“It was like being in the eye of a hurricane. You’d wake up in a concert and think, Wow, how did I get here?”
- October 9, 1940 – December 8, 1980
- British
- Musician, Songwriter, Peace Activist, Founding Member of The Beatles
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Quote
“It was like being in the eye of a hurricane. You’d wake up in a concert and think, Wow, how did I get here?”
Explanation
John Lennon uses the metaphor of a hurricane’s eye to describe the whirlwind of fame and constant motion that characterized his experience with The Beatles. The “eye” of a hurricane is strangely calm at the center of chaos, and this image captures the surreal detachment he often felt amid the frenzy of global tours, screaming fans, and relentless media attention. His words convey both awe and disorientation—a sense of being swept along by forces too large to fully comprehend.
The phrase “wake up in a concert” suggests that the experience was so intense and fast-paced that it became almost dreamlike or automatic. Despite being physically present, Lennon often felt mentally distant, reflecting how overwhelming celebrity life could be. It speaks to the emotional toll of living in constant performance mode, where moments blur and personal agency can feel diminished.
In today’s world, where rapid fame and burnout are common—especially in the age of social media—Lennon’s words remain powerfully relevant. They highlight the emotional disconnection that can accompany extreme visibility, and the human tendency to lose oneself in the momentum of success. His reflection is both a cautionary tale and a moment of vulnerability, reminding us that even the icons sometimes felt lost in their own story.
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