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Imagine
John Lennon’s Imagine is one of the greatest songs ever written, however, greatness can sometimes evoke controversy.
There are some who can’t get past the “no religion”, “no heaven and hell “, “no country” and “no possession” lyrics and say the song is anti-religious and communist.Being the great thinker and visionary that he was, I think John had a knack at seeing things as they really are. When he sees the conflicts around the globe, and issues that threaten the delicate balance in this world, he sees religion, politics, and greed for wealth and power as root causes. It’s not rocket science, but John expresses what is so obvious in Imagine in one of the most beautiful and persuasive ways through his musical genius. I don’t think John is anti-God or communist, but rather a pragmatic and tries to make a statement, “ Imagine, what if the world had less of these things that cause so much division hate between people”. He is not implying you should lose your faith, become unpatriotic, or give up all your earthly belongings.
As we enter the new decade with all the global conflict, climate change etc, the world needs to hear Imagine more, and what a brilliant idea for MLT to release their absolutely remarkable and beautiful acoustic version of Imagine on Youtube to reign in the new year, that would make John Lennon truly proud, for the world to hear John’ message of peace, love, and harmony so beautifully.
Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only skyImagine all the people
Living for today (ah ah ah)Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, tooImagine all the people
Living life in peaceYou may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as oneImagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of manImagine all the people
Sharing all the worldYou may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one -
6 Replies
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In case you get a sudden desire to listen to MLT Imagine, here it is a click away for your convenience. 🙂
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Jung, I know that the discussion of politics and religion are forbidden in the MLT Club Forum, and this is a good thing in order to keep focus on our shared passion for music and all things MLT. However, we really can’t discuss the reality of the world we live in and the music that gives us relief from the more severe negative aspects of that reality, without religion and politics intruding.
The reality for me is that all conflicts of human interest in our world have mostly stemmed from religion, economic imperialism and Nationalism. John’s “Imagine” simply explains, succinctly and beautifully just how we could attain a world where we could all live in peace, if we were only capable of imagining it. You can’t do that without raising the issue of politics and religion.
There is nothing wrong with people having their own spirituality and love for their country, but when it becomes a dogma, that’s when it can become unhealthy as it doesn’t allow for alternative perspectives, and this can turn to aggression against other countries and faiths. On that subject, for those who believe in a heaven, just what is it like, a fascist dictatorship, or an egalitarian society where all are equal? Just some food for thought as John and Yoko proposed.
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Good food for thought you point out there Howard. If by people listening to Imagine more today can be moved to be a little more understanding and empathetic towards fellow people, this song accomplished its mission.
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You’re so right, Jung and Howard.
For the longest time I just listened to the piano chords on “Imagine” rather than the lyrics, and I came to know it as that song on the radio that sounds like it’s going to be “Let It Be” but then isn’t.
After finally concentrating on the words, I realize that they’re an elegant and poetic distillation of how easy it could be to change the world for the better, at a cost of nothing but changing our attitude toward it.
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Hi David. Yes, well said. The music the Beatles created, and as solo artists as well, all were very poetic with something meaningful to express. It’s so great Mona and Lisa carry on that tradition with all of their original work. Most of the popular music being created today are so light in substance, and the hip hop is so depressing.
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A true meaningful song, will always resonate first and foremost, whether because of it’s sound, lyrics, etc or the whole shebang, if it moves you, then it is worthy….☮️
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