Imagine (John Lennon song) - 50th anniversary

Imagine (John Lennon song) was recently featured during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony. Imagine was composed and sung by John Lennon in 1971, and was the best-selling single of his solo career. Lennon's lyrics of Imagine encourage listeners to imagine a world of peace, without materialism, without borders separating nations and even without religion: imagine there's no heaven, imagine there is no country, etc. Several poems from Yoko Ono's 1964 book Grapefruit inspired Lennon to write the lyrics for Imagine, and in 2017 she received co-writing credit for the song.
I hope you'll enjoy my ORIGINAL (almost) barbershop arrangement and cover of this timeless classic. It's my humble tribute for the 50th anniversary of Lennon's masterpiece. Sheet music abd audio learning tracks for this four-part acappella arrangement are available on my website below.
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--- CREDITS
► Music & lyrics by John Lennon
► Arranged and sung by Julien Neel
--- LYRICS
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us, only sky
Imagine all the people
Livin' for today
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
Livin' life in peace
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 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
#imagine #johnlennon #tokyoolympics2021 #barbershop #julienneel #imaginejohnlennon #lennon #acapella #acappella

[@regeary5083]

His talent frequently brings tears to me

[@horvathgaborne301]

I'm not a music critic. Don't expect analysis from me. In music, it is important to reach the heart of the listener. If you evoke emotion, you have already reached your goal! What you sing will always be in my heart !! This is happiness !!

[@larrywmayes1561]

I agree with the Happiness part, but human nature seems so fractured that many are poised and ready to step on genuine honest and peaceful efforts, whether just to claw ahead or for pure enjoyment!

[@horvathgaborne301]

@@larrywmayes1561 Yes, what he describes is true. I think the total peace we would all want cannot be achieved. Such is the nature of man.

[@obbinexx3991]

Found you randomly from searching up “Imagine”, and am certainly happy I did! :D

[@JulienNeel]

Hope you stick around for more! :)

[@currykingwurst6393]

That's a beautiful arrangement.

[@jordanmartineau8523]

Julien, I love the sound of barbershop quartet singing so much. Your harmonizing in your singing is such a beauty.

[@sergeynitochkinofficial]

My friend Julien, I was just crying ... in your performance, amazing as always !!! I always loved this song, and you brought my memories back to me !!! Thank you very much friend!!! Good luck in the future !!!!!!!! Твой поклонник из России! Your fan from Russia!)

[@jahnaderr821]

Wow!!! Julien, you have outdone yourself with this arrangement of Imagine. :) I love it lots! And I love your voice and you yourself as well! Always makes my day to have a new Julien tune to listen to! Thank you!

[@JulienNeel]

Aww thank you for your kind comment, Jahna. I'm humbled. :)

[@artemisdeplume]

You've done it again! finding a song that can touch your audience. Maybe finding us when we're down, and letting us share a moment of peace. Thank you Mr. Neil.

[@sonyahannah]

It's always safe to leave a "like" on a Julien Neel song!

[@JulienNeel]

Aww thanks :)

[@andanssas]

With this top notch quality, it's not only safe, but it will make you a happier living being after pressing that like ;)

[@PatrickvonMassow]

Words to live by, delivered in a soothing voice.

[@JulienNeel]

Thanks man

[@allanwhite5747]

This is a beautiful rendition of a music classic, and does it proudly.

[@m.e.3543]

I'm following you and your channel since your first interpretation of "Baby on board". Always great to hear new tunes from you! Cheers from Germany!

[@Harlem55]

Julien doing John Lenon's "Imagine"... this is probably going to be great.

[@johntompkins]

You misspelled 'definitely'

[@Harlem55]

@@johntompkins 1. It's called android autocorrect which should be named never correct. 2. Who cares and 3. Quit being a member of the spelling Gestapo and get back to work at the local McDonalds.

[@dodiad]

@@Harlem55 I think you mistook his point. He wasn’t correcting your spelling. He’s joking that you really meant to say ”this is *definitely* going to be great” and misspelled it “probably” instead. I don’t think any criticism was intended.

[@juanfelipezapataaldana6017]

This song is my favorite :) :) :) It´s WONDERFUL

[@squallrowlandson8028]

I share the same birthday as John Lennon October 9th (I was born in 1995) and Imagine is my favourite single by him. Great work Julien.

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you very much!

[@jorgejuarez-bagdigian3078]

Yet another amazing a cappella song from Julien Neel

[@jillianbuckley5570]

This is beautiful, Julien! I absolutely love it 😊 You’re so talented!

[@Gingersalad]

Very beautiful, I’ve made a whole playlist for old songs and people doing A cappella to old songs, but by far you are my favorite.

[@kamelhaj6850]

Wow Julien, you really scored with this one!!! Why is this not on the radio, especially for it's 50th anniversary? Beyond beautiful! :'o)

[@JulienNeel]

Thanks! My cover isn't getting much traction, I'm afraid.

[@jasonirelan4487]

My mom introduced me to you because you did the song Beautiful Katie.

[@charleskesner1302]

Now more than ever! Thanks Julien.

[@MethosUSMC]

Beautiful

[@Sbaxter1989]

I hit "like" before it even started ❤✌

[@TheShamusOfSlots]

What is with the THUMBS DOWN Julien ? Are people just slipping up? You are an institution ... and this is one of a few site I drop by on frequently!! Great arrangement!!

[@JulienNeel]

Haha, no worries, you can't please everyone. My guess from some of the comments I got is that some people are offended by some of the lyrics that deal with religion.

[@snowyfriend]

beautiful, lovely way to start monday morning....

[@gailsfoodandstuff]

amazing as usual. love your videos! please keep them coming. and link a way to donate to your show. you did that months back but cant find it now.

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you! You can make direct donations via PayPal here: paypal.me/julienneel I appreciate it!

[@NDawgHoyt]

"I hope someday you will join us" (subscribe notification pops up), I see what you did there.

[@JulienNeel]

Touché ;)

[@T-Donny]

Such a soothing cover!!

[@ANHTUAN_ART]

John Lennon's classic song "Imagine" has beautiful content, it's amazing. The song praises unified Communistism around the world. People in the world no longer have divisive religions, wars, no more national borders, no more poverty and suffering. People in the world no longer have divisive religions, wars, no more national borders, no more poverty and suffering. Only happinessand peace. Imperial forces are very afraid and they are trying to undermine the progress of the human world. John once composed songs protesting the war on Vietnam, a giant like him that would appeal to the whole world and condemn imperialism. And he was assassinated on stage.

[@ericstoverink6579]

But if you look into the actual history of John Lennon, you'll find that he really was a piece of shit as a human being. He was a wife-beater and abandoned his own children.

[@mohammedessam8197]

This is your best one yet ✌️

[@davidmckinney6577]

Absolutely beautiful performance 🙌 buddy 👍 Julien... I've been in the hospital so I'm just now able to see this.. excellent job buddy I love your channel you are always my favorite notifications to get.. thanks for your videos

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you David. I hope you're doing alright. Get well.

[@davidmckinney6577]

@@JulienNeel I'm doing pretty good today buddy 👍

[@margitpap2790]

Jaj de szép dal.

[@elric19765]

This was so good thank you

[@JulienNeel]

Woohoo :) Thanks for dropping by and listening.

[@nicolastamaki3462]

Upload your songs to spotify please!! You song beautiful!

[@JulieGaulke]

Beautiful arrangement, Julien. 🎶

[@klikndance]

So peaceful :)

[@fabrice3417]

Julien ! Bravo félicitation beau moment !!!

[@JulienNeel]

Merci Fab ! :)

[@benjaminprietop]

great cover as always Julien

[@JulienNeel]

Thanks Benjamin!

[@gayexpatinargentina]

Incredible voice!

[@i-am-goose8428]

This was an amazing cover :)

Subtilités rythmiques, belle harmonisation... Vous êtes toujours au top !

[@JulienNeel]

Merci Gérard ! :)

[@mmclin1998]

You did great with this as always.i really enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing.

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you, Melodie!

[@nhickification]

Nicely done!

[@ginadodds2695]

I have been a fan since I first heard you sing (all the parts). You have amazing talents. I'd love to hear you sing a French song. Gina Dodds (USA Bellmore, NY)

[@JulienNeel]

Thanks Gina. I've already sung a few French tunes, there's a dedicated playlist on my channel. I'm also currently working on a new French tune.

[@hansvandijk1487]

Dear John, RIP.

[@bejingmao]

brilliant. love it. so musical!

[@jasonirelan4487]

Cool song

[@manuelhuber2903]

Great as always.

[@JulienNeel]

Thank you! :)

[@justchill4822]

Lovely!

[@Doug6412]

Thank you

[@KatiaSalemi]

O wow! I really like this!

[@cedillojorge2845]

CONGRATULATIONS

[@barrykatz2034]

Awesome cover!

[@ul7185]

The Mighty Hercules Theme Song (Civic Holiday Special)

[@sandman5522]

You should do "Streets of Cairo"

[@ShaynaCommenter]

Make a tutorial for each harmony part please!

[@JulienNeel]

You'll find my arrangement + MP3 tracks on my website: www.julienneel.com

[@sonyahannah]

Already had the privilege of listening on "Bandcamp." [Although I violently dislike the atheism of the song -- and have done so consistently since the very first time I heard it 50 years ago --, I'll admit that your version moves me, and will agree that, in all other respects, it's a great song.] I've learned through the years that most people miss the atheism entirely, being enchanted by the otherwise peaceful and lovely imagery and the soothing melody.

[@SuzyMcCheese]

You don't have to interpret this as atheist. Religion can prevent peace as much as it promotes it. History is overstuffed with violence and war in the name of belief. I think what John is asking us to do, is take religion out of the equation when considering other humans. Don't judge as a Christian, Jew, Muslim, see the person first. If there was no religion to fight over, peace might have a chance. It doesn't have to mean there shouldn't be religion, it shouldn't be a reason to love or hate a person.

[@sonyahannah]

@@SuzyMcCheese "No hell below us; above us only sky" = atheism, although I agree entirely that "religion" has often yanked Hell right into our daily lives. And the garbage that passes for "Christianity" in the Drumph Cult bears no relation whatsoever to the Biblical Christ upon whom it is purportedly based. Mahatma Gandhi said, "'I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

[@SuzyMcCheese]

@@sonyahannah you're forgetting the title. imagine. he isn't saying there is no hell, he says imagine if there was nothing to kill or die for...i.e. the boundaries of country, material possessions, and religion. yes it can SEEM atheist if you're too literal. but he is asking what would happen if we stopped putting things and beliefs and places first. put people first and maybe there would be no need for hunger. he asks the question over and over. he does not say...there are no countries. he does not say there is nothing to kill or die for...he asks us to IMAGINE. to check our priorities.

[@SuzyMcCheese]

@@sonyahannah and...there's no way the IOC would approve of an anti God song in the opening ceremonies of the olympics. Bad marketing. There's some clearer insights if you research the meaning of the lyrics. By folks more articulate than me. At any rate, hi fives to a fellow Trudbol fan. Let's imagine a world where there were more of us.

[@sonyahannah]

@@SuzyMcCheese Smiling.

[@75egcg]

Julien does a better job than John Lennon. FACT

[@Kemix0711]

QUESTION. Is there much he does that ISN’T better than the original? Because FACT. I’d say not much.

[@kamelhaj6850]

You beat me to it! Only John Lennon purists would disagree.

[@EflamDePerceval]

Wow

[@JulienNeel]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@RainbowDashie6969]

R.I.P John Lennon he's in a better place

[@David-bh7hs]

He literally isn't

[@mohammedessam8197]

I'd like to hear more like "everybody wants to be a cat"

[@canopy155]

How u keepin lads

[@evanobrien9585]

How.did you know I like The Beatles?

[@Alwe1rdo]

Illuminatie song

[@T3nMiDGET5711]

This performance was good but this song is permanently ruined for me I mean I didn’t listen to it in the first place but now when ever I hear it I feel nothing but anger.

[@JulienNeel]

Why is that?

[@TheTREEHOUSE18]

Will Lenon be in heaven? Unless he repented towards God no!

[@jahnaderr821]

I believe John Lennon is at peace, period. No gods or religions involved. There are good people out there that have no association with any Christian belief at all. There is no "one right way", contrary to your opinion.

[@TheTREEHOUSE18]

@@jahnaderr821 you don't seek after God and haven't wanted to so you get what you want same as lenon an eternity without Him. It's your choice. No peace outside God as peace comes from knowing we are forgiven for our sins and that Jesus paid for them.

[@robincortez6586]

The final judgment rests between God and each individual. We never know what has transpired between a person and our Creator. As a Beatles fan, I have only warm thoughts toward John, and we all want those we love to be at peace. 💟

[@jahnaderr821]

@@TheTREEHOUSE18 hehehe, I don't think you quite grasp the concept. To me, as I don't believe anything of the Christian religion, a life "without him" isn't missed by me. I will not stand judgment by a Christian God, as I have no belief in one. Spiritual I am, religious I am not. I don't believe in a vengeful being who will judge that which the being itself created on how fanatic a life they led according to a book of rules known as a "bible". At the end of a day or my life, I only answer to myself. If your beliefs work for you, fine. Life that life as you wish. What you have no right to do, is judge others by your own beliefs, even if they are Christian. This judgmental practice may be why the Christian religion is declining greatly in numbers.

[@kamelhaj6850]

@@jahnaderr821 "What you have no right to do, is judge others by your own beliefs". Since your post did exactly that, I'll stick with the ways of Christ. I'm tired of being judged by atheists just for posting "God bless".

[@geraldarcuri9307]

Terrific rendition of probably the most lame, inane and vacuous song ever penned.

[@brandonluft8950]

Sorry but I won’t listen to blatant anti-Christian music and lyrics. I love Juliens’s singing though and have listened to and loved most of what he does.

[@AT-zr9tv]

This isn't an "anti-Christian" song, you are over-interpreting the lyrics.

[@SuzyMcCheese]

Christ wasn't mentioned ONCE in the lyrics. The lyrics instruct us to imagine if there were no hell, heaven, or religion among other things. Some spiritual things are mentioned, but their existence is not questioned. The lyrics only ask us to consider if these things weren't there. And suggests a result.

[@brandonluft8950]

Please know that I am not responding to argue or for the purpose of being snippy in my comment. I am sorry if my remark came across that way. I am responding out of genuine love for the Gospel of Jesus and truth. If you disagree with my statement please don’t respond out of an emotional response to the music or to and emotional connection you might feel toward the Beatles or that song. Please respond with a clear cognitive and well thought out response only after you have studied and understand the basic tenets of Christianity and also the Beatles as a group and the individual members and what they said and believed and stood for. Also study and understand the lyrics. Have a great day and I hope you receive this message in love as I explained above, and not hate or hostility in any way.

[@SuzyMcCheese]

you assume a whole lot.