Lucy

Album: Lucy EP (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the title track from the Lucy EP, the first new music from Lennon since his 1998 Photograph Smile album.
  • Lennon recorded this in New York City with one of his company Revolution's new artists, James Scott Cook. Initially, Julian was scheduled to sing a few background vocals on one of James' songs titled "Lucy." However with the news of Julian's childhood friend Lucy Vodden's passing fresh on everyone's minds, he suggested that the track be released as a digital charity single, in honor of the memory of Lucy, with proceeds going towards the St. Thomas' Lupus Trust in Great Britain and the Lupus Foundation of America, two nonprofits working to fight the autoimmune disease. (Lucy Vodden inspired Julian to draw a picture of her, that later inspired his father John Lennon, to pen the song "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.") Once agreed upon, the producer, Todd Meagher, suggested that the song become more of a duet, which seemed more fitting under the circumstances. Within a day the duo had reworked the song's lyrics and arrangement to make it a duet that celebrated Vodden's life. Lennon told Billboard magazine: "I learned of Lucy's passing during the actual process. I'd reacquainted myself with her through friends and businesspeople about two years ago, so I knew of her plight and was actually helping her to hopefully have a little more comfort in life." He added: "The song was done in an evening. We thought, 'If we're going to do this, let's do it now in memory of Lucy, while we're all here and we have the energy.'"
  • The song not only celebrates Vodden's life, but also Cook's 92-year-old grandmother. "She's also suffered from lupus all her life, and her name is Lucy," said Lennon.

Comments: 1

  • Paula from Laredo, TxThe words and the voices sound beautiful.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillian

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.