Handwritten John Lennon lyrics fetch £810,000

by Simon Boyle. Published Sun 20 Jun 2010 10:55, Last updated: 2010-06-20

Lyrics handwritten by John Lennon for the Beatles' hit 'A Day In The Life' have been sold at a New York auction for £810,000.

The double-sided paper sheet, which was sold by top auction house Sotheby's, had previously belonged to the Fab Four's former tour manager, Mal Evans.

It was purchased via a telephone bid by a private American collector.

The historic manuscript, which would form the final track of The Beatles' iconic Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album, gives a fascinating insight into the work of history's most revered songwriters.

Beginning with the line "I read the news today, oh boy", the manuscript contains dozens of corrections and errors, and a note pointing out where Paul McCartney would insert his own lyrics to the song.

Sotheby's labelled the item "a rare glimpse into the Beatles’ songwriting dynamic", and had estimated a value of around £470,000, though the lot eventually fetched nearly double the expected price.

Now considered a classic track by Beatles fans, the iconic finale was originally banned by the BBC for the line "I'd love to turn you on", and was left off Asian releases of the album.

Another piece of rare Lennon memorabilia will go up for auction at Christie’s in London on June 24, when a self-portrait in black ink goes under the hammer.

The image was produced in 1969, and is expected to make between £30,000 and £50,000.