Skip to content

Awake Quote by John Lennon

“Songwriting is about getting the demon out of me. It's like being possessed. You try to go to sleep, but the song won't let you. So you have to get up and make it into something, and then you're allowed to sleep. It's always in the middle of the night, or you're half-awake or tired, when your…” quote by John Lennon
Download Open image
“Songwriting is about getting the demon out of me. It's like being possessed. You try to go to sleep, but the song won't let you. So you have to get up and make it into something, and then you're allowed to sleep. It's always in the middle of the night, or you're half-awake or tired, when your critical faculties are switched off. So letting go is what the whole game is. Every time you try to put your finger on it, it slips away. You turn on the lights and the cockroaches run away. You can never grasp them...”

John Lennon

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.5 out of 5 (3 ratings)
Awake Cockroaches Critical Demon Demon Like Faculty Fingers Games Get up Going to sleep Half Letting go Light Like Possessed Middle Middle of the night Night Possessed Possessed Try Running Running away Sleep Sleep Song Slips Song Songwriting Tired Trying Turn on Turns Whole

About This Quote

Creative inspiration often feels like an uncontrollable inner force that must be released before peace can be found.

In simple terms: Art emerges from inner turmoil.

Key Takeaway

Release the urge to create.

Themes

Creativity Compulsion Nighttime Flow Release

Mood

Restless Focused

Type

Personal anecdote Philosophical observation

When to use this quote

  • Songwriter stuck on a melody
  • Artist facing a creative block
  • Late‑night brainstorming

Key Concepts

Inspiration Perseverance

Practical Applications

  • Channel restless ideas into finished work

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to ‘let go’ in the creative process?
  • How can one balance urgency with patience when ideas arise?

Related quotes

More by John Lennon

Explore all 681 John Lennon quotes

More Awake quotes

Browse all 1,317 Awake quotes