The dream is over?

I don't remember the day. I don't have a romantic story about where I was when I heard the news and about how I held a vigil for the next 48 hours. I was 6. My knowledge of the world, outside of the newest GI Joe figures or the upcoming A Team episode, was pretty limited.

I remember in high school when I "found out." My sophomore English teacher knew I was increasingly obsessed with Beatles' records (I learned to play guitar by listening over and over to The White Album and mostly John's more simplistic songs: "Happiness Is A Warm Gun," "Revolution," and "I'm So Tired.") and he mentioned in passing, assuming I would know, that it was "10 years ago today." That day he lent me a copy of The Playboy Interviews. Since then, I've done some sort of "remembrance" each December 8th, mostly by committing to listening to Mr. Lennon all day long.

This year was no exception.

These are my three favorite Lennon songs and two of my favorite covers.

"And so dear friends/You just have to carry on/The dream is over."

How? – Imagine

Mother – John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band

Julia – The Beatles (The White Album)

Across The Universe – Rufus Wainwright from I Am Sam soundtrack

Love – Rosie Thomas from Hear Music: Sweetheart Love Songs