I was feeling insecure/
You might not love me anymore/
I was shivering inside.

“Jealous Guy” might be Lennon at his most personal and introspective. Say what you want about Yoko, but she was a great muse for him. He uses a lot of words that men often feel but don’t admit to feeling: Jealously and insecurity which made him shiver inside. That is personal writing, and it makes him more relatable than A Beatle.

He apologizes for his behavior; he never meant to hurt her or make her cry he is just pointing out a flaw in his personality and hoping that his love can accept him for who his is. He can’t help it; he is a jealous guy.

The song is sung beautifully in a conciliatory tone, and Lennon’s voice sounds great. Some days I love the whistle solo and some days I don’t, but it is different. I think the only other time I have heard it is on Sittin on the Dock of the Bay. Songs with a piano and light orchestra are usually one of my preferred combinations, but I think this song would also sound good with just him and an acoustic guitar.

Jealous Guy Lyrics

I was dreaming of the past
And my heart was beating fast
I began to lose control
I began to lose control
I didn’t mean to hurt you
I’m sorry that I made you cry
Oh my I didn’t want to hurt you
I’m just a jealous guy

I was feeling insecure
You might not love me anymore
I was shivering inside
I was shivering inside
Oh I didn’t mean to hurt you
I’m sorry that I made you cry
Oh my I didn’t want to hurt you
I’m just a jealous guy

I didn’t mean to hurt you
I’m sorry that I made you cry
Oh my I didn’t want to hurt you
I’m just a jealous guy

I was trying to catch your eyes
Thought that you was trying to hide
I was swallowing my pain
I was swallowing my pain
I didn’t mean to hurt you
I’m sorry that I made you cry
Oh no I didn’t want to hurt you
I’m just a jealous guy
Watch out baby I’m just a jealous guy
Look out baby I’m just a jealous guy

Songwriters: John Lennon