kah ra Kah doesn't mean anything. Remember it was just a Dream!!
@HarriBest Reactions: #9 Dream" came to Lennon in a dream. Lennon has said that the song was just "churned out" with "no inspiration".[2] "That's what I call craftsmanship writing, meaning, you know, I just churned that out. I'm not putting it down, it's just what it is, but I just sat down and wrote it, you know, with no real inspiration, based on a dream I'd had."- John Lennon, 1980, BBC Ah Bowakowa pousse, pousse are simply syllabic utterances. He heard them in a dream, remembered them after he woke up and thought they were beautiful and ethereal sounding so he used them for the chorus of the song. The woman's voice whispering "John, John" is May Pang although in the music video Yoko is seen whispering it into the open air. Countless interpretations of this song (and others) have been applied over the years but all interviews with Lennon and his associates indicate that the song is simply an exercise in the craftsmanship of songwriting. One of his most beautiful compositions, regardless listener interpretations.
Funny you should mention that the sound of the song, and the song itself brings up his death to you. This is the first song of his that I heard on the radio right after he died. I’d left my house to just get in the car and drive. I didn’t care where, and I really couldn’t tell you where at all that I went that night. I just drove for hours. And I lost it when this song came on. And I still lose it to this day when I hear it. We lost a good one, with John. Can you just imagine all of the fantastic music we would be listening to and sharing, if only he hadn’t died so young? Sigh………
He wasn't with Yoko when he wrote this song. He was with Mae Pang and it is her voice whispering his name. John had a dream and in the dream, he heard that 9 syllable phrase. It is not in any language at all. He just put it in the song because he was.... a genius. Thanks Harri, your Beatle reactions keep me watching. Lucky me, I grew up as a Beatle fan from their beginning. Especially I'm a superfan of John. 😀
He recorded this when he was estranged from Yoko. I think the harmonies on the refrain is John double tracking his voice. My fav solo.track by Lennon. Utterly sublime.
Always loved this song, BTW I am German and the long time bass player, even here, of Lennon was Klaus Vormann, he was in Manfred Mann and played on My sweet lord, Imagine, Photograph, You're so vain or without you.
This song is the Essence of John Lennon. My goodness his death robbed us of decades of beautiful music.
Yes.. This is like the moon eating ice cream.. Its sounds surreal and beautiful..Lennon sounds exquisite, esoteric.
@@titusho2 I find it to be highly influenced by George
Along with Karen Carpenter
@@titusho2 Well said
Phenomenal song. Probably my favorite solo John. Odds weren't great that he would continue writing songs this good for decades, though. Can't think of any artist who did tbh.
ethereal is the word you're looking for.
Ethereal is a good description, also makes me feel melancholy.
John Lennon. Genius
God Bless!! RIP John you are sorely missed.
My Mother Dorothy Jean Tandle…“Dotty” worked at Electro-Strings Rickenbacker Guitars “RIC” in early 1964. She did the work on the Beatles guitars. George’s 360-12... John’s 325-6 and 12 string (first ever)…. Paul’s Left handed 4001s (first ever).…Ten years later…..In the 1974, I worked for “Fender Musical Instruments” in Fullerton California.
I made two Fender Rhodes Electric Pianos for John Lennon/Apple Studios.
The one used on “Walls and Bridges”
“Well if they’re gonna send one, send two cause I’d like one as well”
John Lennon ordering a Fender Rhodes Electric Piano at the Apple studios.
(Elton John recorded “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” with the same piano)
My mother and myself are the only mother/son that both built an instrument for John Lennon.
My mother made guitars for many famous Rockers, including the red guitar that was smashed by Peter Townsend of the WHO and is in the Rock HOF. Chris Squire, Roger Waters, Paul McCartney (left-handed 1964 4001S FG Rickenbacker bass) , John Entwistle, George Harrison’s 12 String. Roger McGuinn 12 string and many others.
I have built pianos for “You name it”
just about everyone IE: “Pink Floyd” on “Dark Side Of The Moon”
It is our little contribution to Classic Rock.
I’m very proud of that fact.
You should be very proud of these achievements. Very impressive information you provided. 👍
How cool is that
Did you know Dennis Harrigan & Gene…..?
Friends of mine. I believe they worked there as well at that time.
@@alankendrick1854 Over 1.600 employees at that time at Fender. I knew about 400 of them.
Right on Mom and son!
For those who lived through the times of The Beatles and beyond it would be more of a surprise that someone didn't know this beautiful song. Glad you you found it Harri, there's loads more gems out there.
Yes Lennon has really beautiful songs.
Walls and Bridges gets overlooked critically, but there are some great tines on there, other than the two hits. Steel and Glass, and Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out are vocal triumphs for sure.
@@markbishopmusic Nobody sounds like John Lennon he has a certain delivery in his voice that's aristocratic in a sense, unique like in Glass onion, Sexy Sadie, Steel & Glass, Mother and many more... #9 Dream is a very special sweet dreamy Gem!
@@markbishopmusic what about " Whatever gets you through the night" when #1. "What you got" Going down on Love" and "Scared ".
Interesting that for this song John did not have Yoko in mind.
THAT START BLOWS YOUR MIND AWAY.
Always liked this song 😇🥰😍🤩🤗
Oh yes - Woman is just an awesome song. But you are so right No 9 Dream is sad - reminds one of John's death. God Bless
Harris's description of this song us exactly how I feel/the song makes me feel❤❤❤ Thank you so much for this!!!
This song just takes up residence in your soul…
John believed he and Paul could communicate without speaking (and they did through music obviously). There are many instances of the two of them having similar dreams at the same time and John in particular believed in their telepathy.
The lyrics “I know, yes I know” show up in this song (and in others- he wrote a song “I Know” that seems to be directed to McCartney). Apparently the two of them spent a whole night (their first acid trip together) staring into each other’s eyes and repeating “I know.”
They referenced and communicated to each other through their songs long after they split. I believe the wistful longing of this song is directed at Paul and the deep friendship that once was, and continues through their music.
This is drivel
What BS!! don't
you have something better to do than make shit up ??
Shush now Alison - bless
This is brother John telling the world: "Don't worry about me, I'm already in Heaven."
One of his best of all.
Beautiful. I believe it, having had some telepathy, premonitions. I feel that I can connect with the other side & if I try more, it’ll open a huge door. But afraid. Was open minded but sceptical before my mom died. Then she showed me signs that made no sense unless it was her. Immediately after she died. Now I believe.
@@LetItBeSummer-1
Heaven is mentioned in the Bible, you get there through Christ only. Jesus said: I’m the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me !!
Harri , John Lennon did this song on his " Lost Weekend" when he was with May Pang and separated from Yoko. May Pang does the background singing.
You do have a fanciful imagination
John Lennon…. Most Important Person In Modern Music History. “The Beatles…. Greatest Musical Group In History. Nobody else even comes close.
Was just thinking the same Thing. Lennon is immortal. still see him fronting HIS band The Beatles with his commanding wide stance holding up the entire right side of the stage. wow.
Indeed
Not without Mccartney ...and visa versa
Don’t forget Dylan my friend. But yea the Beatles are the greatest ever.
@@gratefuldead2379 Lennon and Dylan are my favorites writers and singers. Legends
Masterpiece
John Lennon’s voice ethereal .
I love John Lennon & still shed tears over his death. He was a spiritual person like George Harrison, but each on a different path. Thanks for playing another Lennon song, made my day 😻💜☮️🇨🇦
Most folks favor Imagine, but his is my favorite solo Lennon song.
"Mind Games" was another dreamy hypnotic tune by John, and a pretty big hit.
This song gives me chills everytime listening! Thanks John! Thanks Harri!
I always felt there was a ‘beautiful sadness’ to this song - even before John sadly died.
This piece is very close to what George Harrison could do in the 70s and even the guitar playing is reminiscent. Moreover, in the last line ("Music touching my soul, Something warm, sudden cold...") we can hear some backwards voice saying "George" then "hare krishna" which is in a way a wink to his ex-Beatles partner !
I love John Lennon and this is a beautiful song. Good one Imadrummin and haven't heard it for ages. Thanks, boys. 🙂
Thanks so much Cynthia!! 👌❤👍✌😊
I agree, we are all shadowed by the tragedy of his passing
I think John Lennon was very happy at this point in his life. I just feel like she was glad to be free of The Beatles and the obligations I love Yoko when he was high all the time so it was probably Pleasant
Great reaction, Harry. This one -- one of his best -- has sadly been forgotten. But we sure loved it during January 1975.
"Forgotten" is a bit of an exaggeration. After all, the track is currently being clicked on youtube about 1,000,000 times a year and has reached about 18,000,000 streams on spotify so far. That's more streams than "Whatever gets you thru the Night" (10,000,000)
@@braudabo You surprise me -- I'd have thought that "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night" (with that Elton John harmony) would be more popular. "I clearly overstated my point. All I meant to say that this is not a song that has entered the public consciousness the way that, say, "Imagine" or "Give Peace a Chance Have," songs that even non-fans would know by name.
Without a doubt this is the golden song of Lennon solo artist.. it’s so complex to even imagine how he write and compose the his melody
I was born in the nineties and my dad raised me on older songs. This is my favorite Lennon song since I was a kid!
My favorite Lennon song.
Interesting to see Yoko calling out John's name in the video when in reality that is May Pang's voice.
My Wang has nothing to.??? Nevermind
this song is so underrated!! this is perfect!
One of my fave Lennon songs. It's gorgeous.
In retrospect, WALLS AND BRIGES is one of the most underrated LPs EVER!! I played it more than any of the BEATLES LPs or any of the other LPs or CDs in my vast collection of other artist or groups.....ROCK ON!
Wells and Brigades is pure Lennon-unique...its was a loose time for John. I have the original Vinyl LP in good condition. And of course I love John & Beatles..I was 10 in the Beatlemania days in 1964...it was pure fun! Beatles were like dolls to children; in retrospect they were a magnet to children and they came up with a Beatles animations series, Beatles were everywhere!
Unmatched
Totally agree that this song is a hidden masterpiece. It might be my favorite post-Beatles John track.
Incredible song
A beautiful song about a dream John had. The phrase Ah! Bowakawa, pousse pousse doesn't mean anything but it sure catches my attention as well Harri. Great reaction and glad you read up about the number 9 in John's life. 👍✌️❤️🥁
It meant something before he changed it to "pousse" from what it was.
@kimmo mäki Well, supposedly when John woke up with the song in his head, the line, let's say, referred to a kitty cat. Ah Bawa Kawa was gibberish.
Correct that those "words" don't mean anything but he heard them in a dream, remembered them after he woke up and thought they fot this song.
This song, “Mind Games”, “Bless You”, and “Jealous Guy” are my personal favs from his catalogue post Beatles.
It is like an ethereal song John showing his beauty. And it’s true what you say. I agree. It’s like a dream we had him. He was magic. I believe in what he and the Beatles stood for.
I loved this back in 74
One of the greatest songs.
His best vocal performance ever.
Well, when I saw the title, I thought: "I don't remember this song", but when it started: "How could I forget it? I used to hear it a lot in my younger days!"
Thank you! Beautiful song!
One of, or possibly my favorite solo John Lennon song! Amazing atmosphere swirling around in this beautiful song!
Having heard this song so many many many times since it came out, I would like the experience of hearing it again for the first time.
The song is so ethereal it never gets old.
One of my favorite Lennon songs!
gorgeous song.
Yes it is beautiful..... haunting takes me back to when I was very little, and saw or heard things that I can't remember now.
The Master! He is simply the best - no one like this man ❤️
Excellent song!!!
Essa Música é Sensacional, Única.... Eterna.
It may make you sad in that it's so transcendently (& dreamily/ethereally) beautiful to where it's, perhaps, symbolic of John having transcended the earthly plane...
I think because his voice sounds so dream like or like it's on another plane (spirit plane) it makes me think he is no longer on earth as well, at least in a physical form, but his spirit is very much alive and lives on in his music
I've always thought that this song was John looking back on Beatlemania like it "was just a dream". "it seemed so real to me...." "So long ago..." "Magic in the air? Was magic in the air?' For those of us who lived through the Beatle era, magic truly was in the air, and we were blessed for it.
This song is a premonition to his death and a huge gift to those who loved him! That’s why this song often brings back his death. #9, I’ll bet John actually transitioned to his new life on the 9th of December and never forget #9 was a John Lennon favorite reminder from his musical past. How ironic? That he most likely hit the next life on #9 of the month. He was shot 1 hour before the 9th of December! Take the words in…and understand your soul is picking up this message as everyone who hears this, thinks if his tragic death… listen… “so long ago…..Dream, was it a dream? “Seemed so very real….to walk down his street by the Dakota….he though he could hear, hear, hear….. somebody called out his name…( John Lennons name was called out by Chapman, before he crouched and shot him 7 times. “and it started to rain” (weather data “Weather Spark,’” for Dec. 8th, 1980 say between 10 pm and 11 pm it was drizzling) 2 spirits dancing so strange. ( something was going on he realizes, but escapes the tragic and fatal pain of his murder)
dream away….Was there magic in the air? He believes, yes he believes, ( he tells us ) more he cannot say…( but he’s trying to understand) ..on a river of sound ( he hears his music he gave the world by the angels), to the mirror go round, round ( his life reflected back to him) he started to feel, feel…then, he was hearing his music, he was able to feel, feel….music touching his soul ( he’s enveloped in his purpose and gifts, music to remove him from the event) “ something warm (the HEAT of the bullets), SUDDEN cold ( the shots and with so much immediate blood loss, you get very cold as your dying) “the spirit dance was unfolding…” ..(the transition to the afterlife began immediately ) John didn’t feel any pain, he leaves us this message to always remember when we’re sad. This song is a sacred gift for everyone to not cry for any pain, he didn’t have any, and to believe! ah, Bowa ( in Japanese, bowa means smoke, steam etc…) kowa (In Japanese it means frightening or terrifying) Bowakowa, Pousse ( In Japanese means pulse), pousse. Ah, Bowakowa, pousse pousse…smoke, terrified, pulse. Seems very very related to what was to come and all he said. It was a gift to truly believe, remember him without sadness, and he NEVER felt a thing. The guides and angels wouldn’t let a man who gave so much to this world suffer. We love you, John. Please read this, it will make your hair stand up! www.beatlesstory.com/blog/2019/10/09/9-dream-john-lennon-and-numerology/
Wonderful description 👌
This is one of my favourite Lennon songs but s others have said, it was in the period when Yoko separated from him and set him up with their assistant May Pang as a substitute. The female voice on this is May, not Yoko and she is Chinese, not Japanese. The "foreign words" are neither, they were made up by John.
I always associate this song with "Dream Gerard" by Traffic. They were both played a lot in 1974 by Radio Caroline or North Sea International, I forget which.
Best number he did
Harri, it appears you've yet to react to his "Power to the People"! Check it out!
Great song. It has a “Mind Games” vibe to me.
cause Lennon self produced and arranged both albums
'Ah böwakawa poussé, poussé", came to Lennon in a dream and has no specific meaning.
Of course he wanted to say pussy pussy, but the record company made him change it.
I place this up there with "Imagine." So evocative.
When John Lennon is Dailed in.
Can't touch his Genius. His Voice is Hypnotic. May Pang was inspiration for this song .
She adds Whispering John to the song. The Strings and the Harrison like guitar is just Magical. Great Song .
Walls and Bridges is my go to album.
Its from the album "Walls and Bridges." I loved that album in high school. When someone stole my records from school I had to replace Walls and Bridges right away.
When it comes to any of our deep favorites who have passed on, we will always hear their music through the filter of the knowledge of their deaths.
That is especially true for someone like John Lennon, maybe even MOST ESPECIALLY, due to the nature of his death. That knowledge is always present in any sincere listener's mind, when hearing John's music.
Thank you for this one!
May I make a suggestion? Find the entire "Lennon Legend: The Very Best of John Lennon" album, and react (or at least listen) to the entire thing. All from his solo career, fantastic stuff, and not a wasted moment on it!
To the host: John Lennon, while living in his house ( penthouse) in New York had a UFO sighting that he stated was very close and moved slowly past his window/ balcony gliding over the Hudson River. After that he stated that the ‘ refrain’ in his song that sounds foreign ( it’s not Japanese) came to him after that sighting so he included it in this song. He and girlfriend at the time witnessed the craft.
agree, one of his best song
You may know this by now, but this song/album was recorded in L.A. during John's time away from Yoko (with her being in NYC). This was recorded during his so called "Lost Weekend," from about late 1973 to February (?) 1975.
I was born in the mid seventies, my dad used to play the Beatles and John Lennon records all the time when I was a kid and it’s always this song that gets me emotional about his passing
We all feel like you, we are hurting to, we all still miss him, God Bless you HarriBest!
Definitely one of John's best post-Beatle songs, on par with "Imagine". It was played quite a bit on the radio in the US when it came out (1974).
You want a reference to number 9? Check out "Revolution 9". One hundred years from now, it will be a hit. LOL Anyway, "Ah! böwakawa poussé, poussé" is a meaningless phrase that came to John in a dream.
I agree, the beauty of this song makes me think, how can a person who created this be killed.
I remember hearing this played on the radio when it came out so very long ago. Great song.
Fantastic pick, Imadrummin. Your taste is impeccable. This is one of John's later hits that made one think
about what would have been? Great reaction Prince Harri. 🤴🇬🇧🇺🇸🇺🇦🇨🇦👍🔥🕊️
Thank you so much Daniel Volk!!!👍✌❤👌😊❤
I'm always thinking of the magical songs we missed in 42 years. 😥😥👍✌️🇨🇦
1974
My hero. 😓
Alan White (from YES), played on this song. "#9 Dream"
And Alan played drums in Toronto (with John, Clapton, and Delaney and Bonnie).
And he played drums on "All Things Must Pass" from George Harrison.
And he played on "Double Fantasy" with John. ;-)
Respectfully. the credits say Jim Keltner on drums for #9 Dream. As a drummer for 50 years, I will say Alan White is on my top shelf along with a hand full of drummers I was inspired by. When I heard Alan passed away (as when Neil Peart passed away), it broke my heart. RIP Alan & Neil. ✌️
Yes. 9 was a big thing for him. And although he died late on 8th December in NY, it was the 9th in the UK!
Yes, Harri, I know what you mean. There is an ethereal, haunting quality to this song that reminds me that John isn’t with us any more. Heartbreaking.
His voice sounds mesmerizing, and the line you highlighted means nothing, he heard those words on a dream and then when writing the rest of the song he realized it contains 9 syllabes, also all his life was surrounded by the number 9 in many ways.
It does show their love story which was epic!
This is a masterpiece of a song amongst so many other masterpieces by Lennon. His life will prove to be one as well. He’s alive. You’ll find out 174
john was a good composer and so is paul...however, i love more of john's songs coz the tunes are unique...
This beautiful song, sung by this beautiful man, makes me think, sometimes, of his death.
You are not along brother.
John was my favorite Beatle, I wish he was here making beautiful music.
You mentioned the song 'Woman' from Double Fantasy. When recording Woman, John referred to the song as "The Beatle one'. For me, this is 'The Beatle one'. John's last homage to his mid 60's more flowery, dreamy and often ambiguous, side of his songwriting catalogue. #9 Dream is historically underappreciated. One listen changes that forever. John is on top of his game and the band is locked in. Great reaction Hari. I'm glad you've heard this classic. A diamond in the rough, recorded during John's "Lost Weekend". Cheers mate, RNB
Gorgeous song. And I totally get you what mean about it making you sad. I feel the same way with this one. I think part of it has to do with the song showing us what we're missing out on because he was taken from us too soon. Who knows how many dozens and dozens of classic songs we missed out on.
'Took a walk down the street through the heat-whispered trees' also reminds me of his death in New York. Wonderful song and production.
Me too bro. Memories of 1980
You are right. I remember when I first heard this song in 1994 n the song had a sad feeling. My dad told me he loved this song n I fell inn love with it!!
When one sings along to this old time favorite the thought of lost love ones to fate brings a whisper of a treat as if flouting through a dream pressing my focus on you of all things I think how could it be different than it is no matter how hard I tried the thought I could change the world encroached on my peace of mind and equilibrium but all is fine when my thoughts sing along to the words ~ Ahi! Bowakawa, pousse pousse Ahi! Bowakawa, pousse pouss Ahi! Bowakawa, pousse pousse
I love you Harri. This song, i cant discribe. Very spiritual to me.
I'd love to calibrate with you Harri, just heard sadness. I've been listening to this song forever. No oh Kah ra Kah doesn't mean anything. Remember it was just a Dream!!
@HarriBest Reactions:
#9 Dream" came to Lennon in a dream. Lennon has said that the song was just "churned out" with "no inspiration".[2]
"That's what I call craftsmanship writing, meaning, you know, I just churned that out. I'm not putting it down, it's just what it is, but I just sat down and wrote it, you know, with no real inspiration, based on a dream I'd had."- John Lennon, 1980, BBC
Ah Bowakowa pousse, pousse are simply syllabic utterances. He heard them in a dream, remembered them after he woke up and thought they were beautiful and ethereal sounding so he used them for the chorus of the song.
The woman's voice whispering "John, John" is May Pang although in the music video Yoko is seen whispering it into the open air.
Countless interpretations of this song (and others) have been applied over the years but all interviews with Lennon and his associates indicate that the song is simply an exercise in the craftsmanship of songwriting.
One of his most beautiful compositions, regardless listener interpretations.
My favorite Lennon song I wore out the Walls and bridges cd because of this song
The strange words were the words he heard in the dream. I never knew that before. It’s just a sound he heard in that dream. Very cool.
A testament to John & Yokos oneness and love!!!!
It reminds me of his death as well. That's because his vocal is ethereal and somewhat peaceful and haunting simultaneously.
Great song. You will also like (Just Like) Starting Over and Mind Games.
Funny you should mention that the sound of the song, and the song itself brings up his death to you. This is the first song of his that I heard on the radio right after he died. I’d left my house to just get in the car and drive. I didn’t care where, and I really couldn’t tell you where at all that I went that night. I just drove for hours. And I lost it when this song came on. And I still lose it to this day when I hear it. We lost a good one, with John. Can you just imagine all of the fantastic music we would be listening to and sharing, if only he hadn’t died so young? Sigh………
Just love this song and I think my favourite John song. R.E.M did a great cover of No 9 Dream.
He wasn't with Yoko when he wrote this song. He was with Mae Pang and it is her voice whispering his name. John had a dream and in the dream, he heard that 9 syllable phrase. It is not in any language at all. He just put it in the song because he was.... a genius. Thanks Harri, your Beatle reactions keep me watching. Lucky me, I grew up as a Beatle fan from their beginning. Especially I'm a superfan of John. 😀
He recorded this when he was estranged from Yoko. I think the harmonies on the refrain is John double tracking his voice.
My fav solo.track by Lennon. Utterly sublime.
Just another beautiful song with a sad yearning that's hard to verbalize.
Always loved this song, BTW I am German and the long time bass player, even here, of Lennon was Klaus Vormann, he was in Manfred Mann and played on My sweet lord, Imagine, Photograph, You're so vain or without you.