Quotes from John Lennon

When I was about twelve I used to think I must be a genius, but nobody's noticed. If there is such a thing as a genius, I am one, and if there isn't I don't care.

I am a violent man who has learned not to be violent and regrets his violence.

Avant-garde is French for bullshit

When I cannot sing my heart, I can only speak my mind.

Love is the greatest refreshment in life.

Everybody seems to think I'm lazy I don't mind, I think they're crazy. Running everywhere at such a speed Till they find there's no need.

Nobody loves you when you're down and out.

I don't believe in Beatles, I just believe in me.

Before Elvis there was nothing.

paranoia is just a heightened sense of awareness

I wasn't saying whatever they're saying I was saying. I'm sorry I said it really. I never meant it to be a lousy anti-religious thing. I apologize if that will make you happy. I still don't know quite what I've done. I've tried to tell you what I did do but if you want me to apologize, if that will make you happy, then OK, I'm sorry.

There are only a few notes. Just variations on a theme.

When you cross the street, take my hand

Everybody loves you when you're six foot in the ground.

When it gets down to having to use violence, then you are playing the system's game. The establishment will irritate you – pull your beard, flick your face – to make you fight. Because once they've got you violent, then they know how to handle you. The only thing they don't know how to handle is non-violence and humor.

Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I don't know what will go first, rock 'n' roll or Christianity. We're more popular than Jesus now. Jesus was all right, but his disciples were thick and ordinary. It's them twisting it that ruins it for me.

Please don't wake me, no, don't shake me, leave me where I am, I'm only sleeping...

Peace is not something you wish for; It's something you make, Something you do , Something you are, And something you give away

I've never really been wanted.

Why in the world are we here? Surely not to live in pain and fear. Why on earth are you there, when you're everywhere-come and get your share.

No short-haired, yellow-bellied, son of tricky dicky Is gonna mother hubbard soft soap me With just a pocketful of soap.

If you want peace, you won't get it with violence.

Trying to please everybody is impossible - if you did that, you'd end up in the middle with nobody liking you. You've just got to make the decision about what you think is your best, and do it.

You can manicure a cat but can you caticure a man?