“These critics with the illusions they’ve created about artists – it’s like idol worship. They only like people when they’re on their way up… I cannot be on the way up again.”
- October 9, 1940 – December 8, 1980
- British
- Musician, Songwriter, Peace Activist, Founding Member of The Beatles
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Quote
“These critics with the illusions they’ve created about artists – it’s like idol worship. They only like people when they’re on their way up… I cannot be on the way up again.”
Explanation
John Lennon expresses disillusionment with the media and public’s treatment of artists, particularly the way critics and audiences often project unrealistic expectations and narratives onto them. Comparing this behavior to “idol worship,” he critiques a system where artists are praised and mythologized during their rise, only to be discarded or criticized once they’ve peaked. This cycle reflects a deep flaw in how fame is constructed and consumed—favoring novelty and ascent over substance and longevity.
The statement “I cannot be on the way up again” reflects Lennon’s self-awareness and fatigue. Having already reached the pinnacle of fame with The Beatles, he recognizes that he no longer fits the role of the rising star, and thus no longer fits the media’s favored storyline. It conveys both resignation and critique, acknowledging that in the eyes of the culture industry, value is too often tied to momentum and marketability, rather than sustained creativity or personal truth.
Today, Lennon’s words still resonate in a world where celebrities and artists are often celebrated briefly and then subjected to scrutiny or abandonment. His quote challenges the notion of fame as a measure of worth and urges a more thoughtful, enduring appreciation of artists—not for their trajectory, but for their humanity and honesty, wherever they stand in their careers.
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