Meaning and Lyrics of Be My Yoko Ono by Barenaked Ladies

The song “Be My Yoko Ono” by Barenaked Ladies is both an homage and a playful commentary on love, devotion, and the infamous cultural legacy of Yoko Ono, particularly her association with John Lennon and The Beatles.

Verse 1 sets the tone with somewhat dismissive advice: “if there’s someone you can live without, then do so; and if there’s someone you can just shove out, well, do so.” These lines suggest a practical approach to relationships, where the focus is on strong, indispensable bonds.

The Chorus shifts gears by invoking Yoko Ono directly: “You can be my Yoko Ono, you can follow me wherever I go.” Yoko Ono is iconic for her intense and much-scrutinized relationship with John Lennon. The repeated plea “Be my Yoko Ono, whoa-oh” could denote a desire for an all-encompassing, somewhat obsessive partnership where one’s partner is completely devoted.

Verse 2 is a vivid celebration of love, portraying a couple “barenaked as two virgins hand in hand.” Despite this idyllic image, there’s a pragmatic acknowledgment of the ‘pain’ that such intense relationships can sometimes cause—”to have you hanging off my ankle like some kind of ball and chain.” This line implies that while love is beautiful, it can also be burdensome.

The second rendition of the Chorus reiterates the central theme: a longing for a deep, unbreakable bond, similar to the one shared by Lennon and Ono.

In the Bridge, the song adopts a lighter, humorous tone to deal with the stereotype: “Oh no, here we go, our life is one big pun.” The playful mimicry of Yoko’s avant-garde vocalizations (“OLOLOLOLOLOLOLO”) underscores this light-heartedness.

Verse 3 confronts societal criticisms head-on. “But I don’t like all these people, slagging her for breaking up The Beatles,” boldly defends Yoko Ono against the common but controversial viewpoint that she was responsible for the band’s breakup. The singer emphasizes this by declaring a willingness to give up “musical genius to have you as my very own personal Venus”—a statement that elevates love above artistic achievement.

The final Chorus and Outro drive home the song’s central message with repetition: a desire to have someone who embodies Yoko Ono’s devotion and presence, thereby framing such a relationship as the epitome of love and partnership.

Overall, “Be My Yoko Ono” by Barenaked Ladies is a multifaceted exploration of love, loyalty, and the cultural myths that surround iconic relationships. It balances humor with sincerity, ultimately celebrating the kind of disruptive, passionate relationship that Yoko Ono and John Lennon shared.