Surprise Surprise (Sweet Bird of Paradox)

Album: Walls and Bridges (1974)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • According to May Pang, who was John Lennon and Yoko Ono's personal assistant, this song was written for her. In 1973, Pang started a romantic relationship with Lennon that became known as his "Lost Weekend," but lasted for a year and half. Yoko was fully aware of the affair. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France

Comments: 4

  • Miles from Vancouver, CanadaHere are a couple of things not mentioned in the facts... Yoko Ono was a waitress at a restaurant called Paradox. Also, near the end, they make reference to "Drive My Car".
  • Paige from Dumont, NjDavid are you sure your not thinking of Yoko? May Pang had a very long career based on her work not Lennon's name. Don't get me wrong it didn't hurt but, it wasn't all about his name only. She has always stated her relationship with John for what it was....more than a lost weekend and it continued after he went back with Yoko. Mind you...Yoko has always tried to make her and Johns relationship more than it was. He called his family DAYS before he was killed saying he was done with it and coming home. Not to mention Yoko moved her boyfriend in THE DAY AFTER John was killed and thats where he stayed for the next 20 years....living solely on Lennon's name.
  • Wayne from New Haven, CtIts true, this song was written for May Pang.
    Great song though with Elton John singing hamony with John.
  • David from La, Caanything that starts with "According to May Pang" should be taken with a grain of salt. It is well known that May has tried to make a name for herself and money as well by milking her association with John Lennon and has twisted the truth to suit her agenda.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars)

Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars)Songwriter Interviews

Chad tells tales from his time as drummer for Nirvana, and talks about his group Before Cars.

George Harrison

George HarrisonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really steal George's wife? What's the George Harrison-Monty Python connection? Set the record straight with our Fact or Fiction quiz.

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.

Ian Gillan of Deep Purple

Ian Gillan of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan explains the "few red lights" in "Smoke On The Water" and talks about songs from their 2020 album Whoosh!

Emilio Castillo from Tower of Power

Emilio Castillo from Tower of PowerSongwriter Interviews

Emilio talks about what it's like to write and perform with the Tower of Power horns, and why every struggling band should have a friend like Huey Lewis.