`` Imagine `` By John Lennon : An Intellectual Or An Emotional Impact On Society

“There are a number of different lyrics used in songs that have been derived from poetry” (Kumar). Poetry is an older form of art and song lyrics have evolved from the art. However, it is a great debacle over which one can be considered the higher art form. The underlying question is if song lyrics have evolved past poetry, or has poetry remained artistic and intellectual. Despite bearing some superficial similarities, the differences between “To a Daughter Leaving Home” and “Never Grow Up” in imagery, message, and point of view are prevalent causing poetry to be considered a higher form of art.

The hippie aesthetic implies a song has a message to convey to the listening audience by any means at their disposal (Covach & Flory, 2015). My interpretation of this would be exemplified in the song “War” by Edwin Starr released in 1970 on his album titled “War and Peace”. Written as a protest against the Vietnam War (War by Edwin Starr), the listener cannot misinterpret the intended message. Most songs are not as direct as to their meaning but are none the less passionate about the topic. “Silent Running” by Mike and the Mechanics is one such song. Other songs are not as ‘global’ in their message but take on a personal connotation and elicit the listener’s emotions, such as “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper.

For my rhetorical analysis paper I chose to use one of the most influential British singers of all time, John Lennon. In his song Imagine, the very first line, "Imagine there's no heaven, it's easy if you try," (John Lennon, Imagine), causes the listener to automatically begin thinking. The song is emotionally filled and full of instances where a listener is forced to think of what Lennon is saying in the song. Lennon was considered a very influential leader in efforts of world peace during his time, and still to this day his messages reach across the world in his music. Songs such as “Imagine” which still have a strong and powerful message decades after its first release. Lennon had a simple style and approach which left nothing for deliberation, leading the listener straight to the point of his messages. "Imagine" is one of the best examples of this, Lennon establishes his point multiple times throughout this song and it creates a bond with his listeners which in turn creates a trust within himself and his words.

“Imagine” as it had been mentioned before was a sensitive message to the entire world, also it was a great way to send many political letters to the world’s leaders back at that time. Besides all that, the song we are trying to analyze was a manifesto against capitalism and patriotism. Since John Lennon was an active member among the hippie movement, a movement that fought and advocated for peace, freedom and love, he did reveal his thoughts and ideas through his song, and that what made his song wear its

In the early 60s, Britain was known in America for essentially the Queen and tea. However, that all changed in February of 1964 when the Beatles touched down on American soil for the first time. Their first hop across the pond was no ordinary endeavor, as most British boy bands or performers had a hard time making it in the states. However, their venture to visit The Ed Sullivan Show ultimately changed America’s future. From that point forward, Americans began on their journey to find hope and expression through the Beatles’ music and their influence. In present day America, it is hard to imagine a day that passes by without the media mentioning the British Royal Family, the famous British supermodel, Cara Delavigne, or the British pop band, One Direction. However, most of these British obsessions wouldn’t be as prevalent in America today if it weren’t for the Beatles appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show or the pop culture phenomenon that ensued thereafter. If one thing is for certain, the Beatles invasion into the U.S. masked ambivalent socioeconomic affairs in the early ‘60s and accelerated the change in American pop culture.

In today's modern world, the use of poetry to communicate and express oneself has become quite rare. One of the main reasons is due to the fact that with such an old style of writing, it is very often hard to understand properly. poetry is indeed difficult to read and hard to understand, but given time, it is a rewarding challenge. Poetry is not only written verse but is used in songs as well. Taken the time to listen to the words of modern songs, you will realise that the lyrics of the song are actually a poem linking modern day music to poetry.

There have been many people, known as artists, who have tried to change the world through their art. “Art” can be paintings, music, dances, sculptures, literature, or photography. There are many ways to communicate and express ones feelings but The Beatles did it through their popular music. Although they didn’t focus on changing the world of politics or try to protest through their music they have songs that focus on those exact two things.

Bob Dylan was a pioneer of the antiwar movement. He opened a new section of music and inspired millions. Although he wasn’t the best singer in the traditional sense, his lyrics were what moved people. For example in “Man on the Street”, Bob Dylan tells of the human suffering that is caused by human cruelty. “Dylan's lyrics were not so much a form of entertainment, but created to get the public aware of what was going on in the world. Bob Dylan's imagination and energy with words is what made him famous” (Jake Rae).

The Beatles were one of the most influential music groups of the rock era. They were able to conquer and influence pop culture with their music. Initially they affected the post-war baby boom generation of Britain and the W.S. during the 1960s, and later the request of the world. Certainly they were the most successful group, with global sales exceeding 1.3 billion albums. During the sixties, The Beatles using revolutionary ideas in their music inspired a generation of young adults across the globe to look at life from their perspective.

The Beatles: Ringo Starr (Richard Starkey) was born in Liverpool on 7 July 1940. Drums and vocals. John Lennon was born in Liverpool on 9 October 1940. He was shot dead in New York on 8 December 1980. Rhythm guitar, keyboards, harmonica, vocals. Paul McCartney was born in Liverpool on 18 June 1942. Bass guitar, keyboards, lead guitar, drums, vocals. George Harrison was born in Liverpool on 25 February 1943. Lead guitar, sitar, keyboards, vocals.

Nowadays, unfortunately, some people are judging the other not based on their competencies but based on their social class, religion and race as he mentioned in his lyrics “Nothing to kill or die for and no religion too”. History proves him and gives a good example that most wars fought, had something to do with people’s religious and beliefs. John Lennon shows that people can exceed those types of discrimination if everyone practice tolerance. People also should live in the same social level, sharing and caring about each other and this will spread and give a world without wars or any conflicts, full of tolerance and peace. a world totally different than the one we are living

the Beatles. And they had to go to Germany to do it. In order to

INTRODUCTION “Everybody loves you when you’re six feet in the ground,” was once said by John Lennon. “The finest day I ever had was when tomorrow never came,” - Kurt. Though they died in the midst of their career, John Lennon and Kurt Cobain amazed people with their successes, obstacles, music.

Social criticism examines literature in the cultural, economic, and political context in which it is written or received. Keeping this definition in mind, it is necessary to understand the political, cultural and economic environment in which Lennon the above famous words.

John Lennon’s song “Imagine” was released in October 1971. Imagine was the most successful single that Lennon produced and is perhaps the best song in music history for its strong message. He wrote this song during the climax of the Vietnam War as an anti-war song. At this time in history peace movements were popular because of all the wars happening that involved the country and its people. His song is timeless as its message still applies today. It is true that everyone wants peace, but this picture Lennon illustrates is a fantasy. The song Imagine is a fantasy imagination of John Lennon that pushes the ideology of communism through its resemblance to an unrealistic society.