The Story Behind John Lennon's Cosmic 1973 Hit “Mind Games”
A limited-edition vinyl EP featuring John Lennon’s 1973 hit “Mind Games” and three other tracks will be released as part of the 2024 Record Store Day celebration on Saturday, April 20.
The EP will offer fans a preview of the upcoming 50th anniversary “Ultimate Edition” reissue of the Mind Games album.
Mind Games and its title track were issued in the U.S. on October 29, 1973. “Mind Games” was the only single released from the record. It peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Writing of “Mind Games”
Lennon began writing “Mind Games” in 1969, initially titling the song “Make Love, Not War.” Another song that Lennon was working on around that time called “I Promise” also featured some lyrics and melody that would be heard in “Mind Games.”
Lennon completed “Mind Games” after reading the 1972 book Mind Games: The Guide to Inner Space, written by Robert Masters and Jean Houston. The book offered exercises to help people train their minds to focus on positivity by looking inward.
Source: Matt Friedlander/americansongwriter.com
