Matter And Significance Of John Lennon’s Song ‘Imagine’

Songs that last through the ages are few and far between. Trends change music, so it is important to keep up with the latest styles. Songs that are not just for entertainment have this tendency. Songs can also serve as commentary on the world in a particular moment. John Lennon’s “Imagine” urged radical change during Vietnam War/Cold War. The song featured a series thought-provoking scenarios. They effectively communicated peace’s message during wartime, and left an impression that can be seen in modern times.

John Lennon (singer and songwriter) was part of The Beatles. The Beatles were an English-based rock band that became famous in the 1960s. The group has sold more than 800 million albums around the world and was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 1988. Each member of the band continued their solo careers despite the group’s dissolution in 1970. Lennon was also releasing his first solo album John Lennon/Plastic Ono Group that year. One year later, Imagine was released. While both albums were well received, it was Lennon’s second album Imagine that became his most famous solo song. Since 1947, the Cold War has been going on and the Vietnam War started in 1955. Both of these events created tension. Millions of people died in the Vietnam War, while mass panic erupted due to nuclear annihilation. John Lennon began to promote world peace after he and his wife Yoko-Ono tried non-violent protests. Their first “Bed-Ins for Peace” were held during their honeymoon, when they invited media to their hotel room. There were many journalists who arrived expecting to see some controversial spectacle. But the couple simply sat in their room and discussed world peace for over two weeks. The “Bed-Ins” were an experiment in non-violent protest and sparked much interest. Many artists have used them as a means to promote peace since. Celebrities are known for using their fame and status to spread awareness and promote products. John Lennon did not do this. He was passionately engaged in political activism and anti-violence work. He was passionate about his work and encouraged others to follow his lead. David Wigg conducted an interview with Lennon’s wife in 1969 on BBC Radio-One. Lennon was asked how he’d like to be remembered. He was deeply touched by the volunteer work, despite the income he earned from his music career. His wife and he continued to be activists. Then came “Imagine”, which urged world peace through music. It is obvious that “Imagine” was influenced greatly by the time and place of the United States in 1970s. Lennon also addresses the causes of conflict between people, drawing attention to what causes wars among nations. Lennon sings primarily about religion and politics. These controversial topics could, Lennon claims, be eliminated to make the world “a single place”. A world without countries would have no rivals to fight. There cannot be disagreements in a society without different religious and political beliefs. People cannot be greedy or jealousy in a world without possessions. Lennon’s main point is captured in the chorus. It is a call to peace around the world. “You might call me a dreamer, but it’s not true. I hope you will join me someday, and the whole world will be one.” He recognizes that although this utopia is only a vision, there are many people around the globe who share the same dream. This impossible dream world is possible if enough people collaborate. Lennon talked about imagination and how it is the foundation of modern civilization in an interview with Dave Sholin and Laurie Kaye just prior to his death. “Well, the other big dream of mankind was flying – although it may have taken us long, but somebody had to create it first. It was the second that we reached the moon. These are the examples he gives to prove that the peaceful world he envisions is possible. “Imagine,” a soothing song featuring piano and soft drums, invokes a calm mood. Adagio tempo is used for the song. This signifies calmness, as opposed to the faster-paced tempo that conveys a higher-energy mood. It is written in C Major, which can be found in western music. Lennon’s voice is similar to the music’s feel, singing calmly and gently. Lennon’s calm voice is like a word-music relationship. This exemplifies his peace and encourages listeners. The effect would be different if Lennon had sang louder and more forcefully. Every fifth line, the pitch goes up. This draws the listener in and helps them absorb the lyrics. The fifth line is an example of this: “Imagine all the people who live for today.” The dynamics stay the same until the chorus when volume drops slightly. Lennon declares that he isn’t the only one dreaming of peace and encourages listeners join the cause. The song’s main purpose is to draw people in and inspire them to do good. John Lennon’s “Imagine” was his most popular song. President Jimmy Carter said that “Imagine”, in all the countries he visited, was almost equal with national anthems. This means that “Imagine,” was more than a pop song. It was a song that was revered by people and evoked historical events. New York City and Liverpool, which Lennon hailed as his home, have preserved the song’s memory. A mosaic of “Imagine”, which is the English word for “Imagine”, can be found in Central Park, New York City. It’s a place where Lennon can be remembered and celebrated. Liverpool John Lennon Airport was created. The ceiling features a lyric taken from the song, “above our only sky”. The first picture book published the lyrics to “Imagine”, which Lennon wrote in honor of the International Day of Peace 2017. It was available in more than 15 languages to allow children from all walks of the globe to picture a world full of kindness and peace. This illustrates how universally loved the song and the symbolic role it played in promoting peace. Its timeless message has kept the song as a symbol and emblem of peace. A song that calls to peace in an age of uncertainty, discrimination, violence and crime is just as relevant as during times of war. The song “Imagine” is a great example of this. Although “Imagine” was written to protest war, the message doesn’t have to be limited to a war-torn world. If hate and other ideas are the cause of conflict on a larger scale than war, then peace is possible. For many years, the desire for peace will be relevant. John Lennon’s song “Imagine” is still being used nearly 50 years later than its original release.