Surrealism had a great effect on me because then I realised that the imagery in my mind wasn't insanity. Surrealism to me is reality.

I felt an obligation even then to write a song that people would sing in the pub or on a demonstration. That is why I would like to compose songs for the revolution.

That's the choice they allow you - now the outlet is being a pop star, which is really what I'm saying on the album in 'Working class hero'. As I told Rolling Stone, it's the same people who have the power, the class system didn't change one little bit.

Strawberry Fields is anywhere you want to go

Don't let them fool you with dope and cocaine, can't do you know harm to feel your own pain.

My original idea for the cover was better - decapitate Paul - but he wouldn't go along with it.

If art were to redeem man, it could do so only by saving him from the seriousness of life and restoring him to an unexpected boyishness.