This was 1970, remember. Peace and love still were a thing. John was campaigning for peace and love all over the world at a time when war and hate was a more dominant topic in the U.S. than today. Just three years earlier he had written “All You Need Is Love” and “Imagine” is several cuts above those lyrics.
I suppose that if anyone can somehow read “austerity” into “Imagine’s” lyrics they’re not going to be swayed by a nuance like context. John would hardly be the first person suddenly thrust into wealth and celebrity to be conflicted about the disparities between his privileged life and the majority. I would argue that the only people to listen to are the ones who **are **conflicted.
The world wasn’t going to change because of a song, as everybody in the sixties found out. But how do you like the way the world is today? Feeling groovy?
I like her Fluxus stuff, too! She would’ve had a really serious/significant art career even without the Lennon relationship, I’m convinced.
Totally OT Yoko-the-artist anecdote I must share: I saw a show of her sculpture work in the mid-90s. Some new works in bronze, but also some stuff from the 1960s. There was a funny piece in the latter group: piece of wood, two nails pounded in, and hanging from the nails by strings two condoms filled with water. Believe it was titled “You and Me” or something – can’t find it with a quick Google. Anyway, a cute, slightly racy joke piece.
In wandering around the gallery later, I turned a corner and ended up in a tiny, empty office cubicle. Desk, phone, computer. Probably some low-level gallery staffer’s.
Sitting on the floor … was a case of condoms. Like twice the size of a shoebox. Because, I assume, you have to switch them out once in a while – latex degrades.
I just found that hilarious. That piece of art has survived through the decades, having its condom components switched out every so often – probably by an endless series of beautiful young people, each so excited to be working in the glamorous art world!
I happen to like the song myself. One of John’s best? I don’t know about that.
But I have to say one of the most moving moments in my 50+ years as a Beatles fan was back in 1980 when Imagine was played on my local FM station at the end of the 10-minute silence.