| Songfacts: You can leave comments about the song at the
bottom of the page. |
| Lennon was asking to imagine a place
where things that divide people (religion, possessions,
etc.) did not exist. He felt that would be a much better
place. |
| A strong political message that is
sugarcoated in a beautiful melody. Lennon realized that
the softer approach would bring the song to a wider
audience, who hopefully would listen to his
message. |
| Lennon later felt that this song
should have been a Lennon/Ono collaboration. Said John,
"The lyric, the concept, came from Yoko, but in those
days I was more selfish, more macho, and omitted to
mention her contribution. But it was right out of her
Grapefruit book- there's a whole pile of pieces about
imagine this and imagine that." |
| Some people have wondered if Lennon
included a message in the video for this song as well.
In the video, Lennon is dressed as a cowboy and Yoko Ono
is dressed as an Indian squaw. This could be a kind of
message about all cultures getting along. (thanks, Adam
- Dewsbury, England, for above 2) |
| In 2000, George Michael paid over $2
million for the piano that Lennon wrote this on. He then
returned it to the Beatles museum in Liverpool. |
| Plays a role in the movie Forrest
Gump. Gump (played by Tom Hanks) appears on a talk
show with Lennon, talking about a place where there are
"no possessions" and "no religion." |
| A sidewalk mosaic spells out the
word "Imagine" in a section of Central Park dedicated to
Lennon. The area is called "Strawberry Fields," and is
located across from Lennon's apartment where he was
shot. |
| This was not released as a single in
the UK until 1975, when it hit #6. Shortly after
Lennon's death in 1980, it was re-released in the UK and
hit #1. It was replaced at #1 by Lennon's "Woman,"
marking the first time an artist replaced himself on top
of the UK charts since The Beatles followed "She Loves
You" with "I Want To Hold Your Hand." |
| This is credited to The Plastic Ono
Band, the name Lennon used for some of his recordings
after leaving The Beatles. Ringo Starr played drums on
this and Klaus Voorman played bass. |
| On September 21, 2001, Neil Young
performed this on a benefit telethon for the victims of
the terrorist attacks on America. Almost 60 million
people watched the special in the US. |
| At a 2001 tribute special to Lennon,
Yolanda Adams sang this with Billy Preston on organ.
Preston played keyboards on some Beatles songs,
including "Get Back." |
| Oasis used the piano intro on their
1996 song "Don't Look Back In Anger." |
| In 2002, this came in #2 in a poll
by Guinness World Records as Britain's favorite single
of all time. It lost to "Bohemian Rhapsody" by
Queen. |
| This has been covered by many bands,
including Our Lady Peace, and a vastly toned down
version by A Perfect Circle. (thanks, Jeffrey -
Victoria, Canada) |
| This was the last song played on
WABC before they switched from a top-40 format to talk
radio. Based in New York City, WABC was for decades the
top AM radio station in the country. They debated long
and hard to decide which song should be their farewell.
(thanks, Rob - Minneapolis, MN) |
| Some speculate that this song
contains backwards messages. With a keen ear and large
imagination, you can barely make out the words "people
war beside me" when reversing the line "Imagine all the
people." (thanks, Spencer - Los Angeles, CA) |
Get Artistfacts for John
Lennon
More
songs by John Lennon
More
songs with political statements
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songs that were Hippie anthems
More
songs performed on the Tribute To Heroes special
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songs that became hits after the artist died
|
| Comments: |
No war is fought over
religiononly the ignorant say that as an excuse for
politics and to let politicians be 12 year old kids with
a temper tantrum. The religions of the world are so
identical. Ive always that this song is the idealism of
perfect impossibility, if all that John Lennon hopes for
happened the world would be in harmony yet having 6.2
billion people have the same ideology would be
impossible.
- nathan,
from the country of, Canada |
Didn't Jone Baez cover this? I
remember seeing a cd, maybe the Best of Jone Baez, that
contained her version of this song.
-
Stefanie, Rock Hill, SC |
He may not have known what it
was like to be poor, maybe, but he knew what it was like
to not have peace and have fighting. His childhood
wasn't the greatest memory, etc. And although I do not
usually stick up for Lennon in this way, I feel pity for
him in this respect. I mean come on its just what he
wanted. Sure, we all like our money and our possesions.
Admit it. But he was wishing we DIDNT! See the point of
the song, then?
John Lennon wasn't my favourite
Beatle but this song has a POINT. Calling him
hypocritical is hypocritical, etc. Just imagine. Maybe
these *imaginings* are not the most realistic things in
the world, but thats why we have imaginations. So we can
imagine a better relationship with our fellow humans.
This song has a meaning and I am not going to hesitate
to prove it.
These things that set us apart are
possesions and class. We can't live without them but if
we could then there would be no stereotpes and
prejudices.
I'm not caucasian and I live in Canada,
which makes me enjoy this song more. I think John
lennons songs were good, and he was a very intelligent
person if you should know what I mean.
If you have
ever been cast out because of differences you will know
what I mean.
Well thats enough.
Bye
- Buzz, Hamilton,
- |
And...Riley from SC I agree.
Also what I must add is that at that point John was
becoming in a certain way, aware of all this fighting
and that was the strongest point of his peace activism.
Catherine from Glasglow I have seen your comments
elsewhere and most of them seem to be what I would say.
So anyways no doubt this is a really nice
song.
- Buzz, Hamilton,
- |
I understand that after this
song was released John was so against materialism that
instead of making people pay for tickets to his concerts
he just asked that everyone bring a covered dish. (rumor
has it his favorite was chicken casserole with the corn
flakes on top, can't say I blame him)
-
Jay, Atlanta, GA |
Its funnie that the original
version the line "But I'm not the only one I hope
someday you'll join us" John sings it in a deep
voice.
- Josh, Portland,
OR |
The other night I started
listening to all these kinds of songs, and I listened to
this song a lot, both by Lennon and APC. I find the
original Lennon version is extremely calm, compared to
the APC one. APC's is more desperate, which does seem
more fitting. Which makes me wonder why Lennon would
choose such a calm approach to the song. I guess the
subtle differences in the tone of his voice contributes
to the impact of it; almost as if trying to tell the
listener that he wishes that the world could be like
this, but it will never happen because people are
selfish and too focused on material things instead of
peace and love. We'll never get to this state in our
society, which is horribly sad.
-
Ashley, Moncton, Canada |
To Jay, Atlanta, GA, yes, its
quite obvious, im just typing stuff fast, because i was
in a rush.
- james,
Toronto, Canada |
Do you mean "know" instead of
"no" and "anyway" instead of "andyway"?
- Jay, Atlanta,
GA |
wow, i no all of you will
probably hate me after bringing this subject up, but if
you play the song backwards you hear "the people war
beside me" andyway this is a great song, i love the
piano
- james, Toronto,
Canada |
Where "pece" prevails(?) What
about a world where peas prevail. Now that would be
utopia.
- Jay, Atlanta,
GA |
Did you listen to the song? It's
about more than posessions. He wants everypne to imagine
a world where pece prevails. Him living in a mansion, in
this case, is immatterial.
-
Stefanie, Rock Hill, SC |
John was a great singer and a
great songwriter. Personally, I can't think of anyone
better. I'll say Paul was equally as good. But don't
deify the guy. Imagine is a great song with a nice
sentiment. It wouldn't have prevented World War II,
however. In fact, it's possible that TOO many people
were imagining peace in the lead up to WWII and let
Hitler become too powerful. It cost about 50 million
people their lives. Imagine what those 50 million people
and their offspring could have given the world had they
not been killed.
-
Steve, Fenton, MO |
Lennon didn't believe this
himself. He didn't practice what he preached. He lived
in a mansion and drove a huge white Mercedes.
- Jay, Atlanta,
GA |
"Communist Utopia."
Right.
- John,
Millersville, MD |
I agree, very excelent message I
love it after you read this, I would also like to ask
you to just "Imagine" a world like this it really gets
you thinking
- Steve,
Midland, MI |
This song is about the here and
the now. John Lennon was saying imagine you had no
possessions. Imagine we have no religions, no heaven, no
hell.. pretty much nothing to live your life for. Or
imagine there is no God to look up to and impress.
Imagine none of this exists.. how are you going to treat
people? Are you going to be a nice person? Will you
still be a good person and be generous, even though
there is no God that you will need to impress, or no
heaven to go to if you follow the commandments? This is
merely the message that was getting across. It is all
about getting you to think if none of these things
exist, would you still treat people with respect. It is
an excellent song with an excellent message. John Lennon
was an amazing man.
-
anonymus, ..., Canada |
The world that John Lennon
wished for in "Imgine" will never exist in our lifetimes
and I am/was not offended by him being rich and me being
poor. He only wished that there would be no more hunger
in the world and that everyone would be able to have
their needs supplied - not their wants. I wish I could
fine peace and contentment in my own life amidst all the
turmoil and turbulence.
-
John-Martin, Silver Creek,
MS |
"Imagine no possessions" very
easy for many people but not for John Lennon; I suppose
he never knew what it is being poor. Nevertheless this
song is beautiful, especially Phil Spector's "Wall of
sound". Listen very good and you'll hear it on the
background.
- Teresa,
Mechelen, Belgium |
it;s "I was the dreamweaver, but
now im reborn, i was the walrus, but now im
john."
- daniel,
Cincinnatti, OR |
Lennon was a hypocrit. he
preached the a idealistic communist state while he
reaped the benifits of capitalism. this is still a great
song though.
- daniel,
Cincinnatti, OR |
Wow, thanks Kevin. I didn't know
that. Makes me feel a lot better, also makes the song
more credible to me.
-
kika, nyc, NY |
VEry well said Maria. You hit
the nail on the head on that one. I couldn't have said
it better myself.
-
Stefanie, Rock Hill, SC |
You call a person like that
'John Lennon', Christina. This was the first song I ever
performed. My accompaniment was an acoustic guitar,
which is also lovely, but I love the piano melody in the
song. I have only three points to make: It's a beautiful
song; John Lennon was not naive - on the contrary, he
was a brilliant man, and not just musically; and this
song is not anti-religion. Religion can be a beautiful
thing. John Lennon was against the preversion of
religion, against those who take advantage of it to
further their own agendas; against those who use
religion to shatter peace. Jesus was a huge hippy, after
all. No one denies that religions like Christianity hold
great truth and comfort - however, people will always
take it too far. Utopia is when people no longer need a
mythology along with their morality, when people do what
is right merely because it is right, and not because
they are afraid of an angry God (or even of a
disappointed God). John Lennon understood that. And that
is why Imagine, this beautiful, almost minimalistic
song, is great.
- Maria,
Lake City, FL |
Hey kika, it's "I was the
dreamweaver, but now I'm reborn," not "I was the
dreamer, but now I'm John". And anyway, "God"'s not that
sad of a song in relation to Imagine, considering "God"
was released in 1970 and "Imagine", 1971. So apparently
John re-gained his dreamability.
-
Kevin Murphy, Ridgewood, NJ |
I totally agree with Charlie in
the middle. If there was one religion, it would just be
like a natural way of life, not just another religion.
Also, Matt, I don't think God never intended there to be
peace. He intended life to be a test, but He wants
peace. Saying God never intended there to be peace kind
of contridicts Christianity. But... I guess I do see
your point.
- Riley,
Naval Reserve, SC |
Nicely said,
Maria.
- Riley, Naval
Reserve, SC |
I totally praise this song but
without religion in times of hardship sometimes religion
will help you through it. What do u call a person
without creed [personal beliefs/they dont have to be
religious] or an opinion?
-
Christina, Nor*Cal, CA |
This is a beautiful song with a
beautiful message. its sooooo awesome. "You may say I'm
a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll
join us And the world will BE as one" thats the best
line
- Floyd, Dallas,
TX |
"I was a dreamer, but now, i'm
John"-God sad isn't it? what are other people's opinions
on this?
- kika, nyc,
NY |
To anyone who thinks that the
ideas Lennon expresses in this song are "naive," you are
wrong - at least concerning religion. Some moron made up
the nonsence in Christianity, that's caught on pretty
well. Some moron made up the nonsense in Judaism, thats
caught on pretty well. Some moron made up the nonsense
in Muslim, thats caught on pretty well too. The
difference is, John Lennon is not a moron. I know I may
have offended you if you are religous, and this probably
isn't the place to do that, but this song gives me some
context for it. I beg you, to actually look at your
religion as non-objectively as you can. Judge it not as
though your life depends on it, but as you would judge
anything else, with logic and reason. I'd be surprised
if you didn't find that what you think for sure is the
truth is sketchy at best. Free your mind. We don't know
all the answers yet. Until we do, be an agnostic like
me.
- John, somewhere,
PA |
I don't think Lennon really
wanted to bring the inadequacies of religion into this.
But, since we're on it, religion in it's most basic
sense is a way for people to comfort themselves with the
concept of death. I'm catholic, and i see a lot of the
monarchy etc. that can be associated with the church,
but i still like the community, and the morals that come
along with it. I would also like to point out that it's
Islam not Muslim. There's a difference. The point of
Imagine is a place where nobody would feel the need for
religion anymore. But it's wrong to tell people to be
more like you and critical of religions. Most people
interperate they're religion metaphorically anyway. I
just wanted to know if anybody had any comment on what
john later sang in the song God.
-
kika, nyc, NY |
Theres been a lot said about the
lyrics to the song, what does anyone think of the music.
I love the chord arrangement, especialy the intro and
the chorus, the E F G C F E E7 chord change is very
powerful.
- John Dylan,
Blah, MS |
Yeah! I'm a sci-fi geek too.
That episode of Quantum Leap used this to very good
effect. Very good moment. Imagine singing this to your
Beatle fanatic little sister way before Lennon recorded
it? But an amazing song...I love it!
-
James, Vidalia, GA |
I think John Lennon would be not
only disapoineted by the world today, but also how no
one truley listened to his message.
-
Dan, Lee, NH |
I get your point, but John
Lennon was always one who stood for peace. He would be
disappointed at what's going on in the world to day. All
of the violence.
-
Stefanie, Rock Hill, SC |
lennon was one of the most
amazing men who has ever written lyrics in history.
"Imagine" is never to be forgotten and i love listening
to it and wishing for peace. one of the greatest songs
ever written by lennon i must say.
-
Jonna, Dallas, TX |
Possibly the most beautiful song
in human history. Lennon identifies and makes us see the
negative effect that religion, posessions, borders, et
cetera, have had on humanity. I think just by listening
to this song, we realize the possibilities the human
race can have without these things. Once we all take
this song to heart, the world will finally be
healed.
- Bill, Erie,
PA |
I'd also just like to say that
people get caught up way to easily by saying this song
is naive, and the utopia it forsees will never happen.
John's message is just to imagine this utopia, and maybe
if we all work towards imagining it, it will come
true.
- Bill, Erie,
PA |
This song is incredibly moving,
and we should all take it's meaning to heart, as well as
simply be moved by it's beauty, but i feel it's also
important to consider that john later writes God, which
i thought basically took back a lot of what he said in
imagine. it really upset me.
-
kika, nyc, NY |
Okay. I just spent about 45
minutes reading all of the comments posted here. But the
one that I simply have to address is way down towards
the bottom and was penned by Mark in Ridgeland, MS.
Mark, my friend, if John Lennon is rolling around in his
grave, it's not because of A Perfect Circle's version or
anyone else's version of the song "Imagine." (((
Editor's note - this is the last time I shall edit or
delete this comment. This is a board about songs and
facts and informative thoughts about them, not personal
insult slinging and political bashing. Please respect
everyone's right to an opinion without resorting to
namecalling. Thank you. )))
-
Ash, Charleston, WV |
My senior class voted "Imagine"
as our class song in 1975 but it was nixed by the
principle who didn't understand that John Lennon was
only telling us that if we all tried and cared just a
little, we could all live in a better place.
- Jere, Lubbock,
TX |
Hey Lynn from Hawaii you asked
why modern songwriters don't write like this. I think if
you look at the type of crap that is popular now, you
can see why no one can write anymore. Ashlee Simpson
probably can't even spell Imagine, let alone write a
song anywhere as good as it.
-
Nathan, Defiance, OH |
Dave Matthews covered this song
at a concert of his. He took the first verse and chorus
followed by a harmonica solo by John Popper of Blues
Traveler, who continued on to sing the second verse.
Great version by Dave and John.
-
Dave, Philadelphia, PA |
I totally agree with MATT..... I
really dont enjoy any song from my heart if it has
anything against my religion.... But still it is a great
song , just by his voice and his guitar, not the
lyrics.... But i respect his works...
-
Charbel, Sydney, - - |
Well, matt, he really wasnt an
athiest, he was just saying, wouldnt it be nice to live
without having to be judged.
-
Andy, Hamilton, Canada |
i love john lennon's music.....
but... he was an athiest and i am christian which really
disappoints me ... it would be nice if we could have
world peace but God never intended it... life is a
test... if you do good here you will eventually live in
a perfect utopian world called
heaven.
- matt, niagara
falls, NY |
i can't believe some people
don't like this song. Whether or not John Lennon was a
multimillionare, it still spreads a good message. Also,
it's not like he asked for all that money, he earned it
through something he did well, MUSIC. And saying that
the instruments are too easy? Sometimes simple sounds
beautiful. Just respect Lennon for the peace he tried to
share while he was here, he deserved
it.
- Anna, Syracuse,
NY |
The title of this masterpiece is
Imagine. Most of the people on here seem to be
forgetting that. Imagine. Simple as that. Imagine no
possessions, no heaven or hell, no religion, etc.
Imagine it. The song is not saying this is how it should
be but rather how life could be. I don't think John
would have wanted us to be fighting over what it meant
and bashing one another's views however misguided or
whatever one may think. That was not his point. "Imagine
all the people living life in peace." Can't we all just
sit back and think about what this song is saying. This
is exactly why Imagine can not come true because if we
fight about little things like a song's lyrics, then
what hope is there for us? Imagine is one of the best
songs ever written and John Lennon truly was a man of
hope and genius.
-
Carissa, La Mirada, CA |
John was such a brilliant
musician, he sings from his heart. He means what he is
saying, he wants peace and love in this world and I
think that people should listen to him, it is all so
true. I love the Beatles but I do not think that I would
love them so much if John wasnīt in the band, infact I
think that the band wouldnīt be nearly as popular as it
was and stil is. He was a great guy, witty, funny, very
smart and kind. At first "Imagine" went through my head
like any other song, you know? It was a song about
peace. Stop. I didnīt care. Then later as I grew up I
heard it again and it was an almost magical
moment.....the world WOULD be a better place if everyone
was equal and there wouldnīt be any religion, no heaven
or hell, no killings or violence or country borders.
Just one big beautiful and happy place for everyone. I
got it now. I understood the message he had been trying
to deliver to me in the past. If there would only be
peace and freedom this world would be a better place to
live in. But his death was tragic, a horrible thing. Who
would kill such a man? A man who was trying to make us
all feel better! I think that his death made his point
even clearer, people saw how stupid violence was (and
still is) and then the message was clear. John had in a
way succeeded, there wasnīt peace but the people knew
and understood. I think that John changed many lifes
including mine. He is the greatest song composer and
artist the world of all time. No-one can replace him, or
top him. There will only be one John Lennon. Peace in
this world
- AuðurV.,
Reykjavik, Iceland |
It is irrufutably pathetic that
all these people have done covers of this brilliant
piece. On behalf of all the worlds late musicians I say
to you, 'Write your own music!'
-
Paul, Buffalo, NY |
Wes from Springfield, VA: Sounds
like you're a little jealous to me. His brilliant talent
made him a multi-millionaire; he deserved it; it still
doesn't mean he didn't want peace because if anyone did,
it was John Lennon.
-
Shirley, Ocean, NJ |
This is awful. Everyone saying
that this song is insincere because John Lennon was a
multi-millionaire is completely missing the point of the
song. You're allowing money to put barriers between
people. Just because he had money means he was
emotionally fulfilled? He figured that because he wasn't
destitute that the problems of the world didn't matter
to him? If you think that, you don't know Lennon. Life
isn't about money...
-
Miki, Vancouver, Canada |
The worst historical coincidence
in Forrest Gump was when they tacked on Forrest's
'influence' in the writing of this song. "No religion
too!?" Woeful.
- Miguel,
Dublin, Ireland |
This was also wonderfully
covered by Eva Cassidy, on her album
Imagine
- catherine,
London, England |
There is actually two videos.
The most well known one of an indian, but the other one
is a little boy going into a room to get a toy on the
ground, then walking into another room, every time he
goes through a door he gets older, until he is an old
man with a stick, walking in and putting a toy on the
floor and vanishing and the boy trying to get in again.
It's my favourite video ever. Whenever Lennon is coming
on TV I watch incase they show us that video. Does
anybody else remember?
-
Allan, Greebock, Scotland |
great song.
PEACE
- Izzie, lala,
HI |
In 2004 a poll conducted and
televised by CBC ranked this song as being the greatest
song of all time.
-
Dylan, King City, Canada |
Lennon was dead on in
recognizing that the three most divisive and destructive
influences in the world today are greed, national
divisions and religion. As far as religion goes, his
solution would be a world without religion. You can't
blame him in a way, because, as other commentors have
noted, the religions of the world, including mainstream
Christianity, have for the most part failed to live up
to the teachings of the Bible and Jesus and have
dishonored God. But how about a world in which there is
only ONE religion, one that truly promotes the teachings
of the Prince of Peace? That would be a unifying factor
in the world. (Isaiah 2:2-4) The Bible promises such a
time here on earth. Not only that, but a world in which
there are no national boundaries and which every
resident will be prosperous. Before you dismiss this as
a pipe dream, why not actually read for yourself what
the Bible has to say?
-
Charlie, Cape Girardeau, MO |
May John lennon always be
remembered rest in peace
-
daniel, west covina, CA |
It's just a beautiful song. But
Lennon's idea of a perfect world is quite naive. This
song carries a very strong message to all of us and if
this could actually happen in the future I would be very
surprised because there is so much greed and propaganda
in this world and its been carried from generation to
generation and in my opinion it will never end. Thanks
for trying John but this world will end with people
killing each other. Peace out
-
Vuk, Toronto, Canada |
This is in Rolling Stone's list
of 500 greatest songs.
-
Ross, Independence, MO |
In the song, John Lennon
outlines a utopian society which he doubs "a Brotherhood
of Man," i see it as a call to Utopia, not neccesarily
communism. He probably wanted to spead an idea that,
with the outlined sacrifices (religon, countries,
etc...), we could better mankind. Now then, for the
record, communism is great, capitalism is great,
socialism is great, and utopias are excellent, but not
without a good government. Communism, in its purest form
should be an anarchy -not chaotic, but relying on the
goodness of mankind. the reason communism is so "bad" is
because the only communistic economies have been under a
dictatorship. USA's capitalism only functions because of
democracy. again, for the record, Dictators are bad,
Anarchies dont work because the human race cannot
function without a leader, monarchies are dictators
(exept constitutional monarchies, which are...
acceptible) republics dont work, empires are bad, and
finally, democracies are good. people who are quick to
label, accuse, and blame others without knowing what the
hell they are really saying disgust me. if you are only
relying on your misjudged opinions to form unjustified
arguments over how bad the good things are, than you
disgust me. go ahead and compare me to hilter, you only
show your incompetency to grasp ideas. I am not a Nazi
or Hitler or Stalin etc, I am tired of people using that
cliche to throw mud at otherwise clean people. ::back to
topic:: John Lennon created many beautiful songs in his
carreer, Imagine is one of my all-time
favorites.
- AJ,
Cleveland, OH |
my motto: A mind is opened by an
abstract thought...is closed by an unjustified
opinion.
- AJ,
Cleveland, OH |
I love this song so much! Its
beautiful and had a great message- if only people would
listen to it!
- liz,
Rochester, NY |
This is my personal favorite
song of all time. It's such a great song. The simplisity
of it is amazing. And the message that it passes along
is so great. If even half of the world could live by
this song the world would be a great place to
live.
- Jerry, West
Valley, UT |
This is a beautiful song. Only
if everyone could feel this way.
-
Niki, Chicago, IL |
ok, imagine a world with no
possessions. easy for him to say? maybe. this is coming
from a guy that can have it all materially, have you
ever thought that MAYBE, just MAYBE he realized now that
possessions are not what's important in life? he used to
think they were but once he got them, they weren't
salvation. how can anyone say this songs lyrics are not
powerful or beautiful? they're the essence of the song.
A perfect world living in peace. and for those dissing
religion. i don't think it should be banned because a
true religion should not be what it is these days.
people are being hypocritical and stupid when they say
that they kill in the name of god. they are using
religion to justify their evil. no religion in the world
justifies murder!!! they may not believe in the same god
but they consist of the same concept, love and peace.
it's hypocrits that misinterpret this that ruin it. oh,
yeah, you say you're christian yet you are sigining up
for the armed forces.
-
Liliana, Huntley, IL |
According to an article in
Rolling Stone, The "beefy" piano sound on Imagine was
actually produced by Lennon on his grand piano and Nicky
Hopkins (Jefferson Airplane, The Who, et al.) doubling
his part on another grand. Listen to the right and left
channels on a stereo recording and you can hear the
differences in their performance of the
lines.
- Roundabut1983,
Ithaca, NY |
Neil Young preformed this song
in "A Tribute to Heros". Madonna destroyed the song and
her already low popularity when she attempted to sing
this song for NBC's Tsunami Relief
concert.
- Rob, Portage,
MI |
This is a beautiful song written
by a beautiful man who was kind enough to share his
vision of a world where everyone could live together
without hatred, war, fighting, bickering and name
calling over petty differences. (Are any of you
commentators feeling just a lil' bit
guilty?)
- Jude,
Thomasville, GA |
Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound"
makes this song of John Lennon so beautiful, just listen
and you can hear it, it's just there.
-
Teresa, Mechelen, Belgium |
I think this is a very good
message and everyone should listen to it.Even though it
is not my type of music i still like the
message
- morgan, palmer
rapids, Canada |
I like the remake by A Perfect
Circle better, but it's a beautiful
song.
- Gita, apple
valley, MN |
Numerous number of people here
have tried very hard to dig out different meanings of
this song and, in my opinion, have done a good job. So,
it is futile for me to go on explaining the different
aspects of this song. What would explain, however, is
how I feel about the song itself. I feel it is the best
song ever written. Yes, I have not heard each and every
song written in each and every language ever written,
but if i really think about it, I just cannot "imagine"
any song being better than this. People might say I'm a
fanatic. Maybe I am, maybe I am not. But this is what i
genuinely feel about this song
-
Adnan, Houston, TX |
This was Rolling Stone's third
best song ever made
-
Carly, San Diego, CA |
This is a truly awesome
song...the cover by A Perfect Circle however, is
horrendous. John would probably roll over in his grave
if he heard it.
- Abby,
Huntsville, TX |
Ironic isn't it that we have all
these people saying about peace and love yet right here
we have people arguing about communism and the meaning
of this song. Great song though
-
Mark, Perth, Australia |
this song means a lot to me and
people in my family. it proves that there are celebs who
care about people who are less fortunate than others ad
that world peace is more than just a dream. as in the
line "You may say I'm a dreamer/But I'm not the only
one" means that the ones who care need to speak up, not
just dream. or, at least, they should.
- Aiedail, Carnation,
WA |
isn't music a way to express
yourself and if he wanted to express his political views
why not, he loved music or else he wouldn't of expressed
himself in that outlet. i don't believe this song is
communist at all, i believe it is trying to make us
invision a world where everyone wouldn't let themselves
be divided over every issue. religion, and politics are
such big issues in our lives but they also are they most
dividing ones, and they make us fight more than
anything
- Lauren,
Lufkin, TX |
If you play the part in the song
"Imagine all the people" backwards he says "The people
war beside me"
- Chris,
Chch, New Zealand |
also on the song "Kiss, kiss ,
kiss" by yoko on double fantasy, she says some giberish
and it u play it backwards she says "i shot john lennon"
very weirdly but it makes out to say that, this was
after he got killed
-
Chris, Chch, New Zealand |
Imagine is a great song. The
best. All you Kerry fans out there, however, I suggest
you shut the hell up because your guy lost! We should be
talking about the brillance, the greatness of John
Lennon, and not stupid things such as how bad our
President is. 59 million people disagree with you...get
over it! Move if you hate our President...damn I hate
all you people who have to make it a point to bring down
our President...go to a Kerry fansite you damn frauds
and root for Hillary in 2008 losers!!!!!!
- John, Boston,
MA |
If John Lennon were around today
I think he would be very disappointed in us, Americans.
We all know John Lennon's lyrics will never come true.
Thats why its called Imagine. I think he wrote this to
not only let us imagine a land of peace, but to also
motivate us to make this a reality, but we don't care.
We are selfish pigs who only desire good to come to
ourselves. We are not open-minded, but we need to be in
order to survive because if we dont we will end up
killing off ourselves. It will happen, eventually.
Anyway, great song. John Lennon's a genius. I'm
done.
- Wil, Marco
Island, FL |
To Roman in Germany: Yes, he was
a multi-millinaire and it was his musical talent and
writing ability that brought him there. He just happen
to make a great living off of what he liked doing best;
like any other artist. People sing about what they
believe in regardless of their monetary status. By your
cutting remarks you don't really sound like you want
peace; you sound bitter or jealous or both. And peace
train was great,but this was truly the best song ever
written; and obviously not just my
opinion.
- Shirley,
Ocean, NJ |
I could barely believe my eyes
as I was reading through these posts and saw someone
comparing president Bush to Robert Frost. I know that
doesn't have to do with Imagine, because there is no way
in hell I could imagine a connection between Bush and
Frost. Hahaha.
- Jacob,
Kalamazoo, MI |
You people totally miss the
point. What's the title of the song? "Imagine" It's not
about Communism, nor is it promoting communist ideas.
It's not saying, "let's toss out religion and borders"
it's about thinking about the reasons of war and strife,
and fixing it, and believing in peace. It has nothing to
do with the most prevelant of communist principles,
which often have aspects of religion and social strata
(ie "borders"). It's not about action itself, it's about
thinking of and solving the problem, and people coming
together to have peace. Thus the title,
"Imagine."
- Jeramy,
Jonesboro, AR |
On one of the last episodes of
the show "Quantum Leap," Sam's little sister asks him
what happens to John, because he's her favorite Beatle.
He doesn't tell her about his death, but plays her this
song instead.
- Jeramy,
Jonesboro, AR |
Absolutely beautiful song.
Doesn't seem to have had much impact in the world,
however.
- Peter,
Toronto, Canada |
You know I was thinking; reading
this over I saw a few comments that ran something like
"With no religion people would kill each other all the
time because they have no fear of an afterlife," etc.
etc. All I wanted to say is that it is quite sad where
our moral values are based on whether or not we will be
'punished' for our actions. Anyone who is a good person
because they 'want to get into heaven', cannot truly be
a good person. As for the song (I lied, that wasn't all
I wanted to say), this song is pure song about how great
life would be without all of these differences between
us. I'm getting tired of people saying how unrealistic
it is; of course it is impossible, I gave up faith in
the human race long ago. However, the name of the song
is "Imagine", if you recall. Imagine how great it would
be if such a thing could come into being. And lastly,
anyone who makes the comment that John Lennon was a
hypocrit because he spoke of 'no possessions' because he
was multimillionaire, are not truly seeing his words for
what they are. He was a Beatle who made millions of
dollars doing what he loved, yes, but does that make him
greedy? I think not. You would have no idea if he would
or would not have given up his belongings for this
utopia he imagined, and neither do I; no one will ever
know. Imagine... Because that's all pathetic mankind can
ever do. A beautiful, pure song.
-
Jacob, Kalamazoo, MI |
i think the purpose of the song
is just to make you think, what is the role of religion
and countries et, whilst not directly advocating
communism. we can apply these feelings all the time, not
just in revoloutions, but supporting charities, and
protesting against wars. however, if everyone thought
about these issues, then perhaps a utopian socialist
community might not be such a far off idea. p.s, to the
george bush fan, i think you must have been watching far
too much fox news
-
alanwhite, macclesfield,
England |
I had to sign up once I read
what some of the people said about Lennon. The lyrics
were more important than the music? How do you figure
that Music was the most important thing to John. Imagine
was an extremley personal song, and if being against
death and war is something that you cant agree with John
on then good for you. I dont believe John had communism
in mind when he wrote this song, you guys just seem to
think that since he opposes war and violence he's a
communist? Why would he want a communist world when if
it were communist he wouldnt be able to sing freely like
he does in this song? Its like this "and no religion
too" "...COMMUNIST!!!" Without religion most wars
wouldnt have been started, with possessions people
wouldnt be homeless or go hungry, without Countries
people wouldn't be divided. Some of you people just try
to hard to find a deep secret meaning in such straight
forward songs.
- Jordan,
Calgary, Canada |
Everyone is missing the point,
many wars are fought over religion. Many are fought over
patriontism and nationalism, and many are fought over
possesion. For Ex. Bush's war was fought over posesion
of oil. 911 happened because of religion, and WWII over
(at least partly) nationalism. Lennon desribes a world
without these three, in his opinion the only way for
world peace. Now as for the dumbf**ked idiot who claims
that this war is not brutal. Tell that to mothers whose
children and husbands have died because some stupid
american in a tank did not want to take the time to aim.
Tell that to inocent people tourtured at abu garade and
to the othe 100,000 dead Iraqies.
-
john, shelby, NV |
Wtf exactly. I agree. I can't
enjoy a song to it's full potential if I know the person
singing it isn't sincere. Anyone can put any combination
of perfect words together to make themselves sound so
caring and thoughful but to really mean it is a whole
other issue. Which is a reason I'm not too into Imagine.
I think John Lennon stood for Peace and he wanted most
of the things he said. But some of the lyrics, like the
references to possessions for example, you could tell he
was only saying coz he knew he would never have to give
his up.
- John, Gosford,
Australia |
This is a beautiful song with a
great message. I agree that it's too idealistic and the
world imagined by Lennon will probably never exist. Yet
there's nothing wrong in believing it could. The world
would have been even a more horrible place without
people who at least promote the mere idea peace and
unity. And so what if it's sang by a multi-millionare (I
think he deserved it). He knows a world without
"posessions" does not exist, he's just asking us to take
a moment and imagine what it would be like... And also,
a world without relision does not neccessarily translate
into communism. I personally think that religion has
been nothing but destructive to human societies. It
divides people us into groups, feed them with "super"
natural explanations of the world, prevent, give them
something to believe in and something to be afraid of,
in order to be able to control them in communities. And
all in the name of "GOD". I'm teling you, if there is a
god he wouldn't himself approve of "religion" the way it
is practiced today. Religion promotes narrow-mindedness
and prevents people from using their own cognitive
abilities to fullfill their roll as human beings. Sure
religion was a good way of providing blind guidance for
savages three thousand years ago, since their human
rationality and morality had not been matured enough for
them to be able to make sensible social and personal
decisions, and the only way to control them was "if you
do this and that you go to hell". I would like to thing
human race has evolved from that. If we leave in houses,
shower every day, and have concepts such as "Laws",
"Moral Codes" and "Human Rights", then we should also be
able to realize that certain religous saying and acts
are to be understood and not to be blindly followed. For
example lying and stealing is wrong because it has a
nagative affect on the life of us and others, not
becuase we are going to hell because of it. Or
confession has a positive psychological effect by making
you face your own actions and its consequences. but
insisting that god created the earth in 7 days is just
rediculous and in opposition to evolution. My point is,
I think people nowadays must be able to use their own
judgments to see the right and wrong of everything
including religion. Anyway sorry if I went on and on
about religion, I think John Lennon himself didn't look
into this as much as I have. Nevertheless I admire this
song simply for its capability to influence its
listeners enough to pause and think about an ideal
world, even if for a second.
-
vesta, Toronto, Canada |
John, I agree with you about
this song being kinda funny coming from a
multi-millionare. It's kinda like the song "Yesterday"
by Paul Mccartney. "Yesterday", he was a poor kid from
Liverpool who dropped out of school and was really happy
to be getting 15 pounds a week. "Today" he's a
multi-millionare who has hundreds of screaming fans
chasing him wherever he goes. wtf
man!!!!
- Loretta,
Liverpool, England |
Profoundly
simple.
- Alex, Nunya,
CA |
So many people go on about
Imagine being the peace anthem...but it's not. 'Imagine
a world with no possessions' coming from a multi
millionare? That's easy enough for him to say lol. Peace
Train by Cat Stevens was so much more genuine and
sincere, and was overall a better song. Peace Train *IS*
the Anthem of Peace.
-
John, Gosford, Australia |
Everyone goes on about 'Imagine'
this and 'Imagine' that. They all think it's the best
song ever because of it's message. What they all seem to
forget is 'Peace Train' by Cat Stevens, with a much
better peace message and it was overall a better song as
well.
- John, Gosford,
Australia |
ok. Here we go. Karl Marx was a
genius. Communism, if the human psyche would allow it to
ever be put in place, would be the most successful form
of political organization the world has ever seen.
Banning religion, although harsh, would create an
entirely peacful society. No more claims of "My God's
better than your God!" I can't se how that would be bad
at all. Mark, what kind of freaky news have you been
watching? How on freaking earth could anyone ever
consider this war not brutal?? Unless you happen to find
mindless slaughter fun and entertaining. Also, where in
the constitution or any other political document does it
state that the purpose of foreign policy is to displace
bad leaders? We can only hope the English or the Germans
don't have the same kinda idea, because, if they do,
we're screwed. If you want to argue about WMDs, the best
thing to do is shut up. If you want to think about a
ruler torturing and tormenting people, call president
Bush's telephone a weapon of mass destruction. Pause a
moment and think about that. Hey wait, do you by any
chance LOVE the 700 Club? Because, if you do, its not
your fault you're so closed-minded and pathetically
uneducated in the ways of politics.
-
Brady, Fort Stockton, TX |
How can you say the world would
be better without religion? Granted many people die over
religion, but if you truely ponder a world without
religion what are you left with? People who kill and
fight because they have no morals or soul because they
have no direction from a greater power. This is why
leaders like Bush are hated by many failing to see the
BIG picture.
- Tim,
Marinette, WI |
Anyway, this song is great!
Communism is a good idea, but impossible. The only way
it would be possible is if an entire country reached
nirvana (not the band, the idea in Hinduism of reaching
a state where the person does not want/desire any
material possesions, in which the soul goes directly to
the Brahman), which doesnt happen very often. Oh yea,
and I just heard A Perfect Circles cover of this song. I
cried. They completely butchered it. They made it such a
depressing song. John Lennon is probably rolling in his
grave
- Mark, Ridgeland,
MS |
The problem with most of these
comments about anti-communism is that they are written
by people who don't realize what true brillance john
had. Communism is the idea of sharing and equality, yet
it has provin itself flawed in the past since it has
always been overshadowed by greed. But this is no reason
to give up hope for the future. Through evolution we are
growing in our interlectual ways, but we are not done
yet. The want and need for the accumulation of material
possesions is a primitive idea that goes hand in hand
with the thought of lust and the possible loss of the
possesions which ultimatly lead to greed. johns idea of
of this paradise is realistic yet not in are time. hell,
when the most powerful country in the world elects such
an ignoranus as bush not only once but twice, how are we
supposed to e3ven dream of lennons theory. But john is
not talking about steriotypical communism, he is talking
about a whole world sharing and living together, no man
better then the other, a total state of equality. Lennon
was just way before his time, maybe in a couple hundred
years when human kind learn from their mistakes they
will be capable of maintaining such a lifestyle. Or keep
on destroying one another physically and mentally untill
we self destruct. Yet again, mabye that is the better
outcome, and life will start again into somthing
beautiful, somthing treasured, somthing like john
imagined.
- chris,
halifax, Canada |
pardon the spelling anger speeds
the hands
- chris,
halifax, Canada |
Imagine was chosen as "the song
of the century" in brazilian radio contest in 2000
Alexandre Medina - São Paulo - Brazil
-
Alexandre, São Paulo,
Brazil |
The theory of communism is
brilliant. The fatal flaw in it in the past has been the
greed of man. It COULD work someday, I think, if there
were checks and balances. Communism doesn't have to be a
dictatorship. It can be a democary! Communism NOT a
political system, it is a financial one. But I don't see
Communism working any time soon in the world... although
it could some day. Capitalism creates too many 'classes'
and no matter how much money I have or get, I don't like
for anyone to feel 'below' me because of it. -=The
Prynce
- The Prynce,
Dillon / Hamer, SC |
I don't think there's anything
wrong with religion personally, but I think that
organized religions tend to get way out of hand. This
song kind of promotes that thought. If we are one, and
stop fighting with each other for no reason, then we
don't need all these bylaws to tell us how to
be.
- Lacy, Yukon,
OK |
The political idea of communism
does not work. It's impossible for it to work. That's
why it hasn't worked yet, and never
will.
- Don,
Philadelphia, PA |
A Perfect Circle just covered
this song and it will be on their next CD titled
eMotive. it's a great cover, too
-
Amitai, Staten Island, NY |
"Imagine no possession...", this
line was written and sung by a multi-millionnaire!!!
Very reliable and authentic... Letīs wait ītil Michael
Jackson sings us the Blues: "Yeaaaaah, I was born a
poooooor manīs son, mama..." ;o)
-
Roman, Cologne, Germany |
this is the greatest song of all
time. Why? Because of the message it represents. I agree
completely that possessions, religion, and political
separation have accounted for the injusticies and greed
in the world since the beginning of time. I'm not
saying, however, that communisim is the way to go,
because we all are different, and everyone would like
have a nice car and make progress. There's nothing with
that. What is wrong is when one gets involved in only
those posessions and religion to where they don't help
others but rather put material things first for their
own benefit. Having a democratic society, yet one which
protects peoples' rights (not only in the US but all
over the wolrd) and doesn't allow for a drastic and
excessive difference in social and economic classes, in
other words a hybrid of capitalism and communism, in my
opinion is ideal.
-
Victor, Vienna, VA |
There's no doubt in my mind that
this is one of the greatest songs ever written. It is no
wonder so many people all over the world love it. In it,
Lennon sings about a world that doesn't exist and may
never exist, a world with no religion, no possessions,
and no countries. Unfortunately, a utopia like that will
most likely never come about. It?s sad, but true. I
think that's partly the reason the song is called
"Imagine." We can easily imagine a utopia like this, but
actually bringing it about would be near
impossible.
- Justin,
Birmingham, AL |
I also disagree that this is a
good song. Lennon's voice is great, the piano is
fantastic, but the lyrics ruin it for me and anyone else
who chooses to remain a citizen in the only free country
in the world. I find it ironic that for thousands of
years people fought for freedom, and revolutionized
government... only to want to throw it away in the only
country where freedom is not a dream.
-
Brooks, Vero Beach, FL |
there is nothing wrong with the
theory of communism. the only thing wrong is that it
hasn't worked correctly in any society yet. John Lennon
was right, and I agree with Martin when he says that
there is no better song about peace. The melody and the
lyrics just make people listen and understand...no one
has to talk about it. As for Bohemian Rhapsody vs.
Imagine, it's hard to choose...both are incredible
songs, i don't think it has anything to do with the
number of hits of each band.
-
Rachel, Upper Darby, PA |
This song was used in an Amnesty
International promotion. I can't think of another song
matched with an institution with such accuracy. Possibly
could be the only "official" use in such a format by
Yoko Ono. Thoughts...?
-
Bart, Marshfield, WI |
if there were no religion, the
world would be a better place
-
Victor, Vienna, VA |
Alan White is credited on the
album sleeve. Ringo isn't on the album at all. George
Harrison is, but not on the track "Imagine".
- Martin, London,
England |
Shortly after John Lennon died
and "Imagine" was No. 1 in the UK, a reverend went on
the radio to castigate Lennon for the line
"Imagine....no religion too", missing the point that all
the world's ills are caused by...wel, all the things
mentioned in the song (religion, countries [borders],
possessions...). There is no better song about peace. As
for finishing 2nd to "Bohemian Rhapsody", there is a
website which did an amalgam of all the end-of-millenium
polls, and Imagine came out on top! Don't forget that
Queen fans only ever vote for one song, whereas Beatle
fans have a hole smorgasboard to choose
from!
- Martin, London,
England |
It said Ringo Starr played the
drums on this track... I heard Alan White of Yes
played... Any feedback???
-
ken, Leicester, NC |
John Lennon was like Roger
Waters in that he was more concerned with the lyrics and
progressively became less concerned with the music. Paul
McCartney and David Gilmour carried on the musical
legacies of the Beatles and Pink Floyd, respectively.
- Kurt, Downers Grove,
IL |
To begin with, in addition to
the piano use by Oasis, I stumbled across Bob Seger's
"We've Got Tonight" which also opens with that piano. As
far as pure music is concerned, this is a great song,
but it's also evidence that Lennon's solo career was
more about politics and less about music. To claim that
he is a "God" is unfair, considering he is advocating
communism, which claims more lives than religion does in
countries that profess it (Russia, China, etc.). As far
as being "brilliant", I believed that Lennon's
"brilliance" is fading from here on out. Songs to him
became more about politics than music, and it's truly a
sad thing considering his ability to write some damn
good music.
- Brooks,
Vero Beach, FL |
And I'm sure calling him a God
with reference to him making a song against religion
would offend John
-
Brooks, Vero Beach, FL |
No number of word or emotions
can really describe this song. Sometimes the only thing
to express the inexpressible is
silence.
- Luke,
Memphis, TN |
I'm listening to this song right
now as i'm writeing this and it really does make me cry.
(sob)It's got to be one of the most beautifull songs
i've ever heard. Peace forever x
-
Catherine, Glasgow, England |
This song is the only song that
ever made me cry when I heard it. Peace and love
forever.
- Iggy Leney,
Detroit, MI |
This song is a beautiful and
pastoral memory hung in time of what has been and van
be... Organized religion, material possesions and self
absorbed comercialism is not what John Lennon imagines
for this world in the future and for his and my grand
kids...
- Brittany
Schultz, Alvin, TX |
A beautiful, yet haunting melody
by John Lennon. Possibly, one of the most beautiful
works of art ever created.
-
Alan, Delray Beach, FL |
Yes, Imagine is a song about a
certain degree of a communistic state of being, but it
says what many people feel but are afraid to voice.
While I don't agree with communism, I often wonder what
life would be like without religion, and many of the
other things that has people killing each other by the
millions in the name of God or some other idelistic
nonsense. There's an old saying: "For bad men to do
wrong requires only the opportunity. For a good man to
do wrong requires religion." In other words, when a
person thinks they have the almighty God on their side
they are capable of things like the Holy Crusades; the
Spanish Inquistion, or 9-11. John, I think, understood
the horrible things that had been done for the sake of
the so-called righteous, which might account for the
incredible passion he felt for the song. Of course I
don't know since I'm not John, but he did have a real
love for peace and understanding adn the hope that
people could some day look beyond their disagreements
and love one another above worldy concerns.
Mike
- Mike, Kansas
City, KS |
This is the best ever written!
Beautiful but haunting melody but it is much deeper than
people whould think. John Lennon is the God of all
music.
- Britney,
Calabasas, CA |
Ruben sang this on the last
American Idol show.
-
John, West Covina, CA |
On the soundtrack to the movie
"Imagine", which is basically a musical chronology of
John's career, there is a demo take of this song in the
middle of the album. At the end of the song, the
producer in the studio can be heard to say "That's
nice." As the track fades out, you can hear John say
"Yeah, that's the one I like the
best."
- Dan, Fort
Collins, CO |
this was late astronaut ilan
ramon, who died in the columbia disaster, favourite
song. it was played in his funeral.
-
noam, ein zivan, Israel |
Lennon wrote this after a couple
of months of primal scream therapy, which accounts for
the placid feeling about the song. He's actually trying
to get people to imagine a communist utopia. The song
was used to great effect at the end of the movie Killing
fields.
- Roddy,
Southampton, England |
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