Imagine all the people, living life in peace. Written, and recorded by founder of The Beatles John Lennon, “Imagine” was at the time of release and still remains today one of Lennon’s greatest pieces of work. “Imagine” was released in 1971, a contradicting time of war and peace (Henke). While the war in Vietnam was happening over seas, the Peace Movement was taking place back in the Untied States. Riots, protests against war, and violence were a common sight. It was a time of turmoil with much anger and hatred toward the war happening in Vietnam, and Lennon’s work “Imagine” speaks heavily to the desires some were having for a peaceful world. From simple harmonies and repetitive structures to beautifully honest lyrics, John Lennon’s “Imagine” expresses his idealized wish for a world of peace and harmony.
The lyrics to “Imagine” are simply written and directly to the point. Lennon chose to limit the amount of figuratively written metaphors to deliver his message but rather speak directly to the point (Sullivan). This can be seen throughout the entire course of the song, however to be more specific, drawing attention to the second verse of the song:
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
This specific verse can be broken apart to see how direct and minimal figurative language is used. For example, the first line speaks to the desires of having a world where countries do not exist (John). There would be no boundaries, no segregation or separation between people. Everyone would be considered the same and all would exist together without division based on roots. He then goes on to explain how if this was the case there would be...
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... and overall considered an anthem. With the attack of 9/11 Lennon’s “Imagine” resurfaced again and suddenly became one of the most commonly requested songs on air (Fricke). At the time it was written it spoke about peace and his desire for a peaceful future. Lyrically “Imagine” spoke directly about the world setting aside differences or boundaries and uniting as one for a common peaceful world for all. The musical elements all support this message of world peace and harmony. The simple harmonies, minimal instrumentation, and receptive structure all allow for emphasis to be placed on the lyrics, and the overall message of the song: world peace. To an extent, to have a song become a timeless anthem should be considered a success; however, for this particular song to resonate 30 years later is merely a symbol and indication that we as a world are still in need of peace.
In 2016, Bob Dylan won the Nobel prize for literature. Dylan was a famous musician who was always considered to not be the best at playing any one instrument. Dylan was also noted for not being the best vocalist either. So how is it that a musician like Bob Dylan who wasn’t known to be the best at any one instrument or the best vocalist; remain relevant and continue to release music from 1962 all the way until present day, 2018? Many people claim that Dylan’s long lasting fame is due to his ability to move people through his song writing. Bob Dylan attributes his ability to write to inspirational artists such as; Buddy Holly, Lead Belly, early folk musicians, and the book’s; Moby Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front, and The Odyssey. Dylan’s
Words can have a profound, meaningful impact that may alter, shift, and even end lives. In “Create Dangerously”, Edwidge Danticat reveals how words crafted her reality and identity as a woman who lived through a dictatorship. “Create Dangerously” is a nonfiction essay and memoir that focuses on the impact of literature not only in dire times, but in everyday life. Through the use of detail, allusions, and vivid recounting of the past in her writing, Danticat reveals importance and valor of creating art in times where art is a death sentence, and how this belief shaped her identity.
"Imagine there 's no heaven, it 's easy if you try," (John Lennon, Imagine). The first line of one of the most sensational, emotion filled songs causes the listener to think. This song is considered one of the most beautiful and meaningful pieces to the world. John Lennon, singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the Beatles, is remembered as a leader in efforts to reach world of love. Although murdered in 1980, his music is still relevant today. His songs described a world without war and he hoped for reconciliation. The song "Imagine" is an example of this.
The album begins with the hard-rocker “Come Together”. The song is a perfect example of John Lennon’s rock influence in the Beatles. “Come Together” is a song that’s popularity has been revived due to its appearances in many commercials. Its trademark chorus, “Come together right now over me”, is known just about everywhere. Ringo’s heavy drums and John’s deep poetic lyrics drive the song, while Paul’s voice and George’s sharp guitar contribute to the body of this song. John Lennon was well known for his creative lyrics. His mind provided lyrics for such insightful songs such as “Across the Universe” and “A Day in the Life”.
In the summer of 1969, a music festival called, “Woodstock”, took place for three straight days in Upstate, New York, with thirty-two musical acts playing, and 500,000 people from around the world coming to join this musical, peaceful movement. Woodstock started out being a small concert, created to locally promote peace in the world, by the power of music and its lyrics. Now, Woodstock is still being celebrated over 40 years later. The chaotic political climate that the ‘baby boomers’ were growing up in is most likely the reason for this event becoming of such an importance to the world. The violence of the Vietnam War, protests at Kent State and the Democratic Convention, and the assassinations contributed to an ‘out of control’ world. The fact that so many people came to Woodstock and were able to latch onto the ideals of peace, love, and community became a wonderful, joyous symbol to this generation. This three day music festival represented the ideal for baby boomers during a chaotic political time.
Throughout American history, many have suffered in order to fight for their beliefs. Rather that cowering when things get tough or accepting a loss, some people have decided to pursue their beliefs and fight for what they believe is right. Even though the situations that they lived through were different, John Proctor from Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” and John Lennon fought for what they believed in and suffered for it. Instead of turning their backs, both men decided that their beliefs were worth fighting for. John Proctor was portrayed in “The Crucible” as a respected man living during the Salem Witch Trails. He was ultimately hung because he refused to sign his name to put on the church door that he was a witch. He would rather die than live a lie. John Lennon, on the other hand was a famous music artist who was most noted for his part in the “Beatles,” a highly influential band of the 1960s. At this time, he and his second wife Yoko Ono were well known for their anti-war beliefs and
John 1: 1-18 focuses on how God is present in the world. John sees himself as a messenger for the word, which he can spread the good news about God’s creation. He knows he is not the messiah; however, he has goals of pointing people in the proper direction. At the beginning of the Book of John, there is a great amount of darkness that is over the world. People are stuck in the darkness, until they listen to word and follow the light of God. John tells the audience that true light is coming and will pour into their lives. Within the first few verses John shows that through God we can achieve great things. He shows brokenness in this
Overall, Woodstock became an iconic American image that spread the message of peace through song.
This bible verse represents peace and togetherness. It instructs that the wolf and lamb, leopard and goad, cow and bear, lion and ox, infant and cobra, and child and viper will all interact together. This is powerful
John Lennon had reached remarkable success and fame as a member of The Beatles. He, along with McCartney had written some of the most popular songs of their generation; “All My Loving”, I Want to Hold Your Hand” “We Can Work it Out” and “Come Together” are just a small...
In the first verse he says, “What would I do without your smart mouth?” this shows that he is speaking from his perspective and talking to his wife. Actually, the whole song is sung from John’s position. He uses the device of point of view. The words like “My” and “I” are all referred to himself. “What would I
Imagine what our world would be like without governments, religion and possessions. John Lennon’s song “Imagine” reflects on the world we live in and who we are as people. John Lennon's song creates a feeling that’s unthinkable. Lenon’s masterpiece is visionary and pure genius. It may come across as simple words, but each word has a remarkable meaning behind it. Lennon was asking the world to imagine a place where things that divide people (anything from religion to possessions) did not exist.
The Beatles wrote hundreds of songs throughout their long career and many of which had the same main ideas in them. Those two ideas seem to standout in most of their songs, and they are the ideas of peace and love. They were so passionate about these two ideas especially world peace, that they became avid participants and leaders in the anti-war movement, against the War in Vietnam. It seemed strange ...
John Lennon was born on October 9th 1940 in Liverpool, England 1. His father left the family to sail the seas before Lennon’s earliest childhood memory and his mother was taken away by a car accident when he was 18 2. A year after his mother’s death, the Vietnam War took place, which is The United State’s longest military dispute ever. The world famous band, The Beatles, debut on 1961 not long after the start of the war and through this band, Lennon was able to demonstrate his feelings to the people across the world. "Revolution," performed by The Beatles, was created in 1968, when the anti-war demonstration was on the move. After the separation of The Beatles in 1969, Lennon composed the song "Imagine" (1971) 3. This song proves that Lennon is a Peace-Loving-Atheist and a "Voluntarist" 4 that believes in the scheme that people’s ideas can change social reality; however simultaneously admits that there are constantly wars going on in the world. As a result, he could be a mixture of all four, Realist, Liberal, Marxist and Constructivist. On December 8th 1980, approximately five years after the end of the Vietnam War, Lennon was assassinated by Mark Chapman 5. It is not for certain that the word assassination could be used on a singer, song writer who also published books. However there is no doubt about the fact that Lennon touched many people’s hearts around the world and maybe was even praised as an almighty figure.
"I hope some day you will join us, and the world will live as one" Simplicity combines with deep meaning when John Lennon expresses his thoughts in his song "Imagine." This song was a huge hit in the 70’s, the time in which the Vietnam War was occurring. John Lennon’s “Imagine”, was a protest song that questions the morality of war, shows anti-war statements and emphasizes the importance of world peace. In America, every civilian has the Freedom of Speech. For this, artists have every right to compose a protest song. Even if the government is not fond of it, anyone could potentially write a song going against his or her beliefs, which is exactly what Lennon did with "Imagine," in a peaceful way. At the time Lennon’s song went against most beliefs, for people believed that violence in war was the answer to everything. Amongst passive resistance, the refusal to cooperate with legal requirements, strikes and angry mobs, Lennon chose the much calmer approach and simply composed a protest song. A protest song is simply a song that argues a point and tries to encourage one thing against another. In his song "Imagine", Lennon protest that the World should live in peace; keep in mind the Vietnam War was occurring at the time. It was then that protest songs were created to try and make points across, without the actual violence of rioting in protest.