Relive "Imagine" By John Lennon Through 1972 Video

Apr 20, 2020 by apost team

The Beatles are truly among the most important acts in the development of rock and roll. Forming in Liverpool, England in 1960, The Beatles sat at the top of a music empire for over a decade before splitting up. In their time together, the Fab Four of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr released hit and after hit, winning a spot in the hearts of music lovers for decades to come.

After their breakup following the release of the 1970 album Let It Be, the bandmates all enjoyed stellar careers, none more so than Lennon, the group’s lead guitar player. One of Lennon’s most renowned solo songs was the 1971 single “Imagine.” In footage from the 1972 Jerry Lewis Telethon, Lennon played “Imagine” to the delight of viewers everywhere.

The video shows Lennon at the piano with a full band accompanying him. Lennon’s wife, Yoko Ono, can be seen playing the keyboard on the life side of the screen. Known as one of the biggest visionaries of his lifetime, Lennon used “Imagine” as a universal call for what he termed “a Brotherhood of Man.” In “Imagine,” Lennon paints a wonderful picture of a united world without borders, hate, or conflict. The inspiring lyrics are set to a simple melody that draws the listener ever closer to Lennon's dream.

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“Imagine” is regarded as not just Lennon’s finest song, but also one of the greatest songs of all time. In an interview conducted several years after the song’s release, Lennon said that Ono deserved much of the credit for the song’s success. The rocker explained that Ono helped him write “Imagine” and that much of the lyrics and the song’s concept were generated from her ideas.

Lennon also told of how certain institutions wanted to capitalize on the song’s success by trying to change its meaning. Specifically, Lennon told of being contacted by the World Church, who wanted to alter Lennon’s lyrics of “no religion” to “one religion.” Lennon denied the World Church’s request, pointing out that the way they wanted to alter “Imagine” would vastly change the meaning of the song. Lennon elaborated that he wanted to use “Imagine” to promote what he saw as positive prayer. Rather than a world absent of religion, “Imagine” sees a world where religion is not used as a way to divide other people.

In the end, Lennon’s performance of “Imagine” stands as a reminder to treat people with kindness and understanding. The song’s lyrics paint a beautiful picture of a world devoid of conflict, where people are one and nations are at peace.

What do you think of Lennon’s performance of “Imagine” at the Jerry Lewis Telethon? What are your favorite John Lennon songs?