I’m going to start by saying that I really do like the idea of peace and equality for all people. I assume that’s what John Lennon was going for. But the world he presents is rather flawed. Here’s why:
“Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky”
Okay, I have to stop this already. No Heaven or Hell. So life just is. We are born and we die. That’s it. Seems really depressing if you ask me. No Heaven of Hell gives us a life with no hope. Nothing to live for. That’s sad.
“Imagine all the people
Living for today…”
If you live only for today, with no thought of consequences, You might have a child before you are ready for one. You might end up in jail for something you thought was just some harmless fun. You can destroy your brain with too many drugs. You will destroy the planet you are living on by not caring what happens tomorrow. For our own survival, we need to live today for tomorrow.
“Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do”
You’re right. It’s not had to “imagine” no countries. It’s just impossible to actually accomplish. No countries would imply one of two things: 1) We would be a global “country”. No borders. All would be under one government. That’s a bit too much power if you ask me. 2) No government. That would be great. However, history has shown that people don’t really know how to do this. That’s why government was created in the first place.
“Nothing to kill or die for”
If you have nothing in your life worth dying for, you have a sad life. I think what he means is, no murder. That would be great. But that’s not what he wrote.
“And no religion too”
Again, this seems rather devoid of hope. Also, lack of diversity. Everyone would be a drone without the ability to think for themselves.
“Imagine all the people
Living life in peace…”
Here is the one thing in this whole song that would be great. Peace. The problem is, you can’t just get rid of the things that make people fight. Love makes people fight. If you just get rid of the things that cause war and murder, you end up in a world just like in “The Giver”.
“You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one”
Assimilation is not the only way.
“Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can”
It’s called Socialism. Or Communism. It depends on how you want to look at it.
“No need for greed or hunger”
We already don’t have a “need” for greed or hunger. There is enough food for the whole world right now. It just can’t get to all people due to lack of roads, other’s taking it, or people not knowing that it should be given to others.
“A brotherhood of man”
It’s called a monastery.
“Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world…”
Okay, so there is a second thing that would be nice. But really, Canada is trying to share it’s land. You can buy large bits of property up north for… NOTHING. No one wants it.
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one
Please people, think.