Music | August 08, 2008 | 17 comments

No Religion or Countries: American TV Imagines John Lennon Never Wrote That Second Verse

source: http://www.powersperspective.com/powers_perspective/2008/08/american-tv-imagines-john-lenn.html

AndreaKnoll
I've just finished watching the finale of So You Think You Can Dance, a rare talent show that actually puts the emphasis on talent. I'm happy that street dancer Joshua won against the odds, and stiff competition from those with more formal training, though I have to admit I was rooting for Katie (who came in third) and the Debbie Allen trained Will (who got knocked out way earlier than I think anyone expected).

One of the nicest moments of last night's show was watching Kate and Will reprise one of the most stunning performances of season four, their pas de deux, which was choreographed by Desmond Richardson & Dwight Rhoden and set to LDS American Idol contender David Archuleta's interpretation of the John Lennon song "Imagine."

I love the song, it's one of my all-time favorites, and Archuleta's performance has its merits, but here's where I have a problem; American TV seems to have a very selective memory when it comes to the song's lyrics. It's like the majority of the nation has mass amnesia when it comes to that sociopolitically tricky second verse, you know, the really profound one which talks about doing away with religions and countries in order to achieve world peace. In case you've forgotten, since the verse in question is almost always edited out when the song is broadcast on TV, this is the message Lennon intended us to hear:

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
Living life in peace
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17 comments // No Religion or Countries: American TV Imagines John Lennon Never Wrote That Second Verse // Video

  • This_Is_Not_My_Name
  • lrgorman
    • 0
      lrgorman  

    • Incredible that they/he took the most profound lyrics out of one the greatest songs ever written just in case they offended anybody.

    • 3 years ago
  • Lizza
    • 0
      Lizza  
    • lrgorman:

      I think everybody has the right of an opinion. Not everybody has the same. This unbelievably talented 17 years old kid chose to sing what was the heart of the song for HIM! He also brought us to tears with an ‘out of this world’ rendition of “Imagine”, because he is able to touch peoples hearts and soul through his voice like no one has ever done before. He is a sensitive role model and extraordinary vocal artist and for me, it was the better version of the song ever, even though it had to be cut!!!

    • 3 years ago
  • AndreaKnoll
    • 0
      AndreaKnoll  

    • Yes, but does he have the right to rip the heart out of this song? It's like looking at the Mona Lisa with her smile blacked out.

      When a publisher of a song gives permission for a song to be used like this, he or she has the right to permit or deny such changes. I wonder if Yoko consciously approved these edits? John certainly would never have. This is disrespectful to his memory and everything he stood for.

    • 3 years ago
  • stopnoise
    • 0
      stopnoise  
    • AndreaKnoll:

      You are acting like you want to respond or speak for John Lennon. How do you know he would or would not approve the editing? I can tell you for my part that I would not waist a chance to correct a mistake if I could. That means if someone alive goes back and correct some of my mistakes, that act would thrill me and I would be deeply thankful for that.

    • 3 years ago
  • huntre
  • Lizza
    • 0
      Lizza  
    • AndreaKnoll:

      I think everybody has the right of an opinion. Not everybody has the same. This unbelievably talented 17 years old kid chose to sing what was the heart of the song for HIM! He also brought us to tears with an ‘out of this world’ rendition of “Imagine”, because he is able to touch peoples hearts and soul through his voice like no one has ever done before. He is a sensitive role model and extraordinary vocal artist and for me, it was the better version of the song ever, even though it had to be cut!!!

    • 3 years ago
  • stopnoise
    • 0
      stopnoise  
    • AndreaKnoll:

      huntre, if you are commenting on my comment, No I did not suggested that. Some of the things I am trying to express is that no one can know what John Lennon would approve or not since he is not physically with us. Anyone trying to speak for him wouldn't be very credible. At the time he wrote the lyrics he possibly thought that "Religion" was the source of people's disagreement. However if you think and reflect clearly, it is not Religion that is the problem but people that interpret it wrong, they are the source of the problem.

    • 3 years ago
  • Lizza
    • 0
      Lizza  

    • David Archuleta is a very genuine, authentic young man who was born with a God-given vocal gift, capable of creating such a vast array of nuances in his vocal production and the artistry he exhibits at the age of seventeen is simply unbelievable. This sensitive little kid loves music and feels it with his heart and soul. As he himself had to choose which part of the song had to be sang, to be contained in 1 minute and a half, his choice was the verse about a brotherhood of man in a world without famine and greed. This part touched his young heart more than the other one. By the way, he gave us a stellar performance and explained his choice when asked by the judges.

    • 3 years ago
  • stopnoise
    • 0
      stopnoise  

    • Many times I ask myself why God allow me to see what many people miss it. It must be an issue of group philosophy and understand the true nature of the World history and Culture. Even a genius like John Lennon can prove that we humans make mistakes. To say we want a world without religions is just propose to deny our whole entire Culture. My simple question is: -Why not just preserve our memories, cultures and histories and still be united in Love?

    • 3 years ago
  • AndreaKnoll
  • huntre
    • 0
      huntre  

    • I've every reason to believe that Mr. Lennon would've been deeply hurt and offended that his song had it's heart and soul cut out of it.

    • 3 years ago
  • WorldPeaceTV
    • 0
      WorldPeaceTV  
    • huntre:

      Sorry about the wrong post..thinking of another post..but... I really believe John would love the love being passed around with his 'flavor'..his heart and soul. Also, some popular artists have confessed they got ideas not only from him, but from Bach, Mozart and more...sorry to disagree and no disrespect intended, I appreciate your input!

    • 3 years ago
  • huntre
    • 0
      huntre  
    • huntre:

      No problem. I still strongly feel that his imagining a peaceful world without bounderies, all on the same page, with no religious differences was, and is, still valid, important and refreshing.

    • 3 years ago
  • darkhorsejim
    • 0
      darkhorsejim  

    • It’s amazing how enlightened John really was/is. His music is more powerful & appropriate now than it ever was. If only the world would stop, take the time to listen & become more enlightened themselves, we’d all be a lot happier & healthier. His simplistic musical genius & life views are timeless. Not a day passes that I do not stop & reflect upon this wonderful man’s messages & musical works that leave me wondering Imagine if…

    • 3 years ago
  • aquamammal
  • WorldPeaceTV
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