Meaning of "Nobody Told Me" by John Lennon & Yoko Ono

"Nobody Told Me" can be interpreted as a critique of modern society and its shortcomings. The opening lines, "Well, everybody's talking and no one says a word, everybody's making love and no one really cares," highlight a lack of meaningful communication and emotional connection in relationships. It reflects a world where people are engaged in superficial interactions and not truly listening or understanding each other. This can be seen as a commentary on the superficiality and lack of depth in modern society, where people may engage in conversations but fail to communicate genuine feelings and ideas.

The lyrics also touch on global problems and the indifference shown towards them. Lennon sings, "There's Nazis in the bathroom just below the stairs, they're starving back in China, so finish what you got." This juxtaposition of trivial concerns and major global issues emphasizes the disconnection and apathy prevalent in society. It suggests that people are often more focused on their personal endeavors and immediate surroundings, failing to recognize and address the significant problems affecting the world.

Lennon further highlights the absurdity and illusionary nature of success and progress by stating, "There's always something cooking and nothing in the pot, there's a place for us in the movies, you just gotta lay around." This suggests that there is a lot of activity and buzz, but little actual substance or achievement. Success is depicted as something that can be easily attained by merely being passive or idle, an idea that challenges traditional notions of hard work and accomplishment.

The song also alludes to the prevalence of distractions and conspiracy theories, with lines like "There's a little yellow idol to the north of Kathmandu" and "UFOs over New York and I ain't too surprised." These references imply a society easily swayed by idols and fantastical narratives, distracting themselves from the reality of global issues and personal growth. It serves as a reminder for individuals to remain critical and skeptical in the face of distractions and to stay focused on important matters.

Overall, "Nobody Told Me" conveys a sense of surprise and perplexity at the state of the world. Lennon and Ono use vivid imagery and contrasting ideas to critique different aspects of society, urging listeners to reflect on the disconnection, apathy, and triviality that exist within it.