About The Song
"Crippled Inside" is a country-influenced track by John Lennon, featured on his 1971 album "Imagine." The song showcases Lennon's versatility as a musician, as he explores the genre of country music while infusing it with his own distinctive style and wit.
Lyrically, "Crippled Inside" is a satirical commentary on hypocrisy and the contrast between outward appearances and inner reality. The lyrics suggest that despite external appearances, people may harbor flaws and contradictions within. The title itself, "Crippled Inside," hints at the idea that one's emotional or moral well-being may not align with how they present themselves to the world. The playful and ironic tone of the song adds a layer of humor to the message.
Musically, the song draws heavily from country music traditions, featuring twangy guitars, a honky-tonk piano, and a lively, upbeat rhythm. Lennon's vocal delivery is relaxed and draws on the twang characteristic of country music, adding to the authenticity of the genre fusion. The overall sound of "Crippled Inside" contrasts with the more somber and reflective tone of some of the other tracks on the "Imagine" album.
The incorporation of country elements into "Crippled Inside" showcases Lennon's willingness to experiment with different musical styles and genres. It demonstrates his ability to infuse diverse influences into his work while maintaining a cohesive sound. This genre departure also reflects Lennon's evolving musical interests during this period of his solo career.
"Crippled Inside" remains an interesting and entertaining addition to Lennon's catalog, showcasing his ability to deliver a serious message with a touch of humor and musical diversity. The song's exploration of contradictions and the dual nature of human behavior adds depth to Lennon's songwriting, making it a distinctive and memorable track within the context of the "Imagine" album.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
You can shine your shoes and wear a suit
You can comb your hair and look quite cute
You can hide your face behind a smile
One thing you can't hide
Is when you're crippled inside
You can wear a mask and paint your face
You can call yourself the human race
You can wear a collar and a tie
One thing you can't hide
Is when you're crippled inside
Well now, you know that your cat has nine lives, babe
Nine lives to itself
But you only got one
And a dog's life ain't fun
Mama, take a look outside
You can go to church and sing a hymn
You can judge me by the colour of my skin
You can live a lie until you die
One thing you can't hide
Is when you're crippled inside
Take it, cousin
Well now, you know that your cat has nine lives, babe
Nine lives to itself
But you only got one
And a dog's life ain't fun
Mama, take a look outside
You can go to church and sing a hymn
Judge me by the colour of my skin
You can live a lie until you die
One thing you can't hide
Is when you're crippled inside
One thing you can't hide
Is when you're crippled inside
One thing you can't hide
Is when you're crippled inside