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Well, it's hard to listen to the lyrics and not agree with (1971) John's assessment that it is virtually the Communist Manifesto. It's so obvious that I don't think one even needs to do a point-by-point.

I am a big John Lennon fan. He was tremendously talented. At that time, he was also incredibly naive, a nasty drunk and, frankly, a bit of a dick even when sober. Let's not forget that he was barely 31 when this song was released, and a very immature 31 at that - given what had happened to him to that point, that's hardly a surprise.

This is one of the saddest aspects of his assassination just 9 years later. By that time, it seemed like he had broken through at least some of his issues and was just about to hit a new gear - sadly, it is left to us to "Imagine" what might have been...

I disagree a bit. It does say "imagine" all these things. I don't believe he is advocating for communism so much as saying that when you deal with other people and argue about, say, religion, or possessions, then think about a world without them and treat people that way. I think it strives for a better understanding of people in different situations. At least, that's the way I like to interpret it.

All this reminds me of the WKRP episode dealing with a religious leader attempting to censor the station's programming. They used this song in it.

One more note - it is funny that performers wish to exclude the "no religion" line. I mean, I see where they are coming from, but considering religion has, throughout history, been a huge source of conflict in the world, it would be totally wrong to exclude it. Good for you, Yoko!

Never a big fan of the song. And I completely disagree with Eddie about George Harrison's signature song. I would argue it's "Something", the favorite Beatle song of Frank Sinatra (who considered it the greatest love song written in the 20th century). He also incorrectly credited it to Lennon-McCartney.

I agree with Kaz. I think the song pushes the listener to consider an extreme viewpoint without insisting they adopt it.

JoeD, you make a valid point. I can easily see "Something" being viewed as George Harrison's signature song. Fair point.

One of the greatest songs ever written. To me, it was song that showed the REAL John Lennon, or at least the one influenced by Yoko. Too bad not that many people really listened to what he was trying to say. I live about 20 minutes from where Mark David Chapman is being held and this time of year always makes me depressed. Seems like yesterday (no pun intended). Hard to believe it's been 32 years now.

I agree that "Something" is George Harrison's signature song. It was the only Harrison song to be released as a single by the Beatles. Interestingly, it's also the second-most covered song recorded, with "Yesterday" the first.

It's funny... I was a big Beatles fan during their heyday - but I was never much of a John Lennon fan.

Feeling a sense of negativity and rebellion in the aura Lennon gave off, I thought the balance of McCartney's warmer disposition brought John Lennon more towards the middle.

I liked "Woman" and "Imagine", but "Give Peace a Chance" and "Instant Karma" eluded my tastes. Teenage life was already hard enough... I think I was wanting to have music as an escape from the worries and challenges, more than having to make heavy statements.

Oh............ and somehow I NEVER understood "Yoko Ono" - Period.

Still, a very interesting article Eddie, it helps peek into that mysterious mind of John Lennon that I just never quite adjusted to.