AND NOW THE REAL ONE...
#1 John Lennon "Imagine"
Disclaimer: I apologize if this offends anyone. I earnestly respect all religious beliefs. I am not atheist. I have no issues with patriotism. I am not anti-capitalism or against attainment of personal wealth.
I used to view this song as just another nicey-nice, happy-granola "wouldn't world peace be like so groovy" song. Peace, love and applesauce. Yeah, yeah, I get it. Nothing special.
Until one time (late 80s? early 90s?) I saw a very well-dressed man on TV, who, to me, at that moment, embodied the stereotypical well-to-do, proud American & Christian. If I recall right, there may have even been a big flag and a cross in the room? Anyway, he was singing this song (rather soullessly, I might add, like one of those 'too-happy' people who sing to toddlers). And for some reason, despite not liking his performance of it, I felt compelled to keep watching.
After a minute or so, it hit me like a wall of bricks: Lennon has gotten millions of nationalists, capitalists and pious people to embrace a song about how the world would be a better place without borders, possessions and religion. That sly dog! I've met several people who love this song, yet they're six-figure-earning, God-fearing, "Murica F-Yeah" patriots ... and apparently miss the whole point of the song.
Here's a perfect example (the context of the post is, he's going to the polls to vote):
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Lennon's "dreamer" is a person labeled as such because they embrace the idea that there's no heaven, no hell, should be no religion, no countries... But even for people who love this song and don't get the real meaning behind it, the concept still gets subtly implanted in their brains every time they hear or sing it. And since that realization, it has remained my favorite song of all time.
That being said, I realize I am ALSO one of the people he is reaching out to. And that just adds to my appreciation of the song and his genius. Years later, I'm still contemplating his vision. Can I let go of these long-held foundations of our society and live by those ideals? No possessions? No countries? No religion? Not today.
Maybe someday I'll join him. But until then, I can only imagine.
PS: I'm pretty surprised to learn of this:
Played at weddings, funerals, Olympic ceremonies and even the annual New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square, John Lennon’s song “Imagine” has been the all-purpose anthem of sentimentality for …
nypost.com