Imagine lyrics were first imagined by John Lennon 39 years ago. Today, Imagine lyrics are being sung along to by Lennon's many 
fans, on the 30th anniversary of his death. He died nine years after
releasing what may be his most famous song, which is saying something. But for all of the hits on his resume, both solo and with the Beatles, this one has lived on even more than the others. Not only did "Imagine" make musical history, it became a part of world history as well.
In 1971, Lennon was in the throes of his solo career just a year after the Beatles broke up. His first solo album, "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band," was released in 1970, yet an even bigger statement would come with his second album.
"Imagine" kicked off his second solo album, which was also titled "Imagine." In the song, he proposed a world without Heaven, religions, nations, possessions, greed and hunger, among other things. For all of his previous pronouncements of peace and love in his music and politics, this was his most explicit call for a new world.
Naturally, since he called for an end to both war and religion, controversy came on many fronts. It also helped kick off the Nixon administration's campaign to have him deported over the next few years. Yet, among Lennon's base, the song cemented him as their greatest idol.
Today, the lyrics are as quoted as "Give Peace A Chance" and "Instant Karma," if not more so. Not only do music fans constantly listen to it, but so do peace activists, atheists, and all others who cite it as a cry for change.
In many ways, the song is a main reason why Lennon is still celebrated today - and why his death is still mourned so publicly. Thanks in part to this song, he achieved even greater fame as a solo artist than he did as just a member of the Beatles. Although he will always be a Beatle, he stands alone with his level of fame and popularity, and his meaning to millions around the world.
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