Mind Games (song)

"Mind Games" is the title track from an album of the same name by John Lennon. It was also released as a single. Originally titled "Make Love Not War," the song evoked lingering hippie sentiments mixed with the evolving mysticism of the early 1970s.^{[citation needed]} Although Phil Spector was not involved in this album, Lennon's production is similar to the Spector "Wall of Sound."

This song, which was begun in 1969 and can be heard in the Beatles' Let It Be sessions, was inspired by the book of the same name by Robert Masters and Jean Houston (1972), which emphasized the power of the human brain to induce various states of consciousness without the aid of external substances. The book presented a series of exercises intended to maximize one's potential for problem solving, conflict resolution, visionary thinking, creativity, focused listening and super-communication. Each application would start with a brief meditation cycle followed by the guided instructions of a director. During the exercise, only the director would speak, but each person would share their experience afterwards. Mind alteration had long since been a point of interest to Lennon, however he was aware of the risks involved with chemical consumption. A recommendation by Lennon himself is included with the book.

The original Lennon demo for "Make Love, Not War" is available on the John Lennon Anthology.

In 2001, it was sung by Kevin Spacey as part of the tribute concert "Come Together: A Night for John Lennon's Words and Music".

In 2006, it was covered by German rock /pop group MIA., as well as Australian band, Eskimo Joe, as part of the project Make Some Noise to support amnesty international.

In 2007, Gavin Rossdale's version appeared on Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur as an iTunes exclusive bonus track.

[edit] Music video

In the newly created music video, a bright light fades in and we see Lennon walking around New York City, dressed in black. He's seen signing autographs, at the Central Park Zoo (and tries to feed an elephant), poses with an eagle statue, dances around the Central Park Bandshell, etc.

Lennon then purchases a hot dog. After that, he is seen at the Beacon Theatre where the Broadway play "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band On The Road" is playing. He then makes a brief cameo onstage and plays the piano. Outside again, he rides on a horse through the streets of Manhattan.

Afterwards, the shots of Lennon is seen walking around again, like in the beginning, and it ends with a bright light fading out as Lennon's chest is seen towards the camera. The film contains elements from the original 1974 "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night" promotional film. The film was shot by a college student for his final project. The 19 hours of raw film footage was put up for auction and bought by Yoko Ono which was used on the Mind Games film.