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“Watching the Wheels” was the third and final single released from the album Double Fantasy. The song’s lyrics reflect on his life after stepping away from the music industry to live as a ‘househusband’ for several years.

While sitting in a café in Bangkok, sipping coffee and gazing absentmindedly outside, watching things pass by, the song “Watching the Wheels” by John Lennon suddenly came to mind.

John had explained the meaning of this song before his death as his response to questions about where he had disappeared to…he was simply sitting and watching the wheels go round and round.

I thought to myself, my life now isn’t so different. Living alone in a big city, not tied to any job or routine, day after day, I just sit and watch things pass by.

John Lennon was one of those artists who brought his personal life into his music, even during his time with The Beatles. He was also openly active in political and social movements, expressing his views candidly, especially with Yoko Ono by his side. 

At one point, the Richard Nixon administration attempted to deport the couple from the United States. In response, John Lennon declared that he had established the country of Nutopia and, as its ambassador, claimed diplomatic immunity.

While it may have seemed like a nonsensical retort, the underlying concept was deeply rooted in John’s ideals.

However, when Yoko became pregnant, John began to consider stepping away from the music industry and various public activities.

There were many reasons. I had been under obligation or contract from the time I was 22 until well into my 30s. After all those years, it was all I knew. I wasn’t free. I was boxed in. My contract was the physical manifestation of being in prison. It was more important to face myself and face that reality than to continue a life of rock ‘n’ roll… and to go up and down with the whims of either your own performance or the public’s opinion of you. Rock ‘n’ roll was not fun anymore. I chose not to take the standard options in my business… going to Vegas and singing your great hits, if you’re lucky, or going to hell, which is where Elvis went

Playboy Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono:
Published in January 1981

During the 4–5 years that he disappeared from the public eye, and naturally, as a former member of one of the greatest bands of all time, people were bound to ask what he was up to. “Watching The Wheels” served as his response to all those questions.

Watching the Wheels

John Lennon began writing this song in 1977, but it underwent several changes over the years. Initially, he titled it “Emotional Wreck.” The following year, he changed the title to “People,” and by 1979, the song was called “I’m Crazy,” which was nearly identical to the final version that appeared on his album under the title “Watching the Wheels.”

Wheel – a literal wheel, like the car wheels he saw from the Dakota building, but also a metaphor for the gears turning in a machine.

“watching the wheels? The whole universe is a wheel, right? Wheels go round and round. They’re my own wheels, mainly. But, you know, watching meself is like watching everybody else. And I watch meself through my child, too.”

People say I'm crazy
Doin' what I'm doin'
Well, they give me all kinds of warnings
To save me from ruin
When I say that I'm okay
Well, they look at me kinda strange
"Surely you're not happy now?
You no longer play the game"

People say I'm lazy
Dreamin' my life away
Well, they give me all kinds of advice
Designed to enlighten me
When I tell 'em that I'm doin' fine
Watchin' shadows on the wall
"Don't you miss the big time, boy?
You're no longer on the ball"

I'm just sittin' here watchin' the wheels go 'round and 'round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer ridin' on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go

Ah, people askin' questions
Lost in confusion
Well, I tell them there's no problem
Only solutions
Well, they shake their heads and they look at me
As if I've lost my mind
I tell them, "There's no hurry
I'm just sittin' here doing time"

I'm just sittin' here watchin' the wheels go 'round and 'round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer ridin' on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go