I have played this song twice in the past year, and it is not my goal to keep repeating the same song over and over. But, it is New Year’s Eve, and we all, I think, have some hopes and aspirations for the world in the coming year. As such, I thought there was no better song around to start us off on the right foot than John Lennon’s Imagine. Listen to the words, if you will … let the music engulf and embrace you. ‘Imagine there’s no countries … nothing to kill or die for’. That is my hope … that is my dream. Happy New Year, friends.
Imagine
John Lennon
Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people living for today
Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace, you
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope some day you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or 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 some day you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
Songwriters: John Winston Lennon
Imagine lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
This world not only can be, but will be. Maybe not this century, but this millennia for sure. Despite the naysayers, Rome is going to fall again. But this time it will not be rebuilt somewhere else (London, New York City, etc.). Cities kill people, drive them insane. Humans learn slowly, but they learn. I guarantee it… As long as we get the chance to go on living.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your last sentence mirrors my thoughts … between climate change, a challenge that we are NOT doing nearly enough to meet, and nuclear proliferation … leaders with itchy fingers … I’m not sure we will get that chance.
LikeLike
Life is very adaptable. Let’s cross our finger some form of life will follow after us, and that it learns from our far-reaching mistakes.
LikeLike
Apparently composed on a Steinway piano and John said that Ono deserved some credit with the lyrics. I’ve got be honest it’s a bit too idealistic for me I find it impossible to imagine such a world , knowing human nature the transition is too great.
Richard Dawkins referred to it as the atheists anthem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhh … you are right that it is quite idealistic, but … what are dreams for? To me, I love the concept of ‘no countries’ and ‘no religion’. No need for borders or walls that only serve to divide. You’re right … knowing human nature, that world can never be, but still, it makes for a nice dream.
LikeLike
It’s often said that the third time’s the charm and it must be true, because…I am charmed! Thank-you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘Twas my pleasure! I think it’s the perfect song to remind us of how things ought to be, going into a new year.
LikeLike
His spirit is alive this season….
https://tropicalaffair.me/2018/12/27/christmas-unwrapped/
LikeLiked by 1 person
So I see! Love the book … I must check it out, for the one paragraph I read on your post left me hungry for more. Enjoy your 📘
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is so wonderful. Did you see the film yet! Nowhere Boy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, I haven’t seen it … didn’t even know it existed until just now! You’ve seen it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so good. It tells the atory of his early years up until he first got into the band. It is more about his family history which I was always interested in. You’ll love it. It’s on Netflix which means you can get closed caption if you can get Netflix.
LikeLike
Jill, this is an anthem that should be listened to. His purpose is to make one think. If we could treat each other like we want to be treated, that would alleviate many woes. Like “All you need is love,” this song has a simple message that should be heard. Keith
LikeLiked by 3 people
You are so right, Keith! It’s that simple … just treat everyone right … do no harm to anyone or anything. Simple. Why, in thousands of years, have humans not been able to figure it out? I think Lennon’s words ought to be hanging in every home ’round the world, hung with magnets on every refrigerator! Hey … there’s a thought!
LikeLike
Much as I personally disliked Lennon and didn’t like his voice (though next to me he was an angel) there was no doubting his writing skills and some of his work after the Beatles had real power. This was one where the words should have been adopted by every one and peace brought about. What a shame enough people didn’t take it on board.
Cwtch
LikeLiked by 3 people
I fully agree with you on that! As I just mentioned to Keith, the words to this song should be hanging on every refrigerator on the globe where people would see them every day. Perhaps then the message would be burned into their brains.
Cwtch
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this song…..and the words!
LikeLiked by 2 people
So do I … very fitting even almost 50 years later.
LikeLike
Great song. Great post. Imagine what John Lennon would be writing about now.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can only imagine! 😉
LikeLike
As ever, my theme song. Thank you, Jill.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure, Jerry! And a New Year hug for you and Gail!
LikeLike
Merci beaucoup!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A pity more didn’t listen to his words – I guess the middle verse is the most poignant and Lennon could not have imagined how much the world would become as one for many of us on line. Here’s to hope for 2019 – Happy New Year.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I think it needs to be stuck with magnets on every refrigerator where people will see it multiple times every day!
Happy New Year to you also, my friend! Let us hope some things, at least, improve ’round the globe! Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Another one of my favorites … and perfect to end this year or any year!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Suzanne!!! I just thought it was too perfect not to play at the end of one year, beginning of another.
LikeLiked by 1 person