When the Beatles first became popular, they were happy, cheeky young Liverpool lads who sung catchy innocent love songs. As a teenager I enjoyed their music.
Last night we went out for a meal. Beatles songs were playing all evening. I was reminded of ‘Nowhere Man’ – one of their first songs that made me think.
I’m a Nowhere Man… In one sense John Lennon is describing me. I’m a small dot in this moment of time on a small dot in the universe. In the grand scheme of things I have little significance. Remembering that I’m a Nowhere Man keeps me humble.
(I’m conscious that his song could equally refer to Nowhere Women, and other Nowhere Persons… but it would be difficult to fit it into the song! I shall continue to use ‘Nowhere Man’ as Lennon’s shorthand for all Nowhere People)
I don’t have to be a Nowhere Man… Lennon is saying you don’t have to feel isolated and aimless. Nowhere Man has the power, potential and opportunities to change his situation and make a positive difference to his world. Sadly he chooses not to…
Mankind creates Nowhere Men… The history of mankind is that we have judged people by their colour, class, religion, nationality, sexuality and disability, declared them to be Nowhere Men, and have oppressed, exploited and destroyed them.
Jesus came for Nowhere Men… I reflect on Jesus mission to the poor, the prisoners, the blind, the oppressed. The went out of his way to seek out unacceptable, untouchable, Nowhere Men and give each individual purpose, dignity and hope.
Me and Nowhere Men… There are still times when I still identify with Nowhere Man, feeling lost and unsure of my place in the world. Lennon says there is hope; Jesus gives that hope. Identifying with those seeking purpose and direction, I point to the one who gives each Nowhere Man a purpose to live for, a person to live with and a power to live by.
malcolmsmusings.org 
Beautiful again – really resonated, thank you xxx
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Good to hear from you John. Next time I see you we can talk about how a performer can be an Nowhere Man!
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Jesus Christ is the archetypical “Nowhere Man,” who left His place at Our Father’s side in Glory to become nothing and, even, sin itself . . . all for us. But unlike the song, this anointed Nowhere Man actually DID something . . . for everybody!
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I love that Mark ‘Though he was rich yet for our sakes became poor’… Jesus the Somewhere Man became a Nowhere Man, so that Nowhere Men could become Somewhere Men!
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Love your poetic rephrasing!
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Malcolm, I always appreciate and enjoy your words. I’ve often felt like the “nowhere” woman. Thank you, Jesus, for hope and loving the nowhere people. And John Lennon, for the music, too. When I read your words, Malcolm, and look at your quotes, I often think, “I think like him.” I see things as you do. And ultimately, through the lens of our Lord. I just understand you.
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Thank you, Karla, for your kind words. I’m humbled and grateful if what I write each day makes any sense, let alone is any help to anyone. I find it quite scarey that someone thinks like me!🙂🙂. I guess that’s what a shared Jesus-perspective – and God’s grace – gives us.
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You’re welcome, Malcolm. I’m giggling. I was told by one of my superintendents, “Karla, I like working with you because you think like a man.”….crickets. Hmmm. Ok.
I’ve been told, “You see things in a unique way.” (being kind??).
Even better–seeing through the eyes and heart of Jesus! Amen. I’m so happy we have that shared belief! Many blessings!🥰
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