Norwegian Wood

[leonard]

Does anyone know the story behind The Beatles song Norwegian Wood, I heard it was written by John Lennon about a failed one night stand with a famous actress. Any truth in this???

[andy hughes]

According to Steve Turner's excellent book 'A Hard Day's Write' which details the background of every Beatles song, the song is about a relationship John had with a female journalist, who is not named - it was rumoured to be Lillian Roxon, but no-one is saying. Lennon was unhappy in his marriage, and increasingly in himself, and this was becoming reflected in his lyrical confessions.

[mikewith]

On a tangent: if there's an annoying song you can't get out of your head, consciously start to hum or sing Norwegian Wood. Hey presto! First annoying song disappears almost instantly; Norwegian Wood will disappear thereafter. Magic!

[xyzzyplugh]

Really, Mikewith. I'll try that. My current successful antidote is the painful 'Maers e Dotes and Does e Dotes' [which is a bit like curing a headache by stubbing your toe.] :-)

[woodpam]

I hope your song obliteration method works Mike, I'm currently stuck with Adrian Gurvitz warbling in my head thanks to a previous question. I can see now why hearing voices is the road to madness.