Written by: Lennon
Recorded: July-August 1973
Producer: John Lennon
Released: 16 November 1973 (UK), 29 October 1973 (US)
John Lennon: vocals, guitar
David Spinozza: guitar
Peter E 'Sneaky Pete' Kleinow: pedal steel guitar
Ken Ascher: keyboards
Michael Brecker: saxophone
Gordon Edwards: bass guitar
Jim Keltner: drums
Something Different: backing vocals
Available on:
Mind Games
John Lennon Anthology
The fourth song on John Lennon's 1973 album Mind Games was a heartfelt song featuring a rare falsetto lead vocal.
The song's lyrical theme was one which recurred in several songs on the album: the idea of two parts creating a whole, often allegories for Lennon's then-faltering marriage to Yoko Ono. Interestingly, it was Ono who suggested to Lennon that he sing the song outside his normal range.
Well, that's just a concept of life, you know. How to live life. It was Yoko's idea for me to sing it all falsetto.
All We Are Saying, David Sheff
In the studio Lennon recorded a guide vocal without the falsetto – it was later released on the 1998 box set John Lennon Anthology. This version, which omits Something Different's backing vocals but brings Ken Ascher's keyboards to the fore, is arguably more affecting in its sense of melancholy.
On the final version melancholy had largely turned to saccharine, and Lennon's lyrics ("'Cause I'm the fish and you're the sea/'Cause I'm the apple and you're the tree") appeared tired and trite. Lennon had composed more honest and touching tributes to Ono, and despite being one of Mind Games' stronger melodies, One Day (At A Time) fails to convey any real sense of emotional convictioin.
Elton John evidently thought differently, however, and recorded the song as the b-side to his 1974 cover of The Beatles' Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds. Although Lennon was credited with vocals and guitar on the recording of One Day (At A Time), his contribution appears to be inaudible.
I think you are being a little rough on that song. Like you said , one of the strongest melodies on the album and certainly the most interesting harmony progression. The verse you called tiret and tired might be one of the few love songs John conceived not about Yoko, but one variation on the romantic theme as he did some times in the Beatles, aimed at the general public. Even the mellow chorus , although sometimes slightly out of tune, intensifies the simultanously pathetic and hopeful joy of being in love.