On this day, 25th of November 1969 John Lennon returned his MBE in protest at the UK Government’s involvement in the slaughter happening in Biafra where it was supplying armaments and its support for the US in the Vietnam War.

” Your Majesty,

I am returning my MBE as a protest against Britain’s involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam and against ‘Cold Turkey’ slipping down the charts.

With love. John Lennon of Bag”

The My Lai massacre carried out by the US Army in March 1968 had contributed to his decision.

” Between 347 and 504 unarmed people were massacred by the U.S. Army soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 11th Brigade, 23rd (Americal) Infantry Division. Victims included men, women, children, and infants. Some of the women were gang-raped and their bodies mutilated.” My Lai Massacre

Cold Turkey

Temperature’s rising
Fever is high
Can’t see no future
Can’t see no sky

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My feet are so heavy
So is my head
I wish I was a baby
I wish I was dead

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Cold turkey has got me on the run

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My body is aching
Goose-pimple bone
Can’t see no body
Leave me alone

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My eyes are wide open
Can’t get to sleep
One thing I’m sure of
I’m in at the deep freeze

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Cold turkey has got me on the run

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Cold turkey has got me on the run

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Thirty-six hours
Rolling in pain
Praying to someone
Free me again

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Oh, I’ll be a good boy
Please make me well
I promise you anything
Get me out of this hell

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Cold turkey has got me on the run
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Songwriters: John Winston Lennon
Cold Turkey lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tratore