John, Yoko, and a 'beautiful boy': How author David Sheff's life was shaped by three relationships

David Sheff’s memoir Beautiful Boy became a #1 New York Times bestseller and a major film, chronicling his son Nic’s harrowing battle with meth addiction. But before that, David was a music journalist who interviewed legends like John Lennon and Yoko Ono—an encounter that unexpectedly shaped his future as a father. In this episode, David traces how music once brought him joy, then grief—and, ultimately, a way back to his beautiful boy. Here are his songs. Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) - John Lennon  Why - Yoko Ono Strawberry Fields Forever - The Beatles  Astral Weeks - Van Morrison Smells Like Teen Spirit - Patti Smith This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody) - Talking Heads Listen to David Sheff’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.