10 Days from Pen to Record: The Extraordinary Release of ‘Instant Karma’

10 Days from Pen to Record: The Extraordinary Release of ‘Instant Karma’

The story of John Lennon’s iconic song Instant Karma! is nothing short of extraordinary. Written, recorded, and released in a matter of just 10 days, this 1970 hit defied the norms of the music industry and remains one of the most remarkable examples of how creative spontaneity can result in musical brilliance. From its inception to its rapid release, Instant Karma! is a testament to the power of inspiration, collaboration, and the unique circumstances that shaped its creation.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the fascinating backstory of Instant Karma!, its place in music history, and the whirlwind journey it took from pen to record.

The Birth of Instant Karma!: A Moment of Inspiration

In early 1970, John Lennon was riding a wave of creative energy following his departure from The Beatles. He had been focusing on his solo career and was working on his first album, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band. One fateful day, Lennon had an idea that would turn into one of his most iconic tracks. He was staying at the home of his friend and collaborator, musician and producer Phil Spector, in London when the idea for Instant Karma! struck him.

Lennon wrote the song in a burst of inspiration, completing the lyrics in just a few hours. The song’s message, a call for immediate change and action, was simple but powerful: “We all shine on, like the moon and the stars and the sun.” The concept of Instant Karma! resonated with Lennon’s personal beliefs, as well as with the social and political climate of the time. The song’s lyrics express a sense of urgency for self-awareness and personal accountability, encapsulating the feeling of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

A Rapid Recording Process

What makes the creation of Instant Karma! even more remarkable is the speed at which it was recorded. Lennon decided to record the song immediately after writing it, knowing that its energy needed to be captured in the moment. On January 27, 1970, just one day after writing the song, he enlisted his friends—fellow musicians and members of The Beatles and other artists—to help him record it.

Lennon was joined by Billy Preston, a talented keyboardist and former Beatles collaborator, on the Hammond organ, along with Klaus Voormann, the bassist who had worked with The Beatles during the Revolver era, and drummer Alan White. The recording took place at Abbey Road Studios in London, where they laid down the track in a single, intense session.

Despite the unconventional nature of the recording process, the song’s raw energy was captured in a way that felt entirely spontaneous and authentic. In a mere 10 hours, Instant Karma! was fully recorded, mixed, and ready for release. It was truly a whirlwind of creativity and collaboration.

The Release: A Speedy Journey to the Charts

Once the track was recorded, Lennon wasted no time in getting it out to the public. The song was released on February 6, 1970, just 10 days after it was first conceived. It was a remarkable feat, as most songs took weeks, if not months, to produce and promote at the time.

Released as a single on Apple Records, Instant Karma! was met with immediate success. The song’s powerful message and catchy melody made it an instant hit, reaching No. 3 on the charts in the UK and No. 5 in the US. The track also garnered significant airplay, marking Lennon’s first significant solo success after The Beatles’ breakup.

The release of Instant Karma! was also significant in the context of the music industry. The song was one of the first to be recorded and released so quickly, showing that there was no longer a need for the lengthy production processes that had once been standard. It demonstrated the power of creative freedom and how an artist could break the mold of traditional industry practices.

The Message of Instant Karma!

The song’s message is one of empowerment, urging listeners to take responsibility for their actions and consider the immediate consequences of their choices. Lennon’s call for self-awareness and mindfulness resonates just as strongly today as it did in 1970.

“Instant Karma’s gonna get you / Gonna knock you right on the head,” Lennon sings, with a sense of urgency and force. The chorus, with its repeated line, “We all shine on,” is a hopeful and affirming reminder that, despite the challenges we face, we all have the potential for greatness within us.

Instant Karma! also captured the mood of the time—an era marked by social upheaval and calls for peace, love, and understanding. Lennon’s plea for immediate change was a reflection of the desire for justice and progress, themes that still resonate today.

The Legacy of Instant Karma!

Instant Karma! remains one of John Lennon’s most iconic songs and a defining moment in his solo career. It stands as an example of how music can be made in the spur of the moment and yet have a lasting impact. The song’s success demonstrated that there was no need to adhere to traditional timelines for creativity—it was enough to capture the energy of the moment and release it to the world.

The track has since been covered by various artists, including the legendary trio of U2, who performed the song in tribute to Lennon after his death in 1980. Instant Karma! continues to inspire listeners, reminding them that change can happen right now, and the power to make a difference lies within each of us.

Conclusion

The story of Instant Karma! is a testament to the power of inspiration, the spontaneity of creativity, and the ability of music to capture the essence of a moment. From pen to record in just 10 days, this song became one of John Lennon’s most enduring hits and a symbol of personal responsibility and change. It remains a reminder of the transformative power of music—and how sometimes, the best things happen when we act on inspiration without hesitation.c

Lyrics: Instant Karma 

Instant Karma’s gonna get you
Gonna knock you right on the head
You better get yourself together
Pretty soon you’re gonna be dead
What in the world you thinking of
Laughing in the face of love
What on earth you tryin’ to do
It’s up to you, yeah youInstant Karma’s gonna get you
Gonna look you right in the face
Better get yourself together darlin’
Join the human race
How in the world you gonna see
Laughin’ at fools like me
Who in the hell d’you think you are
A super star
Well, right you are 

Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Well we all shine on
Ev’ryone come on

Instant Karma’s gonna get you
Gonna knock you off your feet
Better recognize your brothers
Ev’ryone you meet
Why in the world are we here
Surely not to live in pain and fear
Why on earth are you there
When you’re ev’rywhere
Come and get your share

Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Yeah we all shine on
Come on and on and on on on
Yeah yeah, alright, uh huh, ah

Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Yeah we all shine on
On and on and on on and on

Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Yeah we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun