Imagine

The Story of a Song

By: Charles J. Shields

Narrated by: Brian Troxell

From the acclaimed literary biographer of Kurt Vonnegut and Harper Lee comes the life story of a song, one of the most iconic ever written: John Lennon's "Imagine".

"Twenty-two lines of graceful, plain-spoken faith in the power of a world to repair and change itself," said Rolling Stone. Only 183 seconds long, the simple melody and poetry captured the wounded hopefulness of its moment - and transcended its time to inspire generations that followed.

Charles J. Shields traces the song's origins - from the fire-bombing of Tokyo during Yoko Ono's youth to the violent death of Lennon's mother during his adolescence, from Lennon's post-Ed Sullivan skepticism to John and Yoko's Bed-Ins of 1969 - and unearths the secrets of its lasting import. If music can change the world, "Imagine" came as close as any song might. This is its story.

©2014 Charles J. Shields (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Background on the Song

This was the interesting background for the lovely song “Imagine” by the late John Lennon. A history for John and Yoko, then a brief history of the Beatles. I hope they do more of these short stories, this was entertaining.

Favorite song of all time

Was quite an interesting story about the song and of course, John Lennon and Yoko Ono. I definitely enjoyed the story.

i learned

one of my favorites and why paparazzi has become a bad word.glad i listened to

Quick listen

‘Imagine’ is a good overview covering the history surrounding the Beatles era, from snippets of their lives to UK society at the time. Nice for a quick listen.

Excellent!!

A very well put together history of the song. I was impressed by the thorough research and background behind it. I thought the narration was excellent as well!