OPINION:
As a life-long Beatles fan, I enjoyed Robert Knight’s witty response to the notion that John Lennon’s song, “Imagine” become a candidate for our new national anthem (“Left-wing activist wants to replace ’Star-Spangled Banner’ with Lennon’s ’Imagine,’” Web, July 3). I agree with him that “Imagine” might not be the best choice, since it eschews nationalism. But a composition from Lennon is worth considering. Lennon always loved America. He gained permanent residency in 1976 with hopes of becoming a citizen. It was through Beatles music that many White Americans learned about the marvelous array of Black artists in their own country, from Chuck Berry and Little Richard to Smokey Robinson and Arthur Alexander.
Mr. Knight overlooks the fact that Lennon (and his fellow Beatles) always had a spiritual side. “Tomorrow Never Knows,” “Julia,” “Across the Universe” and “Instant Karma” are among the songs that reflect a search into the non-material world. One can question religion without, in Mr. Knight’s words, “penning an ode to atheism.”
Regarding Lennon’s quip about people getting hooked onto the teacher rather than the teacher’s message, Mr. Knight might consult the song “God.” In it Lennon questions the human penchant for turning mortals into deities. He provides a litany of figures in whom he cautions belief, including Gita, Buddha, Elvis and most emphatically, the Beatles.
The Second Commandment forbidding the creation of idols echoes the song’s lyrics. Lennon knew first-hand the relationship between idols and zealots. He gained considerable wealth and worldwide fame from being an idol. And he was gunned down by a zealot.
Personally, I much prefer “Instant Karma” over “Imagine.” But I am not sure how the refrain “We all shine on” would sound to introduce ballgames and graduation ceremonies.
ALEXANDER E. HOOKE
Baltimore
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