First Time Hearing John Lennon - imagine Reaction

[@lynnettegoodson414]

John Lennon was a Anti-war protester. His desire was to bring peace to the world. And as he wrote in this song, religion, power and greed are the 3 main reasons countries go to war for and he was definitely branded a communist, an atheist, a hypocrite, and a instigator. Radios in the south banned all of his music and he spent about the last 4 or 5 years of his life fighting deportation. The FBI held an open file on him until his death. And all he wanted to do was give peace a chance. So sad.

[@robjj5373]

Pity he couldn't give his wife peace by not beating her up every day.

[@Xcris_crosX]

@@robjj5373 I think Cynthia said he struck her once adding she would not have stayed with him if he would've done it again. After their breakup he admitted publicly of his temper and sincerely apologized to her. Which is a hell of lot more than what many so-called men would've done. At any rate Cynthia accepted his apology which is good enough for me

[@NunYaO]

'Give peace a chance' was a better song, IMO

[@Critical_hippo]

because he was a marxist

[@Jabbberwocky]

@@becca8225 True. Everyone lives in the gray: however, those how true for the 'light' garner more respect from me personally. I don't know of any one who hasn't shot for the light and hit someone with a stray bullet so speak. So I tend to base my opinions on those people on their aim, and level of damage when they miss.

[@Teresia12]

When this was released it flew up the charts to number 1. Everyone fell in love with it. We young hippies were blown away. This old hippie still is. Every time I hear it I am once again transported to another world where every thing is as he imagined. And I am a Christian. I am also a dreamer. This is an iconic song.

[@oldsensei8350]

Amen

[@myYJadventure]

I get you, still remains my favorite song and dream.

[@keithclark6299]

I don't think it did, it flew to No 1 after he had been shot dead, well in the UK anyway, it wasn't released as a single in UK until 1975.

[@figfigYT]

Get off the drugs then

[@MayorBrownn]

Stay on the drugs then

[@dannygreen7534]

Original recorded in 1971 during the height of Vietnam war. Just his view on what the world would be like with peace and love.

[@Blasserman]

Yes, great comment. please do note it was 1971.

[@Critical_hippo]

peace and love through marxism

[@josephhewes4894]

John Lennon later considered this period of his life as a naive period. The idea that the differences of religion and national heritage (countries) and disparities of wealth could be trivialized, and that if we could just get over these tiny differences, is extremely naive. There will always be major differences in people, access to wealth and resources, and nations competing for these things, and thus there will always be strife. There will always be the strong, attempting to dominate the weak. It's easy to love songs with platitudes. Not so easy, real world, to mitigate the major differences in peoples and nations.

[@agnesregards2286]

The name of the song is Imagine - John Lennon is simply asking us to imagine a world where countries, borders, religions, etc, dont matter, and to instead picture our world as one that embraces togetherness as humans with no need for discrimination, hate or war. It was a song of peace. He is and was a legend, as was this song.

[@tslayer87]

Or he was warning us of something to come to reality. Maybe that’s why he was assasinated , he knew the plans and was killed before he could give anymore away. Listen to the song again and picture the world right now in 2021

[@jamescoomer4413]

I agree that every person has value, but I do not support John Lennon's naive utopian interpretation (tribute) of communism. Song's message is Anti God, Anti Religion, Anti Society and Anti Family. These messages couched in flowery phrases within an enchanted melody. "Propaganda" at its' very best! Idealology that this song disavows is exactly the beliefs and behaviors that will positively effect the manner in which we engage with others.

[@jeaniebottoms8261]

Having lived in those times, this song was an anthem for peace then and remains so now.

[@fiverx2159]

the best message of any song ever

[@gregvergara7596]

Lol, yes, for communists.

[@kushstein]

How do you go your whole life without hearing this song? It’s just one of those songs you should’ve heard somewhere before, at least once.

[@j.h.3777]

Even China used it opening their olympics.

[@xlDysenterylx]

This was exactly what I came here to ask. 😂

[@alexandrorocca7142]

I don't know anything about him, but from what I hear from a lot of black reactors, they literally listened only to specific genres of music for their entire lives. Many of them also missed great black musicians that most white people know, which is bananas.

[@Antigravity0001]

i was a little child when 1st listen this song it soo hard to me to believe that you didnt, he was a legend before the assassination and become the legend is now, sorry dont buying it

[@opaulamorgan4265]

I wonder the same thing, and about many other iconic songs! It seems that unless a person had family members, mother, father, sister, brothers, etc. who had these recordings and was exposed to them, or unless that person was of a generation of the song being popular that they may never know the song existed! I am shocked when many of the sites that "react" have never heard of the "Bee Gees, Chuck Berry, or even the Beatles!

[@markconners6195]

That song gets me every time. Such beautiful poetry and music.

[@sherryarflin726]

I have three songs that I consider are the best songs ever written and “Imagine” is one of them. All he’s saying is that if everyone would quit judging each other for their beliefs and just excepted each for who they are. The world could be a better place. We all know it’s not possible, but there’s nothing wrong in wishing it so. I was a teenager in 75 and I can tell you we loved this song.

[@TheKatherine1958]

One of my favorite songs of all time. I love it so much. I love John Lennon. He wanted world peace. Beautiful. John Lennon was shot to death in front of his apartment in NYC in 1980 by a crazed fan. He was an original member of The Beatles whom I also love. He should still be here. Such a sad, ending.

[@rubyleuty9417]

He was shot December 8, 1980

[@TheKatherine1958]

@@rubyleuty9417 you are so right! What was I thinking? Thank you for correcting me! 😊 I remember hearing it for the first time, where I was, etc. I don’t know why I put 1981. SMH

[@craigreid7178]

This was a huge hit when it came out. There was a lot of sentiment across the nation for these ideas. He seems to be saying that if we put aside all the things that we use to divide ourselves there would be peace and love amongst all the world.

[@natechenry]

He should be here still. Such a total shame.

[@Wellch]

John Chapman

[@tonydelapa1911]

@@Wellch Mark David Chapman

[@thedarcbird]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX-cnZmYZdegpsU

[@brownwestmoreland1077]

One of the greatest songs in music history.

[@MrJurgen]

@Fascist liberali Bro you good?

[@JoelWende]

@Fascist liberali Jog on man!

[@WillyPete13]

Great song, until the last verse, when Lennon reverts to his usual 'spoiled brat' mode... :(

[@philobeddoe3495]

Did you mean worst songs in music history? Right up there with Rocking Robin?

[@MrJurgen]

@@philobeddoe3495 why?

[@pamelastokes2964]

John was a beautiful man. I think you missed what he was singing about. It was a time of war and strife in the world. He is speaking of a dream of peace in the world and unity of all people. No judgment about race, color, or creed.😊

[@roxanneking618]

I just don't understand, I can't! How have you never heard this? Im having such a hard time! I feel so sad that you never heard some of thee most iconic groups and songs of all time! You are bringing me to tears 😔😞

[@jerryjerry8673]

As long as there is religion, country's, and greed. There will never Peace. Imagine that.

[@debbiechang5781]

I am amazed, with your wealth of experience, that you have never heard this song. It’s pretty iconic. The loss of this man through an act of senseless violence, is devastating. 🌺✌️

[@powerdavid6235]

When someone claims they're in the music business then says they've never heard Imagine before makes me doubt their music knowledge. There are lost tribes living in the rain forests that have heard this song.

[@Fonoyb]

You do know what this channel is about right?

[@debbiechang5781]

@@Fonoyb I don’t know what you mean. Am I missing something?

[@milowadlin]

In 1980 we gathered in Central Park to listen to this song and mark his passing.

[@beckyd.236]

He is not saying he believes all those things, he is just saying Imagine!

[@paulknight9998]

It's not primarily an anti-war song or a communist song. The message of the song is that reality starts in your mind. Reality is only limited to your own ability to imagine it. If you can imagine something, it has the potential to manifest. Most people are not intelligent or sensible enough to pick up on the true message of the song. Very good, Becky!

[@TechnicallyTexan]

He believes every single word, and he’s encouraging all of us to believe with him in the dream of world peace.

[@oldsensei8350]

It should be an obvious message he doesn't want people to keep killing and dying in the name of God or the name of religion and sadly they still are and they also kill for possessions or monetary gain any notes that there are so many countries and because of that there's borders and all kinds of trouble

[@solxplosion1978]

One of the greatest songs of all time.

[@Chrisfragger1]

It's a pipe dream such by a hypocrite who would, if he could, kill millions...

[@sherryheim5504]

This is John Lennon, of course it will be great. This is such a beautiful song and such a beautiful idea. This song was huge when it came out and typical John Lennon style of writing. The point is to eliminate differences and those things that generate prejudices and separate us. Truly, all you need is love which is another amazing song of his.

[@rgCA_01123]

How have you not heard this song before? Do you mean you haven't heard this recording of it?!?? That's crazy if you've never heard this song before 🤯

[@roymoore3156]

Yes. I’m somewhat curious how you could travel the world so extensively and NOT hear music that has been big and iconic since before you were born. How did you miss it? Why’d you miss it? I lived in Colombia during high school, and I found two of the biggest rock and roll records, this was 1973, of all time there in a tiny store on the edge of the jungle. I saw few products but there were albums and deep fried giant ants. Loved the music, never touched the ants.

[@rgCA_01123]

@@roymoore3156 Lol! 🐜🐜🐜🚫🎸🎼🎵🤘

[@roymoore3156]

It was and remains one of the biggest songs ever written, recorded and sung! Must have been in a cave somewhere, hidden away, unable to surface. Meanwhile, the Golden Age of Music zoomed on by you. It’s commendable you’re seeking it out now some now, but COME ON MAN !!! Let’s go Brandon !!!

[@xiapho]

reactors soon be like "First time trying food", "first time drinking water - ITS AMAZING", "First time trying oxygen through regular breathing - HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS?!?!" insert crazy thumbnail to all of them...

[@ed.z.]

Criticize what he doesn’t understand, much?

[@dougca7086]

I'm of the age-group you're speaking of and we questioned everything with good reason because nobody did before us and you need to question everybody and everything

[@kielia727]

We still need to question everything no matter our age. I will add , question everything with an open mind and a healthy measure of common sense.

[@KnittingmommyArts]

I can remember when this song was released as a single. It struck a chord with a lot of people. It topped the Billboard charts and the UK charts. After Lennon's death, it topped the charts again. It's one of those songs that is as relatable now as it was back then. It will probably always be one of those controversial because of that "no religion" line. It's been covered by more artists than any other song.

[@lessismore8533]

It’s definitely highly covered but another and I think more highly covered song is “Ain’t she Sweet” by the Beatles

[@josephfabriziodawson5566]

Yesterday is the most covered song of all time

[@raidernd81]

I'm actually surprised you had never heard this! This song is definitely one of the best songs ever written IMO. Keep up the great work!

[@jamjam8793]

This should be the worlds theme song now! What a beautiful place it would be 🌎💜💙

[@andreworr4307]

Yeah it would,but uh oh,human nature

[@joejacobsen6822]

@@andreworr4307 It would, but too many people hold too many nutso beliefs. Imagine giving up your religion... I did, I feel much better. Most of the other stuff is not up to me.

[@lucyh8188]

Far better versions out there of John performing this beautiful song ❤️

[@dtank7388]

This song is where the base of my beliefs come from. Love this song!!

[@chadwhite4236]

Same here brother!!

[@TechnicallyTexan]

SAME! John Lennon is my christ.

[@bluesfingers1]

You have to remember this was 1975. Vietnam was still a pretty fresh memory. That war was heavily televised so when this song came out it brought hope and a vision that was a polar opposite as to what had been on the TV for years. It went to number 1 so fast because people needed to believe that we could get back from that nightmare. Great song by a Beatle.

[@Fonoyb]

Thank you for opening your mind to music you didnt grow up with! Music brings People Together!

[@opaulamorgan4265]

Why not wait until the song is done before critiquing it without breaking in to offer up bits and pieces of how you feel about the meaning of the words. "Imagine" is indeed a song of "idealism," and you are right, John Lennon had a right to express how he felt about "humanity" and he did so eloquently in this song.

[@carlday3538]

One of my fav songs of all time ... it's not about religion its about peace and love .. caring for your fellow man/woman /child no matter what creed or colour or "religion" .. we are all sharing this spinning rock we call home lets get along #peaceandLove

[@suepall5425]

One of the greatest songs ever written. So ahead of its time. John Lennon as prophet.

[@louisesampson5976]

Yes absolutely

[@karenmcgrady6349]

One of my favorite songs since it came out. I love his vision... and share his birthday :)

[@Kweghp]

Such a powerful song. Exactly what we need.

[@maryhanrahan]

I always viewed this as 'Imagine' if there were nothing to fight kill hate and wage war over - he was just putting out there all the things people generally do it for. Peace & brotherhood was the message I believe

[@0ldboy1]

This man hears almost all of the most popular songs of all time for the first time

[@SparkytheBlade]

There is no way at all that this is your first time hearing this.

[@davidkazinec64]

New listener to your channel , love the way you break down the song. I’m 60 and every time l listen to I learn something new, you’re very intelligent love your channel and ty

[@sarahjane8146]

Lennon was such a legend, his art held sway.

[@darrenhoskins8382]

Never heard this song before???? Possibly one if the 2 or 3 most famous songs ever surely ? By one of the most exalted songwriters of all time… speaking universal truths… (I ve never been THAT keen on it myself mind)….but still, first time hearing?!?!

[@philipkudrna5643]

Pentatonix have taken this song one step further in their music video and have transposed it into our age. Totally recommended to watch their interpretation of this alltime classic by one of the greatest songwriters of the last century. RIP John Lennon!

[@margiemcpeak9304]

🎸💯 John Lennon was so special‼🔥 RIP John. ❤🕊🙏

[@rubyleuty9417]

He's instilling a thought in the minds of every person affected by or living in a state of injustice or inequality, repeating the word “imagine,” forcing the audience to do just that. Imagine, picture a world with “no need for greed or hunger.” A world where there is peace and acceptance of everyone.Dec 21, 2016

[@TheNeonParadox]

Beautiful song by a beautiful man who was gone far too soon.

[@sidvicious2845]

Hi MrLboyd, I went on a mission for the Mormon church in '82' and was only allowed one day a week to write letters, get groceries and relax a little until 5pm when we went back to work! It was the only time I could listen to music and there were limitations on what I could listen to and read! I listened to Imagine by John Lennon then, probably not allowable listening, most every week only at this time, for a few months! I had heard it before, but was stunned as a missionary why he said "and no religion too!". I pondered this thru my mission and the more I pondered, the more my mind was open to question! The more I questioned, the more I observed in reality, in practice and the more uneasy I became with religion and it's negative effect upon members and investigators! It opened my mind in a new direction, caused me to question, got me into a lot of trouble for questioning! It wasn't the cause of my concern but it helped me isolate my thoughts! I left the religion in '85', a year after I completed the mission! I am no longer a member of any religion, not will I ever be, and I'm so grateful I learned and left! This song didn't cause it, it only provided the basis from which to question! I'm grateful for that basis, this song! If one dig deep into one's thoughts, one's subconscious, one can find the questions to lead to ones answers! When one's mind is open, one can realize that much of what has been called bad is good and what has been called good is bad! It all subjective! What's been called black is white and what's white is actually black! One realizes, that teaching is often subjective, and if one seeks truth, one must leave the nest, open ones eyes and question! As it's been some 7 months since you did this program, I'm not sure you will read this, but I hope you find it! Best wishes

[@willow0828]

A little trivia… after the Beatles broke up. John never performed on stage for money. If he was performing, it was to bring focus and attention to a cause or an injustice.

[@swannydeehosinpepper9655]

The official, studio version or official videos always sound the best..

[@frauleinmona]

I agree. I just posted a comment telling him just that.😊👍

[@patticrichton1135]

WHY wouldn't YOU like to live in a world like he describes, nothing to kill or die for, no greed, no hunger, no possessions, no religions, THINGS that cause fighting and wars. Through world history, more wars were started over religion, over borders (if you will). I for one would LOVE to live in a world where we ALL got along and there was NO NEED for wars, greed, hunger, and we all live in peace and love our fellow men and women. Heck of a lot better than what we have NOW.

[@patticrichton1135]

ABSOLUTELY!!! More wars have been started over religion, everyone thinking THEIR"S is the ONLY CORRECT one.

[@level4286]

"I have a dream" speech + "imagine" song = heaven on earth

[@ronbgone]

John Lennon convinced an entire generation that individually you could make a difference, but collectively we could change the world. Then he did.

[@Vandalspeed]

When Jeff Monson fought Tim Sylvia in the UFC, he entered the octagon with this song playing. Imagine seeing this muscle bound, tatted up monster walking to such a calm, beautiful song to fight for the championship. I have searched for the video but can't find it anywhere. I watched it live and it was one of the coolest things ever.

[@summerelder1264]

He's definitely my favorite Beatles member.... Love this song..... Ty for doing.... 🙏🤟✌️🤙👍💯💚

[@magsmusicfan2293]

Im finding this hilarious! Im sorry maybe its because Ive been a Beatles’ fan since I was 8 years old and I am now almost 50. Ive pretty much heard this song about a million times and Im not even joking! I even have a music box that plays it. I always tell people Im a music lover. If its good to me I love it no matter what the genre. I can swing Patsy Cline to Marilyn Manson and everywhere in between. If you havent watched the GREATEST 20 mins in rock history yet I suggest that one. Its Queen at Live Aid. If Lennon and Tyler blew your mind you are not gonna know what to do with Freddie Mercury live on stage! Please do it! You are doing yourself a disservice if you dont its that good!

[@MichelleMills1972]

we are all human, one planet. John Lennon and The Beatles are all inclusive. They believed in Love is Love before it became a meme. Same concept as Star Trek and Roddenberry's idea of the Federation, all inclusive. No greed, no one is better than another, love each other, peace no war.

[@rayniecox7683]

This was first released in 1971. It was a very popular song, still lots of hippies with these beliefs during this time. I was a teenager and loved this song ever since.😎😎😎😎

[@teresanewman4656]

So hard to believe you're never heard Imagine!

[@missytoe1975]

You have to understand it wasn't this time, it was a time I was born where people were not as accepting as they are now. This song makes me cry everytime I hear it as I wish everyone thought like him, I wish we could all love another regardless. His message was clear we as people need to see eachother as people. We also need to evolve love one another as we are all one. I've watched your videos and just subribed because I think you missed it here. He was killed for his views, his beliefs, his heart. He was fighting for everyone.

[@paulthompkins4150]

He said "No immigration too" bc at the time Nixon was trying to have Lennon deported bc of his anti-Vietnam views

[@joeloera24]

Check out A Perfect Circles cover to this. It give a completely different outlook on the song

[@JohnR32111]

John Lennon is still ahead of most artistically. Only special people can write timeless universal anthems like this with such elegant simplicity.

[@leannemayor5755]

I can’t believe you’d never heard it . It’s one of those songs a bit like band aide classic beautiful. He had broken up with the Beatles and him and yoko were all about world peace . Truely beautiful song xoxo

[@kimberlyianaro3774]

You really don't know what this song means to an entire generation from the 60's and 70's?? That is amazing. WOW

[@taz291819]

First and foremost, this is a beautiful song, but deep down inside, everyone knows where John Lennon was coming from in this song. The many interviews he did about this song explain his meaning and thought-process.

[@gator1381]

Sometimes I think this guy lived under a rock to not know the depth and breadth and immediate appreciation of this song.

[@frauleinmona]

Yes! I was absolutely dumbfounded!😵

[@louisesampson5976]

He just sung his words for peace And that is a beautiful thing to imagine……..

[@stevenmcburn4087]

The a perfect circle cover of imagine is still my favorite cover of all time. I remember listening to Lennon's as a kid and hearing APC's version later, and I'd say APC's version fits better in the more modern climate with the tone of it. I think this was the first time I've ever watched one of your videos and actually had to go listen to a different version of the song afterwards just because I hadn't heard it in awhile.

[@alyz8376]

No complain there !!!??? Are you kidding , this is literally one of the most amazing song with such an amazing message behind it made by an amazing song writer and still going strong , still amazes me watching allt these reactions how many still have not heard of this song , maybe in Europe we are different

[@MommaBird52]

Wow! I am impressed! Man of the world!

[@siren3197]

It's such a universal song. Hard to image you (or anyone) has not heard it before.

[@pattejomartin6275]

He was such a beautiful man & artist

[@wendywood7839]

one my favourite remind me of my dad and his records gram takes me back and the best part of time we all losted xx love it my bother 🇬🇧💗👍💋

[@JPCox123]

One of my absolute favourite songs!

[@kellywingard7624]

This song is so beautiful, to me it’s bringing up the division that is created with religion, countries, etc. none of that matters because we are all one and we should love all! ❤️

[@ThatHomelessScrubbalo]

Imagine if this was Written today... Ive felt this song since i could remember...

[@brianorzel1873]

He just wanted the world to be better, and he knew that love was the way. All those things he mentioned in this song are things that we fight over. Imagine those things stopped getting in the way of love.

[@marksterner7532]

Check out the A cappella group Pentatonix' version of Imagine, as they pay an amazing tribute to John Lennon's spiritual message! You may well decide to become a Pentaholic!

[@ThePIPdesign]

Your comment of "different UV" makes perfect sense! everyone should be taught this.

[@daustin439]

Itbwas 71 and it went over extremely well. Vietnam and free love opened up into flower children and the hippie era. Sign of the times.

[@jemieculp6847]

I used to serenade my cat with that when she was sick before she passed away. It made her so relaxed. It is such a serene song, but it always made me really sad.

[@AJ-ut8cz]

He has another song called god that is also very good.

[@dougoneill7266]

Pretending not to know this song is like pretending not to know that Madrid is in Spain. or that eggs come from chickens.

[@chrissmith1011]

I love your logic in approaching songs. You are the voice of reason in a world of Idiocracy.

[@frauleinmona]

Unfortunately, this time, he completely misinterpreted this song. Absolutely misunderstood it.

[@FourtyOunce]

Great song

[@davidsweeney1984]

This guy is supposedly a music historian and has never heard John Lennon's Imagine? Seriously? A well travelled man has never heard of John Lennon? I find that impossible to believe.

[@bemused9522]

Watching the Wheels and Jealous Guy are two fantastic songs by him.

[@MrDiddyDee]

This live performance is from 1975, but the song was released and a hit in 1971. It also topped the charts in 1980 after John Lennon was murdered, and it was in the top 20 chart in 2012 after being featured in the Summer Olympics. John said that his wife, Yoko Ono, was instrumental in the lyrics and she is now credited as a co-author. Check out his song 'God', where he takes it further by stating his lack of belief in everything but the love of his wife.

[@gregshimmin5334]

John had the worlds attention, he was ahead of the curve on a few thing.

[@cleonmagabeefy8473]

I love this performance😀😀😀

[@evaetterer6000]

John Lennon was realy great and his songs too, i like the way he stand for freeadom, peace and love ! He had a wish and i am feel sorry cause its never happens not ! I hope you understand me cause can understand what you say but i have problems with writing ! Greatings from germany ❤ ❤ ❤

[@davidannderson9796]

MrLBoyd I love your commentary, especially on people in other countries. It's very thoughtful. John Lennon would have loved your comments! Keep it up, the world could learn a lot from people like you!

[@frauleinmona]

Really? He completely misunderstood the song.

[@ronniestobbart4759]

The only song to ever be played world wide at the same moment.

[@robertlafond4804]

John Lennon was amazing singer and Songwriter.

[@donnaunangst2646]

This song was banned from the radio after 9/11....when they wanted us thinking about retaliation and annihilation instead of peace. It came back, I forget exactly how long it took. But I just thought that was worth mentioning. The lyrics and the overall feel of the song is beautiful.

[@Mwilkins8142]

I love your video breakdowns and how you keep a open mind. One of my favorite songs "Weight" album The last waltz.

[@TweedSuit]

This was his last live performance. He gave up music for the next 5 years to raise his son. He made a comeback album in 1980 and was shot dead soon after its release.

[@marfmang511]

This was an important message to end war back in the 70's

[@marthaz]

People get ugly and decisive over which subjects? "Country, Religion, Race..." John was an Ángel for peace, legendary musician, prolific songwriter. Huge catalog from him with Beatles and solo. Dive in - you can't go wrong.👍 Timeless message. 🙏 Love your sensitivity and genuine reactions 💕

[@justawhisperintheuniverse8257]

He had a dream. Many of us have dreams. His was a nice one. Unfortunately, other people dream the opposite. It would be wonderful if we could have no countries, open borders, and the world live as one under a just and equitable leadership. It won't happen in our lifetimes. I wonder if it ever will...

[@sandrahernandez569]

Hes performing in that video in 1975 but the song came out about 70 or 71