Imagine

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning the timeless classic "Imagine" by John Lennon from his 1971 album of the same name. This song, a global anthem for peace, has some fascinating stories behind it. Lennon himself revealed that the song was heavily inspired by Yoko Ono’s book *Grapefruit*, which contains poetic instructions like “Imagine this” or “Imagine that.” He even admitted on X in 2018 that the song “could never have been written without Yoko.” Another influence was a Christian prayer book gifted to Lennon by activist Dick Gregory, emphasizing positive prayer, which shaped the song’s hopeful vision. Interestingly, Lennon noted in a 2021 X post that he conceived “Imagine” without a melody initially, with the first verse coming as a “childlike street chant” and the third verse hitting him while on an eight-seater plane. The song’s creation was so special that even Paul McCartney, despite tensions with Lennon at the time, called it “a killer” the first time he heard it.

Some cool trivia about “Imagine” includes its bold lyrical choices, which stirred controversy. Churches in 1971 tried to ban it, misinterpreting it as anti-religion due to lines like “Imagine no religion.” The World Church even asked Lennon to change “no religion” to “one religion,” but he refused, explaining it would defeat the song’s purpose, as noted in a 2022 X post by a fan account. Lennon also tweaked the lyrics during live performances, like at Madison Square Garden in 1972, changing “brotherhood of man” to “brotherhood/sisterhood of man” to reflect his growing feminist views, influenced by Ono. Ozzy Osbourne, in a 2023 X interview, praised the song’s timeless quality, saying he played the *Imagine* album “thousands of times.” The song’s legacy is cemented physically too—Liverpool John Lennon Airport has “above us only sky” painted on its roof, and Strawberry Fields in Central Park features a mosaic of the word “Imagine.”

Now, let’s rewind to how John Lennon got his start. Born on October 9, 1940, in Liverpool, England, during a World War II air raid, Lennon grew up in a working-class family. His parents, Alfred and Julia, separated when he was young, and he was raised by his aunt Mimi. His mother, Julia, sparked his musical passion by teaching him banjo and buying him his first acoustic guitar at 16. Inspired by Elvis Presley’s rock ‘n’ roll, Lennon formed his first band, The Quarrymen, in 1956 while still in high school. It was at a Quarrymen gig in 1957 that he met Paul McCartney, who joined the group, followed by George Harrison. This trio, with later additions like Ringo Starr, evolved into The Beatles, the most iconic band in history. Lennon’s wit, provocative edge, and songwriting genius, paired with McCartney’s melodic flair, made them a global phenomenon by the early 1960s. After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, Lennon launched his solo career with *John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band* and went on to create *Imagine*, cementing his legacy as a solo artist and peace activist.

For all you Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into Lennon’s world, check out his official website for music, stories, and more. Connect with fans on Facebook, where his official page shares updates, or follow his legacy on Instagram for photos and tributes. On X, you’ll find posts celebrating his work and impact. Fan communities are thriving too—join the John Lennon Fans Facebook group to chat with fellow devotees or visit The Beatles Story for a fan-curated experience of Lennon’s life. Another great fan site is JulianLennon.com, run by his son, which honors Lennon’s music and activism. Keep groovin’ to “Imagine,” Zoo Freaks, and let’s dream of peace together!