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Imagine

"Imagine" is a piano-driven ballad written primarily by English musician John Lennon with contributions from Yoko Ono, serving as the opening track and lead single from Lennon's second solo studio album of the same name, released on September 9, 1971, by Apple Records.^[1]^[2] The lyrics invite listeners to envision a utopian world devoid of nationalism, religion, heaven or hell, greed, and private property, promoting shared humanity and peace as alternatives.^[3] Co-produced by Lennon, Ono, and Phil Spector, the album features a polished sound contrasting Lennon's rawer debut John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, and includes notable tracks like "Jealous Guy" and "Gimme Some Truth".^[4] The single, backed by "It's So Hard", drew inspiration from Ono's 1964 conceptual book Grapefruit, which contained similar imaginative prompts.^[2] The song achieved commercial success, peaking at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 in its initial 1971 release and later topping charts in multiple countries upon reissues, including four weeks at number one in the UK in 1975; the album itself reached number one in the US and has sold millions worldwide.^[5] Culturally, "Imagine" evolved into a enduring emblem of pacifism, frequently performed at events like the 2005 Live 8 concert and adopted by figures from world leaders to activists during conflicts such as the Vietnam War era that inspired its creation.^[3] However, Lennon described it in interviews as "anti-religious, anti-nationalistic, [and] anti-capitalist", likening its ideology to "virtually the Communist Manifesto" without explicit calls to action, reflecting his evolving political views amid the counterculture movement.^[6] Despite its idealistic appeal, the track has faced critique for overlooking practical human incentives and societal structures, with Lennon's personal wealth— including a New York apartment and Dakota residence—contrasting the no-possessions ethos.^[7]

John Lennon's song

Background and writing

John Lennon composed "Imagine" in early 1971 at his Tittenhurst Park estate in Ascot, Berkshire, England, shortly after the Beatles' dissolution in 1970.^[8]^[9] The song emerged during a phase of personal transition for Lennon, who had relocated to Tittenhurst with Yoko Ono in 1969 following their marriage, amid escalating global tensions including widespread protests against the Vietnam War.^[10] Lennon's shift toward explicit pacifism built on prior activism, such as the bed-ins for peace he and Ono staged in Amsterdam in March 1969 and Montreal in May 1969, which served as nonviolent protests against war and violence.^[11] The lyrics drew direct inspiration from Ono's 1964 book Grapefruit, a collection of conceptual poems and instructions emphasizing imagination and open-mindedness, which Lennon had encountered after their meeting in 1966.^[12] Specific elements, such as prompts to envision a world without possessions or divisions, echoed Ono's "event scores" and informed the song's utopian framework, reflecting Lennon's growing rejection of materialism in favor of universal harmony.^[13] This creative process marked Lennon's deliberate pivot from the Beatles' collaborative rock-oriented work to solo expressions of radical peace, co-developed with Ono amid their joint explorations of anti-war ideology.^[10] By mid-1971, as Lennon prepared to relocate to New York City, the composition encapsulated his intent to advocate for societal reconfiguration through imaginative denial of conflict drivers like nationalism and greed.^[14]

Recording and production

The song "Imagine" was initially tracked at Ascot Sound Studios in John Lennon's home at Tittenhurst Park, England, during May and June 1971, with basic live band recordings capturing Lennon's piano and vocals alongside a rhythm section.^[15] Overdubs, including strings, were added later at Record Plant East in New York City during July 1971.^[16] Production was handled by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Phil Spector, who emphasized clear, distinct instrument placement in mono mixes to build density without muddiness, drawing on Spector's signature layered approach but applied more subtly than his denser "Wall of Sound" productions elsewhere.^[16] The core arrangement centered on Lennon's upright piano and lead vocals, with Nicky Hopkins contributing additional piano parts for texture.^[15] Key personnel included George Harrison on guitar, Klaus Voormann on bass, and Alan White on drums, providing understated rhythmic support that avoided overpowering the piano foundation.^[15] Orchestral elements were introduced via the Flux Fiddlers—a group of New York Philharmonic string players—who overdubbed violins over two days in New York, enhancing the track's emotional sweep and contrasting Lennon's original sparse piano demo filmed at Tittenhurst.^[16] No saxophone appears on the final mix of "Imagine," though King Curtis contributed to other album tracks.^[16]

Release and commercial performance

"Imagine" was released as the title track on John Lennon's second solo studio album, Imagine, which came out on September 9, 1971, in the United States via Apple Records, and on October 8, 1971, in the United Kingdom.^[1]^[10] The single version of "Imagine" followed in the US on October 11, 1971, backed with "It's So Hard" on the B-side.^[10] It was not issued as a single in the UK until October 24, 1975, paired with "Working Class Hero" as the B-side to promote the compilation album Shaved Fish.^[17] In the United States, "Imagine" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated October 23, 1971, and peaked at number 3 that year.^[18] Following Lennon's assassination on December 8, 1980, the track re-entered the Hot 100 but did not surpass its original peak position.^[18] In the United Kingdom, the 1975 single release reached number 6 on the Official Singles Chart, while a reissue after Lennon's death climbed to number 1, holding the top spot for four weeks starting in January 1981.^[5]^[17] The song has achieved substantial commercial success, certified triple platinum by the RIAA in October 2021 for combined sales and streaming equivalent to 3 million units in the US.^[19] This certification reflects physical sales exceeding 1 million copies by the early 1970s, augmented by later digital downloads and on-demand audio/video streams.^[19]

Musical composition

"Imagine" is written in the key of C major, employing a 4/4 time signature and a tempo of approximately 75 beats per minute.^[20]^[21]^[22] The structure adheres to a straightforward verse-refrain format, commencing with a piano-led introduction that features a repeating arpeggiated motif in the right hand over sustained left-hand chords, setting a contemplative ballad pace.^[23] This form alternates between verses building on the introductory riff and refrain sections that introduce harmonic tension via progressions such as C-F-G, resolving back to the tonic, without a traditional bridge modulation.^[24] The overall length spans 3 minutes and 3 seconds, emphasizing melodic simplicity and rhythmic steadiness to underscore its minimalist aesthetic.^[25] Instrumentation prioritizes an acoustic piano as the foundational element, delivering both the melodic line and harmonic support through block chords and arpeggios.^[22] Subtle bass lines enter to reinforce the root notes, while drums provide a light, unobtrusive pulse focused on quarter-note patterns rather than fills, maintaining the song's restraint.^[26] String sections contribute atmospheric swells in select refrains, arranged for swells that enhance dynamic contrast without overpowering the piano's dominance, aligning with a stripped-down ballad style that contrasts denser productions in Lennon's contemporaneous work.^[27] This configuration evokes influences from piano-centric ballads like those in late Beatles repertoire, favoring clarity over orchestration.^[22]

Lyrics and themes

The lyrics of "Imagine" are structured as three verses, each commencing with the word "Imagine" to propose hypothetical eliminations of societal divisions, interspersed with a repeating chorus that positions the narrator as a dreamer inviting collective participation. The first verse describes a world without heaven or hell, portraying life confined to the material present under an open sky, with all people focused on today rather than afterlife rewards or punishments. The second verse extends this to the absence of countries and religion, removing motivations for conflict or sacrifice. The third verse advocates for no possessions, eradicating greed and hunger to foster a universal brotherhood, culminating in shared ownership of the world. The chorus, appearing after the first and third verses, acknowledges potential skepticism toward the vision while expressing hope for widespread adoption to achieve oneness.^[28]^[29] Central themes revolve around a proposed utopian equilibrium achieved by dismantling religion, nationalism, and private property, under the causal assumption that such removals would engender spontaneous human cooperation and eliminate strife. Pacifism emerges through lines decrying "nothing to kill or die for," linking peace directly to the dissolution of ideological and territorial boundaries. Anti-nationalism and anti-religious sentiments are explicit in rejecting countries and faiths as sources of division, while the elimination of possessions targets greed as the root of inequality, envisioning instead a communal "sharing all the world" without specified mechanisms for coordination or incentives. Lennon described the song as an "ad campaign for peace," presenting these ideas as a thought experiment in idealism derived in part from Yoko Ono's conceptual writings.^[3]^[30]^[28]

Initial reception

The single "Imagine" was released in the United States on October 11, 1971, amid the ongoing Vietnam War, and quickly gained radio airplay for its pacifist themes, contributing to its status as a timely anthem of hope and unity.^[10]^[3] It peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, buoyed by Lennon's post-Beatles fame, though held from the top spot by other hits.^[31] Critical response to the accompanying album, from which the song was the title track, was generally favorable for its melodic accessibility and emotional directness, with reviewers highlighting the title track's serene piano-driven simplicity as a strength.^[32] However, Rolling Stone critic Ben Gerson offered a mixed assessment in October 1971, praising portions of the album's music while faulting it for lacking the raw spontaneity of Lennon's prior Plastic Ono Band and deeming some of his artistic postures potentially "dull" or "ridiculous."^[33] UK outlets echoed this ambivalence, with Melody Maker calling the album "beautiful" and a commercial evolution from Lennon's earlier introspection, yet implying a shift toward broader appeal that risked diluting edge.^[34] Following John Lennon's murder on December 8, 1980, "Imagine" was re-released as a single in the UK, surging to number 1 on January 10, 1981, and holding the position for four weeks, as public grief amplified its resonant plea for peace.^[35]^[36]

Cultural impact and legacy

"Imagine" emerged as a staple in anti-war demonstrations during the Vietnam War, where its lyrics envisioning a world without national divisions or conflict resonated with protesters seeking an end to hostilities.^[3] Despite proposing the dissolution of religions, possessions, and borders—elements at odds with traditional peace advocacy—the track solidified as a symbol of unity, adopted in rallies and vigils that prioritized its hopeful refrain over full ideological alignment.^[37] This selective embrace highlighted its role in mobilizing sentiment against specific wars, even as the song's broader utopian framework diverged from pragmatic geopolitical realities. Post-1980, "Imagine" featured prominently in international spectacles, including a children's choir rendition at the London 2012 Olympic closing ceremony and a piano-vocal performance by Juliette Armanet on a floating stage during the Paris 2024 opening along the Seine River.^[38] It also diffused tensions at a Paris 2024 beach volleyball match when broadcast over speakers, prompting unified singing amid a heated dispute between teams from Israel and Egypt.^[39] These instances underscored its normalization as a global peace emblem in nationalistic contexts, transcending the lyrics' call for borderless existence. In recognition of its enduring influence, the Library of Congress inducted the 1971 recording into the National Recording Registry on April 12, 2023, citing its profound impact on American culture.^[6] Updated remasters, such as the deluxe edition of Imagine: The Ultimate Mixes released on October 9, 2023, to mark Lennon's birthday, preserved and enhanced the original sessions for modern audiences.^[40] By 2025, the song had amassed over 1.1 billion streams across platforms like Spotify and YouTube views, reflecting its canonization in digital media and sustained commercial viability.^[41]

Criticisms and philosophical debates

Critics have argued that the song's vision of a borderless, possession-free world promotes a collectivist ideology that disregards empirical evidence of human incentives and property rights, echoing failed 20th-century communist regimes responsible for approximately 100 million deaths through famine, purges, and labor camps. Such systems, implemented in the Soviet Union, China, and elsewhere, demonstrated that abolishing private ownership undermines economic productivity and individual motivation, leading to widespread deprivation rather than abundance, as shortages and inefficiencies persisted despite centralized planning.^[42] Conservative commentators contend that Lennon's lyrics naively assume harmony without addressing these causal failures, where the absence of competitive incentives fostered corruption and coercion instead of voluntary cooperation.^[43] Philosophically, the song's dismissal of religion and nationalism has drawn objections for overlooking their roles in fostering moral order and evolutionary adaptations for group loyalty. Atheistic states like the USSR suppressed faith to enforce ideological conformity, resulting in moral vacuums filled by state terror rather than ethical stability, as religious frameworks historically provided causal mechanisms for altruism and restraint beyond kin.^[44] Critics from a realist perspective assert that anti-nationalism ignores tribal instincts wired into human cooperation, where shared identity enables defense against exploitation; Lennon’s utopian premise presumes innate human goodness, contradicted by evidence that unchecked self-interest requires institutional checks like borders and traditions.^[45] Lennon faced accusations of personal hypocrisy in advocating "no possessions" while accumulating substantial wealth, including ownership of the upscale Dakota building in New York City purchased in 1973 and ongoing lawsuits to secure royalties from Beatles catalog sales exceeding millions.^[46] His estimated net worth at death in 1980, adjusted for inflation, reached hundreds of millions, highlighting a disconnect between the song's renunciatory ethos and his guarded lifestyle, including tax exile strategies to preserve assets. When confronted, Lennon reportedly dismissed such critiques by emphasizing the song's aspirational nature over literal application.^[47] Musically, some analyses in recent decades have labeled the composition simplistic and monotonous compared to Lennon's Beatles-era innovations, with its repetitive piano riff and vocal delivery perceived as plaintive rather than dynamically engaging.^[48] This contrasts with the harmonic complexity of earlier works, contributing to views of "Imagine" as philosophically earnest but artistically underwhelming in sustaining listener interest.^[49]

Cover versions and adaptations

Elton John performed a cover of "Imagine" during his Central Park concert on September 13, 1980, delivering it to an audience of over 100,000 just weeks before Lennon's murder, with the rendition later highlighted for its emotional timing amid renewed interest in Lennon's work.^[50] Madonna sang a stripped-down version at the Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope telethon on January 15, 2005, broadcast to raise funds for Asian tsunami victims, where her acoustic arrangement emphasized the song's plea for unity and garnered positive media coverage for its sincerity despite mixed fan reactions to her stylistic choices.^[51] Lady Gaga presented an operatic, piano-led interpretation at the Baku 2015 European Games opening ceremony on June 12, 2015, seated amid floral decorations in a white gown, which drew acclaim for its dramatic vocal range and visual spectacle before 55,000 spectators.^[52] John Legend's rendition opened the Tokyo Olympics ceremony on July 23, 2021, featuring orchestral backing and a video montage of global athletes, positioning the cover as a symbol of post-pandemic solidarity and contributing to heightened streaming of Lennon's original amid the event's 3 billion-plus viewership.^[53] Other covers by artists like Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, and Chris Cornell have achieved niche popularity through live recordings and tributes, with over 300 documented versions reflecting the song's enduring appeal in folk, rock, and acoustic genres.^[54] These reinterpretations often adapt "Imagine" for peace advocacy, such as in Olympic broadcasts or charity events, where empirical metrics like YouTube views exceeding millions underscore their reach, though few released as singles have independently charted highly. In 2023, an AI-generated track simulating John Lennon's voice—titled in reference to "Imagine" themes—ignited backlash from music executives over deepfake risks, including unauthorized vocal replication and potential erosion of artist legacies, with critics arguing it exemplified unchecked technology outpacing ethical safeguards in an industry already grappling with AI's creative disruptions.^[55] Parodies targeting the lyrics' perceived utopian naivety include the Babylon Bee's 2021 "Imagine... Communism," which alters lines to depict shortages like "no bread" and gulags, amassing viral traction on platforms for satirizing collectivist ideals as empirically unviable based on historical regimes.^[56] Elton John privately reworked it in the 1970s to rib Lennon's consumerism, changing verses to "Imagine six apartments, it isn't hard to do," revealing interpersonal tensions beneath the song's public idealism.^[57]

Other uses in music

Albums

Imagine (2008) is the third studio album by Dutch trance producer Armin van Buuren, released on 18 April 2008 through Armada Music, featuring vocal collaborations on tracks like "In and Out of Love" with Sharon den Adel.^[58]^[59] The album peaked at number 17 on the Dutch Albums Chart and includes the single "Imagine," which charted in multiple European countries.^[60] Imagine (2002) is a posthumous compilation album by American singer Eva Cassidy, released on 20 August 2002 by Hot Records, containing jazz and folk covers including "Imagine" by John Lennon, "Fever," and "Danny Boy."^[61] It reached number one on the UK Jazz & Blues Albums Chart and number 37 on the UK Albums Chart, certified platinum in the UK for sales exceeding 300,000 copies.^[61] Other lesser-known releases include Imagine (2023) by Ukrainian electronic artist Omel, a three-track ambient album issued on 14 September 2023 via Cosmicleaf Records.^[62] These works, spanning trance, jazz, and electronic genres, share the title but operate independently of Lennon's original influence.

Songs

"Imagine" is the title of multiple original songs by artists other than John Lennon, spanning genres including R&B, hip-hop, and pop, with some titles chosen coincidentally and others potentially nodding to Lennon's cultural influence without direct inspiration. British R&B singer Shola Ama released "Imagine" in 1999 as the lead single from her debut album Much Love, where it reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart. American rapper Snoop Dogg featured on "Imagine" in 2006, a hip-hop track from his album Tha Blue Carpet Treatment also featuring Dr. Dre and Dido, blending rap with electronic and pop elements. American singer Ariana Grande released "imagine" on December 14, 2018, as the lead promotional single from her fifth studio album Thank U, Next, a minimalist pop-R&B composition produced by Tommy Brown and Michael Foster that debuted at number 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100. ^[63] These tracks demonstrate the title's broad appeal across musical styles, often evoking themes of aspiration or fantasy independent of Lennon's pacifist anthem.

Film and television

Films

Imagine is a 71-minute conceptual film directed by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, shot in 1971 at their Tittenhurst Park estate and released in 1972.^[64] It interweaves performances of songs from Lennon's Imagine album, including the title track, with footage of their daily life, surreal vignettes, and interactions with guests like George Harrison and friends, emphasizing themes of peace and imagination through avant-garde visuals.^[65] The 1988 documentary Imagine: John Lennon, directed by Andrew Solt, chronicles Lennon's life from childhood through his Beatles era, solo career, and death in 1980, utilizing over 200 hours of previously unseen archival footage, home videos, and interviews narrated by Lennon himself.^[66] Released on October 7, 1988, the film highlights key moments such as the recording sessions for the Imagine album and Lennon's evolving personal and artistic philosophies.^[67] Imagine Me & You (2005), a British romantic comedy directed by Ol Parker, follows Rachel, a newlywed (Piper Perabo), who develops feelings for florist Luce (Lena Headey) on her wedding day, leading her to question her marriage and sexual orientation amid family tensions.^[68] The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2005 and received a wide release later that year, grossing approximately $7.3 million worldwide despite mixed critical reception.^[69]

Television

The song "Imagine" has been featured in various television episodes and broadcasts. In the American musical comedy series Glee, a cover version was performed by the Haverbrook School for the Deaf choir alongside New Directions members during the "Hairography" episode (season 1, episode 11), which aired on November 25, 2009.^[70] ^[71] The performance emphasized themes of unity and accessibility, aligning with the episode's focus on sign language and choreography.^[72] Other scripted series incorporated the original recording into their soundtracks. Quantum Leap (season 3, episode 1, "The Leap Home: Part 1," aired September 18, 1991) featured protagonist Sam Beckett (Scott Bakula) singing "Imagine" to his sister during a leap into his own past, evoking personal reflection on peace and family.^[73] Miami Vice used the track in its season 3 premiere episode "When Irish Eyes Are Crying," aired September 26, 1986, as the opening song to underscore narrative tension.^[74] Similarly, Cold Case (season 7, episode 3, "Mind Games," aired October 25, 2009) included "Imagine" among John Lennon tracks in its soundtrack, complementing the episode's investigation into a 1970s murder.^[75] John Lennon's live performances of "Imagine" appeared on talk shows, including the February 17, 1972, episode of The Mike Douglas Show, where he and Yoko Ono co-hosted and he played the piano-backed rendition.^[76] His final television appearance singing the song occurred on June 13, 1975, during a promotional segment.^[77] The song has been prominently featured in televised Olympic ceremonies. Stevie Wonder performed it with the Morehouse College and Spelman College Glee Clubs at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics closing ceremony on August 4, 1996, as a tribute to global harmony.^[78] A remastered video of Lennon's original, accompanied by a Liverpool choir, played at the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony on July 27, 2012.^[79] John Legend delivered a cover at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony (delayed to July 23, 2021), arranged with Lennon's sons Julian and Sean for the event's unity message.^[53] Television specials have also highlighted the song, such as the Imagine: John Lennon 75th Birthday Concert aired on AMC on December 1, 2015, featuring covers by artists including Sheryl Crow and Steven Tyler to commemorate Lennon's birth.^[80] These uses often leverage the song's pacifist lyrics for emotional or thematic emphasis in episodic or event programming.^[81]

Video games

The song "Imagine" by John Lennon appears in the karaoke video game SingStar Legends for PlayStation 2, released in Australia and New Zealand in September 2006, where players can perform it alongside other classic tracks.^[82] It is also included in Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2, released on January 20, 2008, for Wii, PlayStation 2, and Xbox 360, featuring the song as one of 40 licensed tracks for vocal gameplay simulating American Idol challenges.^[83]^[84]

Literature and publications

Books

Imagine: How Creativity Works (2012) is a non-fiction book by Jonah Lehrer that investigates the neurological and psychological mechanisms of creativity, incorporating case studies from figures like Bob Dylan and insights from neuroscience research.^[85]^[86] The work was later partially retracted by its publisher after revelations of fabricated Bob Dylan quotations and other inaccuracies, though it remains discussed for its exploration of innovation processes.^[87] Imagine (2017) is a children's picture book featuring the lyrics of John Lennon's 1971 song of the same name, illustrated by Jean Jullien to convey themes of peace, unity, and imagination through a pigeon's global journey.^[88]^[89] Published in collaboration with Amnesty International, it adapts the anthem's utopian vision for young audiences.^[90] Imagine (1989) by Australian author Alison Lester is a children's book encouraging exploratory imagination by depicting scenarios in diverse settings such as jungles, oceans, farms, and polar regions, with vibrant illustrations to inspire wonder in natural environments.^[91]^[92]

Magazines and comics

Imagine was a monthly British magazine dedicated to role-playing games, with a primary focus on the first-edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons and Dungeons & Dragons systems, published by TSR UK Limited from April 1983 to October 1985.^[93] The publication ran for 30 regular monthly issues plus one special edition, featuring articles on game adventures, reviews, fiction, and industry news tailored to RPG enthusiasts.^[94] Its content emphasized practical support for gameplay, including custom scenarios and supplements like the World of Pelinore campaign detailed across multiple issues.^[95] In June 2025, a new independent magazine titled Imagine launched in both print and digital formats, founded by media entrepreneur Huw Gwyther and targeting intersections of high fashion, entertainment, and popular culture. Described as accessible to broad audiences, it prioritizes imaginative storytelling without niche restrictions, marking a departure from specialized predecessors.^[96] The Just Imagine... comic series, a collaboration between DC Comics and Stan Lee, debuted in September 2001 as a line of 16 one-shot issues reinterpreting DC Universe icons such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman through Lee's creative lens.^[97] Released through November 2002, the titles paired Lee with DC artists to produce alternate-origin stories, culminating in crossover events that integrated these versions into a shared narrative.^[98] Collections of the series have since been reprinted in omnibus editions.^[99] An earlier, lesser-known comic anthology titled Imagine emerged in 1976, with issue #3 presenting science fiction tales of mystery, including the story "The Spider Thread" adapted from Akutagawa's work by artist Masaichi Mukaide.^[100] This independent publication explored speculative themes through sequential art, though details on its full run remain sparse in available records.

Miscellaneous uses

[Miscellaneous uses - no content]

References

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Imagine - John Lennon Plastic Ono Band (with The Flux Fiddlers)
On its release in September 1971, the Imagine album was recognised as a rounded self-portrait of this complex, candid, passionate man.
[2]
Imagine - John Lennon Plastic Ono Band (with The Flux Fiddlers)
It was written by John & Yoko and released on 11th October 1971 with B-Side 'It's So Hard'. 'The song was originally inspired by Yoko's book Grapefruit. In it ...<|separator|>
[3]
'Imagine': How John Lennon's Song Became A Hymn For Peace
“Imagine,” written in March 1971 during the Vietnam War, has become a permanent protest song and a lasting emblem of hope.
[4]
Imagine - John Lennon | Album - AllMusic
Rating 8.8/10 (4,044) Release Date: September 9, 1971. Duration: 39:25. Genre: Pop/Rock. Styles Album: Rock, Contemporary Pop/Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Rock & Roll.
[5]
IMAGINE – JOHN LENNON - Official Charts
Latest chart stats about IMAGINE - peak chart position, weeks on chart, catalogue number, week-by-week chart placement and latest news.
[6]
[PDF] “Imagine”—John Lennon (1971) - The Library of Congress
“'Imagine,' which says, 'Imagine that there was no more religion, no more country, no more politics,' is virtually “The Communist Manifesto,'” Lennon later ...
[7]
The misunderstood meaning of iconic John Lennon song 'Imagine'
Dec 14, 2020 · The misunderstood meaning of John Lennon's 'Imagine' and how the song was inspired by the communist movement, which was lost on listeners.Missing: significance | Show results with:significance
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The Story of... 'Imagine' by John Lennon - Smooth Radio
Oct 8, 2020 · Lennon composed the song one morning in early 1971. It was written on a Steinway piano, in a bedroom at his Tittenhurst Park home in Ascot.
[9]
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Jul 18, 2019 · The song's idealistic, utopian lyrics were heavily influenced by Lennon's wife, conceptual artist Yoko Ono. He would later assert that the “ ...
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Mar 25, 2016 · John Lennon and Yoko Ono began staging their first Bed-in for Peace in Amsterdam on March 25, 1969.
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Oct 8, 2018 · One 1964 work, in particular, would help to create Imagine. Yoko's book Grapefruit includes several 'event scores' that went on to influence ...
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Jun 15, 2017 · The process to credit Ono on John Lennon's 1971 hit has begun, decades after he acknowledged her poetic influence on it.
[14]
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Dec 6, 2018 · Original plan of recording studio by Eddie Veale Associates, September 1969. quarter-inch tape machines and turntable; Ascot Sound Studios, ...
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Oct 24, 1975 · John Lennon's single 'Imagine' was released in the United Kingdom on 24 October 1975. The b-side was the 1970 track 'Working Class Hero'.
[18]
John Lennon's 10 Biggest Billboard Hits
Oct 9, 2014 · 15. “Imagine” – John Lennon Hot 100 Peak: 3, Debut Date: 10/23/1971 ... “(Just Like) Starting Over” – John Lennon Hot 100 Peak: No. 1, Debut ...
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[21]
Imagine John Lennon - Get Song BPM
Imagine is played at 76 Beats Per Minute (Andante), or 19 Measures/Bars Per Minute. Time Signature: 4/4. Use our Online Metronome to practice at a tempo of 76 ...Missing: structure | Show results with:structure
[22]
Imagine - Piano Notes and Chords - John Lennon
The song is in C major with a tempo of 72 BPM and a 4/4 time signature. The song Imagine is very easy to play on the piano, even for beginners, for several ...
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Oct 5, 2020 · This video deeply analyzes John Lennon's Imagine, specifically the chord progressions used to make up the song. In addition, we take a look ...
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Tempo for Imagine - John Lennon - Song BPM
The track runs 3 minutes and 5 seconds long with a C key and a major mode. It has low energy and is somewhat danceable with a time signature of 4 beats per bar ...Missing: musical structure
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Sep 28, 2020 · Imagine 1971 00:00 Drums 02:26 Bass 04:52 Piano 07:58 Vocals 10:51 Strings. ... How to recreate the John Lennon IMAGINE piano sound in Cubase # ...
[27]
Imagine- John Lennon - Russell Wang - Prezi
Tempo & Rhythm. Slow tempo: 75 bpm; 4/4 time signature; The rhythm is combined with the pianos arpeggio and chords, The vocals and the strings. The strings ...
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Released in 1971, deep in the heart of the Vietnam War, on his solo album of the same name, “Imagine” asks listeners to envision a world of peace and unity. It ...
[29]
Imagine - John Lennon - Guitar Noise
In terms of structure, we can't have it too much easier. Imagine consists of a verse, then a second verse, then a chorus, then a final verse and chorus.
[30]
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Oct 7, 2021 · "'Imagine' was inspired by Yoko's Grapefruit," John reveals at the start of the fascinating track, talking up the influence of Ono's 1964 ...
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With 'Imagine,' John Lennon continues his use of music to express ...
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John Lennon's 'Imagine' - Rolling Stone
Oct 28, 1971 · It managed to sound both spontaneous and careful, while Imagine is less of each. Even though it contains a substantial portion of good music, on ...
[34]
'The Real British Dylan': John Lennon's 'Imagine' Reaches All The ...
“Beautiful. One step away from the chill of his recent total self-revelation, and yet a giant leap towards commerciality without compromise. The songs have ...
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John Lennon – Imagine
Dec 8, 2020 · Soon after Lennon's death in 1980, it was re-released in the UK and hit #1 on January 10, 1981, where it stayed for four weeks.
[36]
Imagine and the Millennium Prayer - Ayd Instone - WordPress.com
Dec 2, 2011 · It was re-released following his death in 1980, taking the number 1 slot for four weeks in January 1981. In April 1970 Lennon had walked out on ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[37]
[PDF] Anti-War Messages in the Songs of John Lennon
John Lennon's ―Imagine‖ was another widely popular anti-war song that made a tremendous commercial impact more than once during the Vietnam conflict. Message of ...
[38]
Live performance of 'Imagine' from the Paris 2024 Olympic Opening ...
IMAGINE. Performed on a floating stage on the River Seine, Juliette Armanet and Sofiane Pamart's rendition of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's iconic song 'Imagine' ...
[39]
Watch John Lennon's 'Imagine' Bring Peace to Tense Olympic Moment
Aug 10, 2024 · A stadium of people attending an Olympic beach volleyball game in Paris sang along to John Lennon's 'Imagine' in August 2024.
[40]
New version of John Lennon's 'Imagine (The Ultimate Collection)' is ...
Oct 9, 2023 · New version of John Lennon's 'Imagine (The Ultimate Collection)' announced to celebrate his birthday on 9th October.
[41]
Streaming Masters - John Lennon - ChartMasters
To nobody's surprise, Imagine is John Lennon's signature song, as shown by its more than 700 million streams on Spotify and 900 million views on YouTube.
[42]
100 Years of Communism: Death and Deprivation | Cato Institute
Oct 28, 2017 · Communism has always resulted in mountains of dead bodies. As for socialist economics, it has always resulted in shortages, inefficiency, poverty, and ...
[43]
Imagine if People Actually Fell for John Lennon's Nonsense
Jul 15, 2016 · "Imagine" is a sloppy-minded song that seeks the good in wrong ways and so invites chaos, folly, and destruction. As I pointed out in my ...
[44]
How John Lennon's “No Religion” Instantiates Religion: A Symbolic ...
Apr 16, 2024 · In this reflection I engage the anti-religious thrust of “Imagine” from a different angle, following the symbolic worldview of Jonathan and Matthieu Pageau.
[45]
Lennon's “Imagine” – The My Little Pony of Philosophy | Reformedish
Nov 4, 2013 · “Imagine” is the idea–always believed by those who are frightened of themselves–that we're good underneath, good by nature, and only do bad things because we' ...
[46]
Millionaire hypocrisy: Three artists who hated John Lennon's 'Imagine'
Dec 21, 2024 · Lennon was seen as a hypocrite because he told people not to think about possessions or money while he was rich beyond most people's wildest dreams.Missing: wealth | Show results with:wealth
[47]
Curmudgeon sees John Lennon's “Imagine” as a harmful song
Apr 14, 2022 · And the last word goes to the great John Lennon himself, when accused of hypocrisy for saying “imagine no possessions”. “It's just a f***ing ...
[48]
Why I Hate John Lennon's “Imagine” - Word on Fire
Jul 29, 2021 · Friends, the Olympics opening ceremonies in Tokyo featured one of the worst pop songs of all time: John Lennon's “Imagine.
[49]
"Imagine"... a Nightmare: Why John Lennon's Song Is Wrong for the ...
John Lennon and his ideological, mindless groupies are asking us to imagine what our country would be like if we could jettison the Declaration of Independence ...
[50]
Flashback: Elton John Sings 'Imagine' in Central Park - Rolling Stone
Sep 20, 2016 · Elton John performed "Imagine" at a huge Central Park show in 1980 less than three months before the Beatle was murdered by a deranged fan.Missing: 1985 | Show results with:1985
[51]
Madonna - Imagine (Tsunami Aid-A Concert Of Hope) - YouTube
Dec 28, 2008 · Madonna - Imagine (Tsunami Aid-A Concert Of Hope). 6.3K views · 16 years ago ...more. Andrei Galuzo. 207. Subscribe. 25. Share. Save.<|separator|>
[52]
Watch Lady Gaga Perform Operatic 'Imagine' at European Games
Jun 17, 2015 · Watch Lady Gaga deliver a stripped-down, operatic version of John Lennon's "Imagine" at the 2015 European Games.Missing: 2010 | Show results with:2010
[53]
Tokyo Olympics: John Legend dazzles with Lennon's 'Imagine'
Jul 23, 2021 · The Tokyo Olympics enlisted a new crop of celebrities to perform a moving cover of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 1971 classic, “Imagine,” at Friday's opening ...Missing: chart | Show results with:chart
[54]
Covers of Imagine by John Lennon | WhoSampled
Covered in 308 songs ; Neil Young's Imagine, Imagine · Neil Young ; Avril Lavigne's Imagine, Imagine · Avril Lavigne ; Willie Nelson's Imagine, Imagine · Willie ...
[55]
Music bosses panic over new AI generated John Lennon song
Aug 12, 2023 · Imagine there's no singers! Music bosses panic over new AI generated John Lennon song released 40 years after the Beatles' star's death · Prince ...Missing: sequel | Show results with:sequel
[56]
Imagine… Communism Lyrics - Genius
Imagine… Communism Lyrics: Imagine there's no bread / It's easy if you try ... A parody of John Lennon's “Imagine” humorously criticizing communism. +1.
[57]
Elton John Rewrote 'Imagine' to Tease John Lennon
Oct 7, 2019 · Elton John once rewrote the lyrics to John Lennon's classic song “Imagine” to tease him about his shopping habits, he revealed.
[58]
Imagine - Armin van Buuren | Album - AllMusic
Rating 7.9/10 (97) Imagine by Armin van Buuren released in 2008. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.
[59]
Armin van Buuren - Imagine Lyrics and Tracklist - Genius
Apr 18, 2008 · Imagine Tracklist · Imagine Lyrics · Going Wrong (Ft. Chris Jones (UK)) Lyrics · Unforgivable (Ft. Jaren) Lyrics · Face to Face Lyrics · Hold On to ...
[60]
https://www.discogs.com/master/19894-Armin-van-Buuren-Imagine
[61]
IMAGINE album – Eva Cassidy Web Site
The IMAGINE album, released in August 2002, includes songs like 'It Doesn’t Matter Anymore', 'Fever', 'Imagine', and 'Danny Boy'. It was #1 in the UK.
[62]
Imagine | Omel | Cosmicleaf Records - Bandcamp
Free deliveryImagine by Omel, released 14 September 2023 1. Enlightenment 2. The sound of the Universe 3. Imagine.
[63]
Ariana Grande drops new single Imagine - Music Week
Dec 14, 2018 · Ariana Grande has dropped another new single. Imagine arrived at 5am UK time today (December 14), as teased by the singer on Instagram ...
[64]
Imagine - the film - completely remastered with audio in surround ...
Sep 6, 2021 · Experience Imagine - the newly restored John & Yoko music film, with audio completely remixed in 7.1 Surround Sound and Dolby Atmos in ...Missing: titled | Show results with:titled
[65]
John and Yoko's restored Imagine film is magnificent
Sep 13, 2018 · John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Imagine film, which has undergone a masterful restoration job and includes bonus footage, opens in theaters worldwide ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[66]
Imagine: John Lennon movie review (1988) | Roger Ebert
Rating 3/4 · Review by Roger EbertWhen John Lennon was killed on Dec. 8, 1980, he left behind some 200 hours of film and video footage, most of it never publicly seen, a lot of it in the ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
[67]
Imagine: John Lennon | Rotten Tomatoes
Rating 91% (11) The life of British singer-songwriter and former Beatle John Lennon is the focus of this intimate 1988 documentary, pieced together from archival footage of ...
[68]
Imagine Me & You | Rotten Tomatoes
Rating 34% (97) When Rachel learns that Luce is a lesbian, she realizes that despite her happy marriage to Heck (Matthew Goode), she is falling for Luce.
[69]
Imagine Me & You (2005) - IMDb
Rating 6.8/10 (38,685) A newlywed bride becomes infatuated with another woman who questions her sexual orientation, promoting a stir among the bride's family and friends.Plot · Full cast & crew · Parents guide · Quotes
[70]
Imagine | Glee Wiki - Fandom
Imagine by John Lennon is featured in Hairography, the eleventh episode of Season One. It is sung by one of the members of the Haverbrook School for the Deaf ...
[71]
GLEE "Imagine" (Full Performance)| From "Hairography" - YouTube
Dec 3, 2015 · Episode: Hairography Performer: Haverbrook Deaf Choir and New Directions Original: John Lennon.Missing: covers Olympics
[72]
Glee's Imagine: An Inspirational Song Sung in an Amazing Way
The song “Imagine”, with its message of peace, is inspirational all on its own. But in this episode of “Glee”, it was made even more inspiring. That is because ...
[73]
Sam sings "Imagine" (upscaled to 4K resolution) : r/QuantumLeap
Feb 22, 2023 · A great scene between Sam Beckett and his little sister in the episode "The Leap Home" where Sam sing's John Lennon's "Imagine".Missing: TV | Show results with:TV<|separator|>
[74]
Imagine | Miami Vice Wiki | Fandom
"Imagine" is the first song of Miami Vice's third season. The song is considered John Lennon's masterpiece, largely because of its' lyrics devoted to world ...
[75]
"Cold Case" Mind Games (TV Episode 2009) - Soundtracks - IMDb
Beautiful Boy (uncredited) Performed by John Lennon, Imagine (uncredited) Performed by John Lennon, Mind Games (uncredited) Performed by John Lennon.
[76]
John Lennon Performs 'Imagine' on The Mike Douglas Show in 1972
Jul 16, 2025 · John Lennon performing 'Imagine' on The Mike Douglas Show, aired on February 17, 1972. · The Beatles – I'm A Loser · 'I'll Keep You Satisfied' was ...Missing: episodes | Show results with:episodes
[77]
John Lennon's last TV appearance singing "Imagine" on June
Jun 12, 2017 · ON THIS DAY in: 1975,June 13th - John Lennon made his last TV appearance to sing "Imagine. John Lennon - Imagine (Live). YOUTUBE.COM.John Lennon and Yoko Ono on the Mike Douglas show in 1972John Lennon's last US TV interview on Tomorrow in 1975 - FacebookMore results from www.facebook.com
[78]
Stevie Wonder - Imagine - Live at Atlanta 1996 | Music Monday
Aug 6, 2018 · Subscribe to @olympics: http://oly.ch/Subscribe From the Closing Ceremony of the Atlanta 1996 Summer Games. Are you missing your favorite ...Missing: covers television Glee documentaries
[79]
Who Sang "Imagine" at the Paris Olympics and Why? - NBC
via a remastered video, accompanied by a choir from his hometown of Liverpool — at the 2012 games in ...
[80]
Imagine: John Lennon 75th Birthday Concert (TV Special 2015) - IMDb
Rating 7.7/10 (47) Imagine: John Lennon 75th Birthday Concert: Directed by Gregg Gelfand. With Kevin Bacon, Aloe Blacc, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow. Multi-artist concert event in ...
[81]
Imagine by John Lennon | Tunefind
Top Gear (UK). S21 | E5 | Series 21, Episode 5. 02 February 2014. "Heard during the 4th cycling advert with Marin Luther King & John Lennon ...
[82]
SingStar Legends song list revealed - CNET
Sep 12, 2006 · John Lennon - Imagine; John Paul Young - Love Is In The Air; Johnny Cash - Ring Of Fire; Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama; Madonna ...<|separator|>
[83]
Karaoke Rev. American Idol Encore 2 Track List - IGN
Nov 7, 2008 · All 40 songs from the upcoming sequel revealed. ; Imagine, John Lennon ; Since U Been Gone, Kelly Clarkson ; Don't Stop Till You Get Enough ...
[84]
American Idol Encore 2 (Video Game 2008) - Soundtracks - IMDb
Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2 (Video Game 2008) ... Used by Permission. Imagine. By John Lennon. Published by EMI BLACKWOOD MUSIC ...
[85]
Imagine: How Creativity Works: Lehrer, Jonah - Amazon.com
Jonah Lehrer is the author of A Book About Love, Imagine, How We Decide and Proust Was a Neuroscientist. He graduated from Columbia University and studied ...
[86]
'Imagine: How Creativity Works,' by Jonah Lehrer
Apr 2, 2012 · Jonah Lehrer's “Imagine” is an engaging tour through the mysteries of the imagination and the science of innovation.
[87]
Why Jonah Lehrer's 'Imagine' is worth reading, despite the problems
Sep 14, 2012 · The reading of the book “Imagine” helped me understand my world and my craft, and what else can you hope for from a non-fiction book.
[88]
Imagine: 9781328808653: Lennon, John, Jullien, Jean - Amazon.com
Featuring the lyrics of John Lennon's iconic song and illustrations by the award-winning artist Jean Jullien, this poignant and timely picture book dares to ...
[89]
Imagine by John Lennon | Goodreads
Rating 3.8 (687) Sep 21, 2017 · Premise/plot: This picture book shares the lyrics of John Lennon's song, "Imagine" with a new generation. The illustrations are by Jean Jullien.
[90]
Imagine, new picture book inspired by John Lennon's song
Imagine, new picture book inspired by John Lennon's song ... Imagine our world at peace. John Lennon first sang 'Imagine' over 40 years ago. Today, the song's ...
[91]
Imagine / Alison Lester | Catalogue | National Library of Australia
Imagine / Alison Lester ; Notes: Originally published in 1989. For children. ; Subject: Board books · Animals -- Juvenile fiction · Imagination -- Juvenile ...
[92]
Imagine: Lester, Alison: 9780395669532 - Amazon.com
Publisher, Clarion Books. Publication date, September 27, 1993. Edition, Reissue. Language, ‎English. Print length, 40 pages. ISBN-10, 0395669537.
[93]
Imagine | Periodical - RPGGeek
From Wikipedia; "Imagine Magazine was a monthly magazine dedicated to the first edition Advanced Dungeons and Dragons and Dungeons and Dragons role playing game ...
[94]
Imagine - The Oldhammer Wiki
Dec 30, 2014 · Imagine was published between April 1983 and October 1985. The print run lasted for 31 issues (30 monthly issues and one special edition) before ...
[95]
A question about Imagine Magazine
The World of Pelinore was first invented by the staff of TSR UK in 1984, and was published in issues 16-30 of Imagine magazine, as well as in all five issues of ...
[96]
IMAGINE Magazine - IMAGINE
IMAGINE is a new, digital-first media brand where high-fashion, entertainment, and popular culture converge. Built for everyone, IMAGINE prides itself on ...
[97]
JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE CREATING THE DC UNIVERSE OMNIBUS
The entire JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE CREATING THE DC UNIVERSE event from 2001 is collected in hardcover for the first time!
[98]
Just Imagine Stan Lee Creating the DC Universe Book One (Just ...
Book details ; Part of Series. Just Imagine Stan Lee Creating the DC Universe ; Print length. 352 pages ; Language. English ; Publisher. DC Comics ; Publication date.
[99]
JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE CREATING THE DC UNIVERSE BOOK ...
Back in print following the legend's passing in 2018, this collects the second half of Lee's unique takes on DC's greatest icons, reinventing them from the ...
[100]
Imagine (1976) comic books - MyComicShop
4.9 113 · $12.95 deliveryImagine #3 features Sci-Fi tales of mystery and wonder. "The Spider Thread." Inspired by Atutagama's short story. Story and art by Masaich Mukaide.