Religions rarely ever cause wars, just used as an excuse by some
Yet religions are rarely the driving force of universal understanding they might aspire to be. More often they are the source of sectarian tension which divides peoples. So yes, not the direct cause of war but a major influencer.
There are a number of interpretations of 'Imagine' which is partly what makes it such a brilliant piece of work.
One interpretation might be that Lennon wants us to throw off all value systems be they religious ('imagine there's no heaven') or secular ('imagine all possessions') and that we understand our common humanity and work together to make the world a better place. At first reading that seems closest to a humanist view of society which is normally understood to be atheistic or agnostic.
On the other hand, it could be interpreted as endorsing an essential set of religious beliefs about the world. Christianity does suggest that reconciliation with your fellow man is an essential element of belief (love they neighbour as thy self) and you will find similar instructions in Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism and Islam. The fact that the followers of these religions don't always live up to these aspirations is not necessarily a weakness of the belief system just a weakness in people.
For me John Lennon was a rare, truly gifted artist. 'Imagine' shows how a deceptively simple work of Art can provide quite profound insights.
It's beauty is in it's simplicity. Which is why I hate whenever it's covered by some screamer. I caught a few minutes of someone singing it on The Voice and it was abominable. Obviously these people don't believe that there is such a thing as oversinging.
To me, the song is about having a common understanding between people, throwing off shackles of power and division (religion, wealth, politics etc.) and instead coming together in mutual understanding and peace. An idealist society.
It's annoying that even people who can't name more than 3 Beatles songs love Imagine so much. Imagine's not even the best song on the album it's on IMO!
It's annoying that even people who can't name more than 3 Beatles songs love Imagine so much. Imagine's not even the best song on the album it's on IMO!
I did like 'Crippled Inside' and 'Gimme Some Truth' when I used the play the album to death. But 'Imagine' is still the best song. It's great to hear people talking about this song even now. It is part of the canon of popular music.
John Lennon was an atheist. He expressed that much in his song God on his previous album. But Imagine isn't a song about atheism. It's about various beliefs or vices that are often the root of conflict and how we'd probably be better off without relying on them.
I did like 'Crippled Inside' and 'Gimme Some Truth' when I used the play the album to death. But 'Imagine' is still the best song. It's great to hear people talking about this song even now. It is part of the canon of popular music.
There is a difference between believing in God and believing in religion. I am not religious. Religion is just too corrupt IMO
true..i accept the possibility of a god of some form , but i reject all religions, faith is possibly the most damaging of emotions, it gives you carte blanche to believe in anything regardless of the facts.
John Lennon was an atheist. He expressed that much in his song God on his previous album. But Imagine isn't a song about atheism. It's about various beliefs or vices that are often the root of conflict and how we'd probably be better off without relying on them.
In 1970, he may have been but...
Grow old along with me
The best is yet to be
When our time has come
We will be as one
God bless our love
God bless our love
Grow old along with me
Two branches of one tree
Face the setting sun
When the day is done
God bless our love
God bless our love
Spending our lives together
Man and wife together
World without end
World without end
Grow old along with me
Whatever fate decrees
We will see it through
For our love is true
God bless our love
God bless our love
Well, I tried so hard to settle down
But the angel of destruction keeps on houndin' me all around
But I know in my heart
The leaves are shining in the sun,
That we never realy parted.
Oh no, oh, help me, lord,
Oh, help me, lord,
Please, help me, lord, yeah, yeah,
Help me to help myself,
Help me to help myself.
They say the lord helps those who helps themselves,
So I'm asking this question in the hope that you'll be kind
'Cause I know deep inside
The leaves are shining in the sun,
I was never satisfied
Oh no, oh, help me, lord,
Please, help me, lord, yeah, yeah
Help me to help myself,
Help me to help myself.
You don't need the package, just as you don't need the Christian package or the Marxist package to get the message. People always got the image I was an anti-Christ or antireligion. I'm not. I'm a most religious fellow. I was brought up a Christian and I only now understand some of the things that Christ was saying in those parables. Because people got hooked on the teacher and missed the message."
It was never intended that the lyrics be taken too seriously. The song is about life without reality, and it is a nice thought.
It was a great album, with very personal lyrics, but intentionally made a little more upbeat and commercial compared to his previous album, which was equally brilliant, but very hard hitting in terms of his personal life at the time.
Comments
But either way, it's not entirely serious nor possible, its a bit of idealism hence John singing 'imagine no possessions' from a mansion
Misconception
Religions rarely ever cause wars, just used as an excuse by some
Yet religions are rarely the driving force of universal understanding they might aspire to be. More often they are the source of sectarian tension which divides peoples. So yes, not the direct cause of war but a major influencer.
There are a number of interpretations of 'Imagine' which is partly what makes it such a brilliant piece of work.
One interpretation might be that Lennon wants us to throw off all value systems be they religious ('imagine there's no heaven') or secular ('imagine all possessions') and that we understand our common humanity and work together to make the world a better place. At first reading that seems closest to a humanist view of society which is normally understood to be atheistic or agnostic.
On the other hand, it could be interpreted as endorsing an essential set of religious beliefs about the world. Christianity does suggest that reconciliation with your fellow man is an essential element of belief (love they neighbour as thy self) and you will find similar instructions in Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism and Islam. The fact that the followers of these religions don't always live up to these aspirations is not necessarily a weakness of the belief system just a weakness in people.
For me John Lennon was a rare, truly gifted artist. 'Imagine' shows how a deceptively simple work of Art can provide quite profound insights.
suppose its not glitzy enough for you... :sleep:
its a simple, gentle, wistful song with a beautiful but unattainable message.
I agree. I can't stand it.
To me, the song is about having a common understanding between people, throwing off shackles of power and division (religion, wealth, politics etc.) and instead coming together in mutual understanding and peace. An idealist society.
Do you watch movies on mute too?
I did like 'Crippled Inside' and 'Gimme Some Truth' when I used the play the album to death. But 'Imagine' is still the best song. It's great to hear people talking about this song even now. It is part of the canon of popular music.
Neither can I
What about Jealous Guy?
At the time it was the one I skipped. I don't think I appreciated its honesty at the time.
true..i accept the possibility of a god of some form , but i reject all religions, faith is possibly the most damaging of emotions, it gives you carte blanche to believe in anything regardless of the facts.
In 1970, he may have been but...
He was a hell of a complicated man
It was a great album, with very personal lyrics, but intentionally made a little more upbeat and commercial compared to his previous album, which was equally brilliant, but very hard hitting in terms of his personal life at the time.