John: Uh, this is John Lennon talking to you from the heart of the West Side of New York in an interview exclusive — full interview — with brand new New Yorker Sean Ono Lennon, spelled S-E-A-N. Okay? Now tell me Sean, what’s your first impression of New York?
Sean: [Baby noises]
John: I see.
An interview John did with his son, Sean, circa 1976. The Lennon family had just gained permanent residency in New York. Sean had been born October of the year prior. I apologize for the background music - I didn’t add that. My favorite quotes/partial transcript:
John: I was wondering if the fiscal crisis of New York had any —
John: Uh-huh, that’s the one I was talking about, yes.
John: I see you know which subjects to avoid and which not to. Very sensible. Must be running for office, is that what it is?
John: It is exciting, isn’t it? And such a strain on the - on the old ticker. [Laughs]
John: Oh, he’s smiling, folks.
John: [Very softly] Perhaps you’d like to tell me your favorite color?
John: That’s not good enough, I’m afraid.
John: [Normal voice] No interesting color.
John: Will you be doing any concerts while you’re staying - while you’re here?
John: Yes, I thought so. You haven’t got the group together. I understand completely.
John: Uh, I heard you were backstage at the [Bob] Dylan concert, or was that just a rumor?
John: An outright lie? My goodness.
John: I was wondering what it’s like being the son of such astoundingly famous, beautiful, and talented parents as John and Yoko? I wonder what it’s like…
John: Oh, I see. I mean, could you - could you give me —
John: Ah, mhmm, yes - more full… background into that?
John: I see you’re very fascinated by this - this black box that I’m interviewing you with - this tape recorder. In fact, it seems to inhibit you a little bit. I mean, are you conscious - or self-conscious about the tape recorder?
John: Well, he’s turned his head away because he got very paranoid [laugh]. It’s alright, you know. Just think of it as a very dark relative.
John: Elton! What about Elton [John]? He’s your godfather!
Sean: [Fussy baby noises]
John: Do you want to tell me how it is to have such a famous godfather?
John: Well, I know you haven’t been able to see him yet. That’s because he can’t come into the country until January!
John: Well, let’s just get him on the phone. Get his ass over here.
Sean: [Fussy baby noises]
John: Well, I think at that point we’ve left the interviewee because he obviously was getting violent at the thought of not seeing Dean Martin and all those people in their prime, as it were.
