John Lennon, the Romantic
Imagine. The word in and of itself leads one to far off places beyond reality, surreal places that envelope the mind. Imagination was the component lacking in the music industry until the 1800’s, the Romantic era. This era created the illusion of freedom and a demand for a fresh interpretation of humanity and nature (Wold et al 243). John Lennon was the leader of this interpretation. As a master lyricist, John incorporated a musical style that embraced a nation. In every element of the word, romantic, the non-conformist Lennon made it a priority to develop the spirit of individualism. John Lennon encompassed the true meaning of Romanticism, the freedom to give voice to passions, fears, love, and longing. Lennon’s poetically political ideas harmonized in music during his tumultuous life create a convincing connection with the core themes of the Romantic Era.
“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.” (Lennon, John. “Imagine”) "Imagine there's no heaven - was an outrageous dare, a far more direct challenge to organized religion”, stated Blaney. (Blaney 59). The essence of these lyrics cried out freedom and passion. John balked at the very nature of organized religion and the imagery it stifled. Lennon, until his death on Dec 8, 1980, maintained his perception of transcendence and the probability that humanity can further
Jennings 02
augment itself. This mystical concept against the context of traditional philosophy and religion was one of the many romantic indulgences of John Lennon.
“Imagine there's no countries/It isn't hard to do/Nothing to kill or die for/and no religion too/Imagine all the pe...
... middle of paper ...
...aimed at promoting peace, in spite of the criticism he faced.(Blaney 310) Just as Jean Jacques Rousseau asked that” the taboos and artificialities of civilization be aside”(Wold et al 243), John Lennon constantly compelled himself and others to accept, change, and reject pre-existing systems. In the close, I am obliged to deduce that John’s work reflected the era of Romanticism and perhaps the best synopsis would be, “Imagine”.
Works Cited
Wold, Milo, Gary Martin, James Miller, and Edmund Cykler. "Chapter 10." An Introduction to Music and Art in the Western World. Boston Massachusetts: McGraw-Hill, 1996. 240-267. Print.
Blaney, John. John Lennon: Listen to This Book. Toronto: John Blaney, 2005.
Makela, Janne. John Lennon imagined: cultural history of a rock star. New York: Peter Lang, 2004
Lennon, John. “Imagine”. Imagine. Ascot Sound Studios, July 1971
Stolba, M. K. (1998) The Development of Western Music, A History, Third Edition. Boston, MA: McGraw Hill
TitleAuthor/ EditorPublisherDate James Galways’ Music in TimeWilliam MannMichael Beazley Publishers1982 The Concise Oxford History of MusicGerald AbrahamOxford University Press1979 Music in Western CivilizationPaul Henry LangW. W. Norton and Company1941 The Ultimate Encyclopaedia of Classical MusicRobert AinsleyCarlton Books Limited1995 The Cambridge Music GuideStanley SadieCambridge University Press1985 School text: Western European Orchestral MusicMary AllenHamilton Girls’ High School1999 History of MusicRoy BennettCambridge University Press1982 Classical Music for DummiesDavid PogueIDG Books Worldwide,Inc1997
Howard, John Tasker, and George Kent Bellows. A Short History of Music in America. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Company, 1957. 342-3. Print.
"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.
Through Elvis Presley, rock ‘n’ roll changed the face of American music, and influenced a whole generation’s political philosophy. Composer Leonard Berstein once said, “He introduced the beat to everything and changed everything-music, language, clothes; it’s a whole new social revolution-the 60s come from it” (Wattenberg 6B). To his credit, Elvis embraced rhythm and blues not as a from to be imitated, but as a form to honored and interprete... ...
[2] After the fifties, Americans were emotionally dead. During the next decade the population would search again for the “grand ideals” of democracy. The American people were looking for something in the 1960’s; they were searching for ideals and dreams. The Sixties were a “time of rebellion, defiance of authority, acting out hopes and dreams. . . a time of reconsidering the way we lived, the way we behaved toward people in this country and abroad” (Zinn in Morgan, ix). During the Sixties people began to take into account American history and began to attempt to redress the past. Perhaps the largest and most influential group in motivating the American people was musicians. They began to put the feeling of America into songs, and they used those songs to fight for what they believed in, from anti-war songs to sexual liberation and free drug use. It was the fight for ...
The subject of this writing, is on a man who changed music; a man on the level of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison. This individual is Kurt Donald Cobain from the revolutionary grunge/rock band, Nirvana. While some people would never consider Cobain to hold a major role in the shaping of our music and culture today, they haven’t taken the time to look around. Many people overlook the fact that music played a huge role in the lives of Americans during the 90’s. Someday history books will probably
Elton john has been claimed “the Liberace of rock and roll” (8) for his spectacular show of music, imagery, outward flamboyancy and artistic passion. Originally born Reginald (Reggie) Kenneth Dwight, Elton Hercules John started his first band at 14 (2) and has continued to set a foundation for American pop music for 53 years. Elton’s music is distinctive in its ability to draw attention of listeners with his original combination of sound (2). The songs written both by Elton and lyricist, Bernie Taupin (3) were premeditated to give both a rhythm and undertones of sentimental value. The decline of rock and roll in America allowed for Elton john to succeed.
First, the new psychedelic style of rock didn’t have to meet any previous restrictions that were seen as the “social norm.” Before the musical revolution of the 1960s, jazz music was the ostentation of the Roaring 20s. Americans were perceived to live elegant and luxurious lifestyles through this time. Therefore, music had to carry this purpose in its meaning. The emergence of Rock went against this style. “No longer obligated to elevate the spirit, to
From the start of the Counterculture, singers and songwriters took on a role that would dramatically change the way emotions were expressed in music, but not many were as influential as Mr. Bob Dylan. Not only did his works alter his life, but they also altered the lives of everyone living in the historical era. Dylan would not have done any of this without the impact of his past, his biographical and sociocultural influences, and his poetic characteristics.
In the 1960s, the anti-war movement grew rapidly in America. The party reached the summit in 1968 by collecting members of various age ranges throughout the country 6. The song "Revolution," produced by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, expresses the irony of the political group. Although the party is against...
The Beatles were a Liverpool, England based rock and roll band consisting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Richard “Ringo” Starkey. They began as a small skiffle-band called the Quarrymen, and in the early 1960’s, their popularity soared to an unforeseen degree, transforming them into an international phenomenon and permanent rock icons. (BeatlesTributeBand.co.uk) A band that has been known, loved and praised for over half a century; The Beatles pushed and broke American cultural boundaries as they promoted peace and love through their masterful lyrics and powerful music throughout the time of the Vietnam War. Despite being of British Origin, the Beatles greatly affected the thinking, culture and actions of many Americans.
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 ...
With the numerous considerations that war influenced profound quality, John Lennon communicates his actual contemplations on brutality through his song. When the war raged in 1969, Lennon and his wife held "Bed-Ins for Peace": One in Amsterdam and the other in Montreal. The bed-ins were a new way intended to protest the wars, but still maintained peace. John Lennon and his wife Yo...
The popularity of the Beatles proves time and time again to be nothing short of eternal. Like any great works of art, the Beatles’ records carried and still do carry an ageless brilliance that continues to captivate new generations of listeners. Their records are still heard heavily today on the radio, continue to sell in immense quantities, and are forever remembered through the covers done by pop and rock artists in present day.