Alyssa Bartel
Dr. Byrd
English Composition II
1 December, 2016
Imagine
John Lennon, the author of Imagine, dedicated most of his time on Earth campaigning as a political activist and song writer. Among Lennon’s projects, his most influential was his campaigning for world peace. In fact, most of Lennon’s most famous works are along the theme of world peace and trying to convince the general public to accept one another in spite of any differences. “Imagining gives people the ability to experience a whole new world filled with images, and events inside the mind,” (Pre-AP). In this song, Lennon invites us to do just as he depicted, imagine. An important thing to remember is, the human imagination can create some of the most horrible atrocities, …show more content…
The very first words of the song open with, “Imagine there 's no heaven, It is easy if you try,” (Lennon, 1-2). Lennon wishes for no religion to bring equality to all. Religion is where the majority of the world’s issues stem from. Hundreds of wars have been fought over religious differences, bringing more hurt into the world rather than “saving” it. “Heaven refers to the symbolism of good and faithfulness,” (Wihardja, 5). Religion plays a huge part in how people behave towards one another. Lennon alludes to the fact that religion is a distraction, or an allusive concept to make people behave morally. Lennon proceeds to imagine everyone “living for today” as opposed to trying to behave a certain way to achieve …show more content…
Coupled with Lennon’s emotional pleas for peace are a rhythmic piano, gentle string instruments, and a subtle drum beat set the tone of the song. Almost dream-like, the beautiful melody entices listeners to see the truth and pain in Lennon’s words.
Arguably, one of Lennon’s most iconic writings, this truly is one of the most influential pieces of the time. Imagine was the anthem of a generation and hopefully a guide for future peace. Lennon is still acknowledged as an icon for change.
Works Cited
Kennedy, X. J. "Song, Rhythm." Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing, Ed. X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 7th Compact ed. New York: Pearson, 2013. 595-647. Print.
Lennon, John. “Imagine.” Imagine. Apple, 1971. MP3.
Pre-AP Music Theory Class. "Essays on "Imagine" by John Lennon." PDF. Townsend Harris High School at Queens College, Dec. 2011. Web. 01 Nov. 2016.
Wihardja, Dewi. "John Lennon 's Imagine as an Anti-War Campaign: How the Lyrics Are Intended to Communicate Peace to the Public." John Lennon’s Imagine as an Anti-War Campaign: How the Lyrics Are Intended to Communicate Peace to the Public. Academia.edu, 2013. Web. 01 Nov.
Dr. Byrd
English Composition II
1 December, 2016
Imagine
John Lennon, the author of Imagine, dedicated most of his time on Earth campaigning as a political activist and song writer. Among Lennon’s projects, his most influential was his campaigning for world peace. In fact, most of Lennon’s most famous works are along the theme of world peace and trying to convince the general public to accept one another in spite of any differences. “Imagining gives people the ability to experience a whole new world filled with images, and events inside the mind,” (Pre-AP). In this song, Lennon invites us to do just as he depicted, imagine. An important thing to remember is, the human imagination can create some of the most horrible atrocities, …show more content…
The very first words of the song open with, “Imagine there 's no heaven, It is easy if you try,” (Lennon, 1-2). Lennon wishes for no religion to bring equality to all. Religion is where the majority of the world’s issues stem from. Hundreds of wars have been fought over religious differences, bringing more hurt into the world rather than “saving” it. “Heaven refers to the symbolism of good and faithfulness,” (Wihardja, 5). Religion plays a huge part in how people behave towards one another. Lennon alludes to the fact that religion is a distraction, or an allusive concept to make people behave morally. Lennon proceeds to imagine everyone “living for today” as opposed to trying to behave a certain way to achieve …show more content…
Coupled with Lennon’s emotional pleas for peace are a rhythmic piano, gentle string instruments, and a subtle drum beat set the tone of the song. Almost dream-like, the beautiful melody entices listeners to see the truth and pain in Lennon’s words.
Arguably, one of Lennon’s most iconic writings, this truly is one of the most influential pieces of the time. Imagine was the anthem of a generation and hopefully a guide for future peace. Lennon is still acknowledged as an icon for change.
Works Cited
Kennedy, X. J. "Song, Rhythm." Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing, Ed. X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 7th Compact ed. New York: Pearson, 2013. 595-647. Print.
Lennon, John. “Imagine.” Imagine. Apple, 1971. MP3.
Pre-AP Music Theory Class. "Essays on "Imagine" by John Lennon." PDF. Townsend Harris High School at Queens College, Dec. 2011. Web. 01 Nov. 2016.
Wihardja, Dewi. "John Lennon 's Imagine as an Anti-War Campaign: How the Lyrics Are Intended to Communicate Peace to the Public." John Lennon’s Imagine as an Anti-War Campaign: How the Lyrics Are Intended to Communicate Peace to the Public. Academia.edu, 2013. Web. 01 Nov.