Imagine

The harmony of 'Imagine' is deceptively simple but relies on the 'dreamy' quality of the Imaj7 and the 'hopeful' lift of the III7 (E7). Unlike generic pop songs that stay strictly within the I-IV-V-vi diatonic set, the inclusion of the E7 adds a sophisticated emotional depth typical of Lennon's post-Beatles songwriting. The use of the major 7th in the verse prevents the C major home key from feeling too static or juvenile.

Written in early 1971, the song is a humanist anthem that explores the idea of a world without the barriers of religion, nationality, or private property. Lennon composed the melody and lyrics on a Steinway piano in his bedroom at his Tittenhurst Park estate.

Released in 1971, 'Imagine' stands as John Lennon's signature solo masterpiece and a universal hymn for global unity. The song balances a simple, elegant melody with radical utopian ideals, securing its legacy as one of the most influential compositions in music history.