Give Peace a Bid: Lennon Lyrics Go to Auction

Hand-written memento expected to fetch at least $400K at Christie's sale

By Paul Stinson, Newser User

Posted Apr 30, 2008 8:20 PM CDT

(Newser) – John Lennon’s handwritten lyrics to 1960s mantra "Give Peace a Chance" are going up for auction, reports Reuters. A Canadian woman, then 16, acquired them after sneaking into the famous Montreal "Bed-In" staged by Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1969—with Lennon predicting, “One day they will be worth something.”

Indeed. They're expected to go for between $400,000 and $600,000, topping the $450,000 "Nowhere Man" lyrics drew in 2003. The Rock and Pop Memorabilia auction, scheduled for July 10 at Christie's in London, also includes photos from the Bed-In.

[Images (5)]

[Videos (2)]

A pair of John Lennon's trademark glasses are pictured here before auction. (Getty Images)

This undated file photo shows John Lennon. When John Lennon gave teenager Gail Renard the scribbled lyrics to "Give Peace A Chance" in 1969, he told her to hold on to the piece of paper. She did. (AP Photo)

Yoko Ono Banner in Piccadilly Circus (Getty Images)

Yoko Ono Inaugurates John Lennon Airport (Getty Images)

Christie's has auctioned off rock and pop memorabilia before, including this sketch by John Lennon (Getty Images)

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Lennon's lyrics go under the hammer:The handwritten lyrics of John Lennon's Give Peace A Chance will be sold at Christie's auction house. (itn)

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Give Peace a Bid: Lennon Lyrics Go to Auction