Quillette Narrated Censoring John and Yoko
Jan 21, 2026
The podcast dives into the controversy surrounding John Lennon’s omitted song, 'Woman Is the Nigger of the World,' from a new box set. Discussing Lennon's provocative reputation, fans' reactions reveal a divide over censorship. The origins of the song aim to protest women's subjugation, yet its commercial failure sparks critical debate. The conversation includes modern sensibilities around reclaiming slurs and the risks of sanitizing history, linking to a wider trend in cultural censorship. Ultimately, the importance of preserving challenging art to provoke dialogue is championed.
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Omitted Track Alters Legacy
- The new Lennon box set omits the contentious track "Woman Is the Nigger of the World," erasing a key part of that era's statement.
- Quiet removal softens Lennon's controversial image and provokes public backlash rather than silencing discussion.
How The Song Was Created
- Yoko Ono coined the phrase in a 1969 Nova interview and later persuaded John Lennon to write the song protesting women's subjugation.
- Lennon recorded it with Elephant's Memory and Phil Spector produced the bombastic arrangement.
Public Pushback Hurt The Single
- Lennon and Ono ran full-page ads to explain their intent and cited Ron Dellums to justify reclaiming the slur.
- Despite explanations, retailers and radio stations largely refused to support the single and it performed poorly on the charts.