because they were drunk and nothing better to do. However, music journalist Paul du Noyer believes that Lennon under-rated the song, as he did with several other songs of this period. Author John Blaney agrees with du Noyer, believing that Lennon under-rated the song because it was written during a difficult period in Lennon's life, when he was separated from Yoko Ono and doing a lot of drinking and consuming drugs with Nilsson. Other versions A very early sketch of the song was included on Lennon's album Menlove Ave. and a more developed version, including acoustic guitar was included on John Lennon Anthology. The country music feel of the song is more pronounced on the Menlove Ave. version, as Jesse Ed Davis' guitar part is heard on its own. The Menlove Ave. version also makes more transparent the influence of chain gang songs on the "cool, clear water" line. The Anthology version differs from the Walls and Bridges version in the bridge and the ending, and also lacks the overdubs that were added to the Walls and Bridges version. Covers Harry Nilsson, who co-wrote the lyrics with Lennon and performed on Lennon's version, also recorded his own version of the song for his 1980 album Flash Harry, on which Lennon's former bandmate Ringo Starr plays drums. According to AllMusic critic Richard Ginell, Nilsson's version is similar to Lennon's, albeit Nilsson sings it "in a somewhat strangled voice." Chip Madinger and Mark Easter agree that Nilsson's version is similar to Lennon's. Personnel The musicians who performed on the original recording were as follows: John Lennon – vocals, piano Harry Nilsson – backing vocals Nicky Hopkins – piano Jesse Ed Davis – electric guitar Ken Ascher – electric piano Klaus Voormann – bass Arthur Jenkins – percussion Jim Keltner – drums References John Lennon songs Songs written by John Lennon Songs written by Harry Nilsson 1974 songs Song recordings produced by John Lennon 1970s ballads Rock ballads Songs about roads Plastic Ono Band songs