Saturday 9: Dream

Saturday 9: No. 9 Dream (1974)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) John Lennon liked the number 9. It shows up in three of his songs (in addition to this song, he performed "Revolution #9" and "The One after 909" with the Beatles). He was born on the 9th of October, as was his son Sean. Coincidentally, "No. 9 Dream" hit #9 on the Billboard chart. Do you have a favorite number?

A. Not really, although in numerology my "life path" number is 6. This means my strengths are sacrificing, compassionate, healing and my weaknesses are anxious, jealous, cynical (I don't really think I'm the jealous type, but I know I'm the other two). It says this: "All you need is love! Sympathetic, loyal, and protective, your satisfaction comes from connecting with others. Your nurturing soul thrives when someone else is touched by your actions. But we all give and receive love differently, and you'll greatly benefit from eliminating expectations of others." - That's from tarot.com.

There's also this: "The key to the numerology 6 life path number is love toward others in order to exist for others. Life path number 6 brings the energy of practicality, realism, materialization of harmony, craft and work in service. Numerology number 6 symbolizes the combination of higher divine with hard work on Earth." - That's from lifescriptdoctor.com.

And this: "Those who walk a Life Path with No. 6 gift the world with unconditional love, healing, and nurturing.6 teaches true compassion and empathy. Its energy is that of Mother Gaia." - That's from buildingbeautifulsouls.com

2) The phrase repeated in the chorus, "Ah bowakawa pousse pousse" means nothing. It's gibberish that John sang until he could come up with "real" lyrics for this melody. Then he decided he liked the sound of it, so he kept it. Can you think of a word that's fun to say just because you like how it sounds?

A. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

3) John referred to "No. 9 Dream" as an example of "craftsmanship writing." A snatch of the melody just came to him and he got it down on a tape recorder, wrote lyrics, arranged it and recorded it in short order because he needed another song to finish the LP, Walls and Bridges. What's the last thing that you did because you were supposed to or you had to, and not because you wanted to?

A. Taxes.

4) Yet once "No. 9 Dream" was recorded, it became one of John's favorite of his solo songs. He loved its ethereal feel. Tell us about something that turned out better than you thought it would.

A. A lot of my work turns out better than I expect it to, including my writing and photography. Come to think of it, I was really surprised to find out that I can color well. I didn't expect to be able to do it with a somewhat artistic flair.

5) When he was working, John drank a lot of tea, as many as 30 cups in a day. Do you take your tea with cream, sugar, honey, or lemon?

A. I drink it without a sweetener or with a teaspoon of sugar if I want a treat.

6) During his reclusive years (1975 to 1980), John didn't have household help, preferring to take care of his young son and housework himself. He did, however, have a chauffeur on call around the clock. If you could afford to have a staff of one, what single thing would you have him/her do?

A. Cook.

7) When John was a boy, he requested water colors and colored pencils for his birthday and at Christmastime. Do you recall a special birthday or Christmas gift you received as a child?

A. My bicycle when I was five years old. It was blue and had training wheels, which my father removed after I learned to ride.

8) Beatles producer George Martin said John was "a completely impractical man." Would you describe yourself as impulsive, with flashes of practicality? Or are you practical, with flashes of impulsivity?

A. I think I'm fearful with flashes of courage. However, I'm also resilient. I don't know which I am. What do you think?

9) Random question -- Congratulations! You just won the Saturday 9 Sweepstakes, and the prize is your choice of a boat or a motorcycle. Which one do you take?

A. Whichever one has the most value, because I'd sell either one of them. Well, I suppose I could give the motorcycle to my husband since he likes to ride.

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I encourage you to visit other participants in Saturday 9 posts and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.