“Music is everybody’s possession. It’s only publishers who think that people own it.”
- October 9, 1940 – December 8, 1980
- British
- Musician, Songwriter, Peace Activist, Founding Member of The Beatles
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Quote
“Music is everybody’s possession. It’s only publishers who think that people own it.”
Explanation
John Lennon makes a bold statement about the universal nature of music, emphasizing that it belongs to all people, not just those who hold legal or commercial rights over it. By saying “music is everybody’s possession,” he underscores his belief that music is a shared human experience, a form of emotional and cultural expression that transcends ownership or commodification. It is something that naturally flows through societies, connecting people across boundaries.
His critique of “publishers” targets the commercial side of the music industry, particularly those who profit from controlling access, reproduction, and rights to songs and compositions. Lennon saw this as a distortion of music’s original purpose, which he believed was to inspire, communicate, and unite—not simply to generate profit. His words reflect a broader anti-establishment ethos and a desire to liberate art from bureaucracy and greed.
In today’s digital era, where debates over copyright, streaming royalties, and fair use continue to rage, Lennon’s quote remains powerfully relevant. It fuels conversations about how artists should be compensated while still preserving public access and creative freedom. His words resonate with the belief that music is a birthright of human expression, not merely a product to be owned or restricted.
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