Explanation Of John Lennon's Song 'Imagine'

John Lennon’s song, “Imagine”, is a well-known ballad that transcends all ages and cultures. His worldwide song incites several interpretations about his worldview depending on the explicit or implicit meanings. If one analyzed his song’s lyrics, it is noted that the telos, or end goal, is obtaining a world of peace and for everyone to be united as one. Lennon proposes a utopia without certain elements in our current world. These elements include war, religion, countries, possessions, heaven and hell, greed or hunger. He is trying to engage his listeners to believe that people should not be bounded by country, politics, wars, or anything else. We should live in harmony with others. The lyrics in the chorus explicitly state his telos …show more content…
As he sings, “I hope some day you’ll join us, and the world will be as one,” Lennon implies that he and a few others are already living in this utopia. He hopes that everyone will experience this same pleasure that he is experiencing. In addition, he implies that living in peace without war, greed, or hunger is the ultimate happiness. It should be attained no matter one believes it is the right or wrong thing to do. In this case, there is a certain aspect of Kantian duty that is seen. Lennon attempts to make his philosophy universal through reason by portraying a peaceful world, without one’s initial experience, a priori. By eliminating these a posteriori ideas, one would obtain happiness and unity that benefit everyone, which is the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In this aspect, Lennon’s song is inspired by Mill’s philosophy. Lennon believes that the greatest happiness requires challenging the constraints, such as social norms and organizations. Through this explanation, Mill’s idea of utilitarianism is observed. Eliminating worries of the world, one will obtain