About The Song
(Watch the video below)
“Cleanup Time” is a song from John Lennon’s album “Double Fantasy,” released in 1980. The album, a collaboration with his wife, Yoko Ono, came after a five-year hiatus from the music industry, during which Lennon focused on his family life. “Cleanup Time” reflects Lennon’s personal and artistic renewal, encapsulating the themes of transformation and the shedding of past troubles.
The track is buoyant, featuring a funk-infused rhythm section and a lively brass ensemble, which is somewhat of a departure from the stark rawness of his earlier solo work. The music is reflective of the late 70s, bridging the gap between the Beatles’ more adventurous compositions and the contemporary sounds that were prevalent at the time.
Lennon's lyrics in “Cleanup Time” mix the personal with the political, a duality that is found throughout his work. He touches upon his newfound contentment and maturity, singing about "sweeping the past away" and making a new start. The line “The queen is in the counting house” could be seen as a critique of the establishment or materialism, which Lennon had become increasingly disenchanted with. Conversely, “Counting out the money” could be a metaphor for taking stock of one’s life and blessings.
The phrase "Cleanup Time" itself suggests a period of reassessment and change. It’s about clearing out the old to make way for the new, which resonates with the broader theme of the album “Double Fantasy,” where Lennon and Ono explored their relationship and the balance between personal life and public career. This period was significant for Lennon; he was a new father to his son Sean and was reflecting on the direction of his life and artistry after a turbulent decade.
Moreover, "Cleanup Time" conveys a sense of joy and optimism. It reflects a John Lennon who had found peace in domestic bliss, who had weathered the storm of his earlier controversies and the excesses of fame. The song’s melody and rhythm are infectious, inviting the listener to feel the sense of rejuvenation that Lennon was experiencing.
In a broader sense, “Cleanup Time” can be interpreted as a commentary on the need for renewal in society. Coming out of the 1970s, a decade that saw political scandals, economic downturns, and a crisis of confidence, the song's spirit captures the universal desire for a fresh start.
However, “Cleanup Time” and the rest of the “Double Fantasy” album would soon take on a poignant significance. Just weeks after the album’s release, John Lennon was tragically assassinated. This event shocked the world and transformed “Double Fantasy” into a sort of unintentional swan song. The hope and renewal that “Cleanup Time” represents were suddenly cast in a tragic light, as listeners had to grapple with the reality of Lennon’s untimely death.
In retrospect, “Cleanup Time” is a testament to Lennon’s artistic evolution. It’s a song that showcases his ability to reflect on his life’s journey with a clear eye and to express his newfound insights through his music. It’s also a reminder of his continued relevance as an artist, one who was able to reinvent himself and his art to reflect his changing perspectives and the changing times.
In conclusion, “Cleanup Time” is not just a song from John Lennon’s last album—it’s a statement about his life at that moment, filled with personal reflections and the joy of a new beginning. The song embodies the spirit of transformation and the embrace of future possibilities. As with much of Lennon’s work, it bridges the personal and the political, the individual and the collective, encouraging listeners to find their own moments of renewal and to make the most of them.
Video
Lyrics
Let's sing along with the lyrics!
Moonlight on the water
Sunlight on my face
You and me together
We are in our place
The Gods are in the heavens
Angels treat us well
Oracle has spoken
We cast the perfect spell
The queen is in the counting house
Counting out the money
The king is in the kitchen
Making bread and honey
No friends and yet no enemies
Absolutely free
No rats aboard the magic ship
Of perfect harmony
Now it begins, let it begin
Cleanup time, hey, cleanup time
Cleanup time, well, well, well
However far we travel
Wherever we may roam
The center of the circle
Will always be our home, yeah, yeah
Yeah, cleanup time
Cleanup time, cleanup time
Cleanup time, cleanup time
Cleanup time, cleanup time
