"Look at Me" is a song written and performed by John Lennon, from his debut solo album John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band.

Writing

Lennon began writing "Look at Me" in India in 1968, during the extended sessions for the Beatles' self-titled double album, also known as "the White Album". He then shelved the song until 1970, when he recorded it for his debut solo album.^[1] A different recording of the song was later released on the John Lennon Anthology and the compilation album Acoustic.^[1]

The pattern of the song is fairly prominent throughout the track. It was built from a finger-picking technique that Lennon used on songs such as "Dear Prudence", "Happiness Is a Warm Gun" and "Julia", all of which appear on the White Album.^[1] Lennon learned this finger-picking guitar style (known as Travis-picking) from the Scottish musician Donovan, who was with the Beatles at the time at Rishikesh, India.^[2]

Recording

Recorded at EMI Studios on 7 October 1970,^[3] the album version of "Look at Me" features double-tracked vocals by Lennon.^[1]

Personnel

• John Lennon – vocals, acoustic guitar^[4]

In popular culture

• The version from the John Lennon Anthology was featured in the movie The Royal Tenenbaums and its soundtrack.
• The Canadian punk-rock band Sum 41 released a song titled "Look At Me" from their LP Underclass Hero. The beginning verse also started with the lines "Look at me; who am I supposed to be?" The album title itself is a reference to another Lennon song, "Working Class Hero".
• Joseph Arthur recorded a version for the Lennon Covered #2 CD issued by Q Magazine.
• Orenda Fink covered "Look at me" as an extra-song on the download-only single "Ace Of Cups" (2014)