"Music is everybody's possession. It's only publishers who think that people own it"

John Lennon’s statement that "Music is everybody's possession. It's only publishers who think that people own it" highlights the universal and inherently communal nature of music. Throughout history, music has served as a mode of expression, communication, and cultural bonding. Melodies and rhythms weave their way seamlessly through generations, unconfined by geographic or social boundaries. People have always shared songs and tunes, passing them down orally, performing them in public gatherings, and transforming them to reflect local stories and identities. Lennon underscores the idea that music, by its very essence, cannot be truly contained or owned; instead, it is a living, breathing force belonging to all who experience and interpret it.

The latter portion of Lennon’s statement draws attention to the role of publishers and the commercial side of the music industry. While copyright and publishing rights can be important for protecting artists’ livelihoods, they can also impose artificial restrictions on music’s reach and accessibility. Publishers, in their focus on ownership and profit, may view music as a commodity, a property to be sold, licensed, or withheld. This perspective contrasts sharply with the organic way in which music naturally circulates among people. When a song inspires someone, it becomes part of their memories, emotions, and even identity, regardless of legal ownership.

Lennon’s words can be seen as a subtle critique of the commodification of art. He reminds us that the emotional and cultural impact of music cannot easily be confined to contracts, patents, or exclusive rights. The act of listening to or performing a song creates personal and communal connections that transcend commercial considerations. Ultimately, music’s real power lies not in who profits from it, but in the way it enriches human experience, breaks down barriers, and unites listeners across the globe. By returning music to its rightful place as a shared treasure, Lennon invites us to honor its universal spirit.