I don’t like the song “Imagine.”
I know. For many of you, this is blasphemy. For years, I loved the song. Sang it whenever it came on.
Then I was driving in the car last week when “Imagine” came on Pandora. As I sang along, I thought about the lyrics in a way I never have before.
I thought critically.
When it was finished, I kind of hated the song, and justifiably so.
I think you’ll agree, unless you’re one of those annoying, “Yeah, I know the song ‘Gold Digger’ is demeaning to women, but I like the beat, so I want it played at my wedding anyway” people.
The lyrics, with my commentary:
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Imagine there is no heaven
It’s easy if you try (a fairly presumptuous statement at best)
No hell below us
Above us only sky (again, he’s assuming a lot)
Imagine all the people
Living for today (a nice thought until it’s tomorrow and everyone is hungry and cold)
Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do (borderline rude for those who find this hard)
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one (the fact that others suffer from similar delusions is not a valid argument)
I hope someday you will join us
And the world will be as one (does this whole stanza strike anyone else as drifting into Jim Jones territory?)
Imagine no possessions (communist)
I wonder if you can (now you wonder? after telling me how easy it is to imagine no heaven, no hell, no countries, and no religion, you wonder about my ability to imagine this?)
No need for greed or hunger (there has never been a need for hunger)
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You, you may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you will join us
And the world will live as one
This Post Has 2 Comments
Oh Matthew Dicks, you are indeed treading on sacred ground says the Christian who is willing to imagine that there is no religion, no religious divide, that would bring this world to a war.
I understand all that you say and yet I feel quite differently about this song. It is asking you to think outside of your comfort zone…to imagine. I don’t believe that insult or assumptions were part of the song. I do believe that in the pot-filled haze of this song’s original popularity that was understood. John Lennon wanted us to let go of what we love and what we despise and be mindful for today…what do we want today?
I want peace.
~ jane
P.S. Your family visits my little library. I adore the confidence, strength, humor and joy in your family members. Perhaps it’s time we meet?!
I agree with you, Jane, that Lennon’s intentions were similar to what you have stated here. I just think his choice of words fails him and is incongruous at times with his message.
And a little presumptuous.
And yes, we must meet soon.