Inspired by an earlier thread about songs that have little chance of being followed-up by anything of significance, I replied that Neil Young’s version of John Lennon’s “Imagine” as part of the 9/11 telethon had me almost turned into a blubbering pool of jelly.
Well here it is. Even Neil seems to be having a hard time keeping it together, especially during the first few lines, and the closing.
Can anyone watch this and not get choked up?
A great rendition of the song, but for me I would have preferred he can the string section and just have him at the piano.
I don’t mean to piss in the punchbowl, but I always hated that song for its naivety, and especially so in the days after 9/11.
Alicia Keys had the most moving performance of the telethon, IMO.
Well, you did piss in it. It’s just a song. What is the big deal?
Neil Young did a nice version of it–I’d never heard this cover before. I do think the strings add a bit of schmaltz, but such were the days post 9/11.
Hey sure, I see your point about the naivety - “Imagine there’s no countries” - and all. But as eleanorigby states, it’s just a song. This comes from the same guy who told us all we need is love. Sure, if you have a jillion dollars in the bank then perhaps all you do need is some love.
Anyway, Neil’s performance of this song, for me, was quite emotional to bear at the time. YMOV.*
*(Your Mileage Obviously Varies)
And drugs. Don’t forget the drugs.
As far as the 9/11 telethon, I thought the most compelling performance was James Taylor’s performance of “Fire & Rain” following by “On the Roof” during the Concert for NYC at MSG. Simple, beautiful song that hit just the right night between sadness and hope.
I too detest the song, but that’s a fine performance of it. Neil’s voice suits both it and the occasion very well.
Thanks for the clip. Just now seeing it. Neil seems fine. Good rendition of a powerful song.
I fink some of you are being too literal i.e. he also says ‘no hell below us’, and I don’t think he thought there was.
Maybe think about political and religious classes, who influences them, to what end and why, etc, etc. Age old stuff for sure … perhaps imaginging a world not warped by the agendas of money and power-crazed dysfuntionaries.
I’ve never interpreted the song as a suggested prescription for the world’s woes, but rather as a fantasy held for a few minutes that none of these problems or cultural solutions existed.