John Lennon: Crippled Inside

Ah, yes it’s another Wooden Music Wednesday and we travel back in time to 1971 with John Lennon’s magnum opus – the album “Imagine.” Even though the lyrics are a bit dismal, when I hear the album cut “Crippled Inside,” I just have to smile. It just has a happy jug band type sound. Although not issued as a single, it garnered some album rock airplay.

The song features Lennon on electric guitar and vocals and he is joined by a trio of acoustic guitars courtesy of Ted Turner (no, not that one), Rod Linton, and John Tout. Nicky Hopkins who has played with everybody, but most notably The Rolling Stones, provides the ragtime piano treatment.

Jim Keltner, who was in several super groups, is behind the drum kit.  In addition, the song is worthy of two stand-up bassists – Steve Brendell and Beatle friend Klaus Voorman. Not only was Voorman an accomplished bassist, he had previously designed the cover of The Beatles “Revolver” album. Finally, George Harrison plays a bell brass Dobro® on the song’s first solo. “One thing you can’t hide is when you’re crippled inside.”