Meaning of "How Do You Sleep?" by John Lennon

John Lennon's "How Do You Sleep?" is a scathing critique of Paul McCartney, his former bandmate in The Beatles. The lyrics reflect Lennon's resentment towards McCartney as he accuses him of selling out and becoming a commercial success at the expense of their artistic integrity. The reference to "Sgt. Pepper" and other Beatles songs highlights the glory days of the band, implying that McCartney has strayed from their original vision. The line "The only thing you done was Yesterday" suggests that McCartney is living in the past and resting on his laurels. The repeated question of how he sleeps at night is a rhetorical challenge to McCartney's conscience, hinting that his actions are morally questionable. The reference to a pretty face fading and the sound being Muzak indicates that superficiality and lack of substance are at the heart of Lennon's criticism. Overall, "How Do You Sleep?" is a deeply personal attack on McCartney's character and choices, reflecting the complex relationships and dynamics within The Beatles.