Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)

by John Lennon

What is “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” really about?

If you’ve ever wondered what “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” by John Lennon is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.

John Lennon's 'Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)' is a tender ode from a father to his son, expressing both his deep love and his hopes for the child's future. The song captures moments of contemplation about growth, life's unpredictability, and parental affection.

So… what’s this song really about?

John Lennon's 'Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)' delves deeply into the emotions and experiences of parenthood, particularly focusing on the love and protective instincts a father feels towards his son. Lennon conveys a sense of waiting and gentle anticipation as he observes his child growing up, underscored by a recognition of life's fleeting nature and unpredictability. The lyrics suggest a pause from life's bustle to cherish and protect innocence and childhood, embodied in phrases that encourage safety and mindfulness. Lennon's reflections on patience and the inevitability of his son's aging process reveal a universal theme of parental love woven with personal aspiration for his child's wellbeing. The song, therefore, resonates as a poignant reminder of the joys and challenges of parenting, and the bittersweet process of watching children grow while acknowledging that much of life will unfold according to its own rhythm, despite one's plans or desires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is 'Sean' mentioned in the song 'Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)'?
Sean is John Lennon's son, Sean Lennon, to whom the song is dedicated.

Q: What is the famous quote from 'Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)'?
The famous quote from the song is 'Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.'

Lyrics to “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)”

55 Contributors
[Bridge]
Out on the ocean sailing away
I can hardly wait to see you come of age
But I guess we'll both just have to be patient
'Cause it's a long way to go
A hard row to hoe
Yes, it's a long way to go
But in the meantime
[Verse 3]
Before you cross the street
Take my hand
Life is what happens to you
While you're busy making other plans
[Chorus]
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy
[Verse 4]
Before you go to sleep
Say a little prayer
Every day in every way
It's getting better and better
[Chorus]
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy
[Outro]
Darlin', darlin', darlin'
Darlin' Sean
Goodnight, Sean
See you in the morning
Bright and early