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John Lennon's "Imagine" is the best-selling single of his solo career, its lyrics encourage the listener to imagine a world at peace without the barriers of borders or the divisions of religion and nationality, and to consider the possibility that the focus of humanity should be living a life unattached to material possessions. Ono described the lyrical statement of "Imagine" as "just what John believed: that we are all one country, one world, one people." Rolling Stone described its lyrics as "22 lines of graceful, plain-spoken faith in the power of a world, united in purpose, to repair and change itself". Some observers have described the song has having a distinctly anti-religious viewpoint, to the point that some have embraced it as an "atheist anthem". Lennon himself, however, stated about the song: If you can image a world at peace, with no denominations of religion -- not without religion but without this my-God-is-bigger-than-your-God thing -- then it can be true. — John Lennon Rolling Stone described "Imagine" as Lennon's "", praising "the serene melody; the pillowy chord progression; that beckoning, four-note figure". "Of everything John Lennon wrote after The Beatles disbanded, “Imagine” is one of our favorites. It’s the most honest look into John’s soul and into his vision for what the world would be like if everyone could put the trivial things aside and come to a mutual understanding that life is, indeed, precious. In the wake of the horrific Manchester bomb attack that killed 22 young people and injured scores more as they exited after a fun night of singing and dancing at pop star Ariana Grande’s concert, few songs hit home quite like “Imagine” and while we’re glad songs like this exist during times of tragedy, it’s upsetting to know that it’s still relevant all these years later." "Imagine" Imagine there's no heaven It's easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky Imagine all the people Living for today... Aha-ah...Imagine there's no countries It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion, too Imagine all the people Living life in peace... You...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 Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man Imagine all the people Sharing all the world... You... 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 "There’s a reason why it’s the best-selling single of Lennon’s entire solo career and the 2nd best single of all time, eclipsed only by Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” – it’s human. It’s a simple wish that quite literally crosses all cultural barriers because at heart, it’s what we all want." Fun Fact: Rolling Stone describes “Imagine” as, “an enduring hymn of solace and promise that has carried us through extreme grief, from the shock of Lennon’s own death in 1980 to the unspeakable horror of September 11th. We need it more than he ever dreamed.” John Lennon may not have been a man of any particular faith, but he did have a vision for something much larger than himself, and he had the right idea. "GIVE PEACE A CHANCE" (Source: Society Of Rock) RELATED STORIES: John Lennon: “Happy Christmas (War Is Over)” John Lennon: “Jealous Guy” John Lennon: “Imagine” John Lennon: “Give Peace A Chance” John Lennon or Paul McCartney? February 1964: The Beatles Arrive in America! Please feel free to comment on this or any of our other stories below. And SHARE with your friends!

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