What did John Lennon mean when he said "Nothing is Real"?

There have been many thoughts about the meaning of John Lennon's 'Strawberry Fields Forever'.

Paul McCartney has highlighted the influence of Lewis Carroll, while others connect it to the Hindu teachings Lennon was reading at the time. Some believe the lyric reflects Lennon’s experiences with LSD and his lifelong struggle with identity. And then, of course, there is Strawberry Field itself: a Salvation Army children’s home in Liverpool and a childhood refuge that left an indelible mark on Lennon’s imagination.

But what did John mean when he sang, ‘nothing is real’?

The illusion of reality

The concept of reality, or rather the illusion of reality, has been explored for centuries by philosophers and thought leaders. Zen master Dōgen described reality as “an icicle forming in fire,” while Albert Einstein famously said, “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.”

John Lennon, an artist, activist and a dreamer was no stranger to these ideas. He often spoke about perception, imagination and the subjective nature of truth, once saying, “Surrealism to me is reality. Psychic vision to me is reality.”

Hindu teachings and the concept of Maya

At the time of writing ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, John was reading Hindu teachings that conveyed the concept of ‘maya’, meaning ‘illusion’. It refers to the ways in which a person’s existence and self-centredness stop them from seeing the truth. Instead of thinking it terms of ‘I and Mind’, Hindu scripture teaches that all life is one. 

Through this lens, Lennon’s “nothing is real” reflects the idea that relationships, belongings, wants and desires are just an illusion that distract us from seeing the spiritual truth of the circle of life.

Strawberry Field: an escape from reality

Lennon described Strawberry Fields Forever as one of his most honest songs, that reflected how he had “felt different all his life”. As a young boy, John Lennon would seek solace from his difficult home life in the Strawberry Field garden. Estranged from his father and living separately from his mother, there is no doubt that his early years would have been painful.

Patrick Rothfuss said, “There are times when reality is nothing but pain, and to escape the pain the mind must leave reality behind”. Perhaps “nothing is real” captures the contrast between the difficulties of his early life and the soothing escape of his “magic garden.”

A 'real impact' - then and now

While scholars continue to debate what is real, the impact of Strawberry Field, both the song and the place, is undeniable.

In its days as a Salvation Army children’s home, Strawberry Field gave refuge to vulnerable children, proving real impact on disadvantaged families within the local area. Today, Strawberry Field provides training and work experiences to young adults with learning differences, helping them build confidence and secure meaningful employment, transforming their lives in very real ways.

So, while Lennon may have sung that “nothing is real,” the difference Strawberry Field makes, past and present, is profoundly real.

What feels real to you?

John Lennon’s words invite us to pause and reflect. What parts of life feel real, grounding, or meaningful to you? And where do illusion, memory and emotion shape your understanding of the world? Perhaps the answer is as personal and as poetic as the song itself.

You can learn more about the writing and recording of Strawberry Fields Forever and John Lennon's influences in our visitor exhibition. Book your visit today.