The antithesis of a call to arms, John Lennon’s “Imagine” is one of the most beautiful and awe inspiring songs of all time.

Released in 1971, deep in the heart of the Vietnam War, on his solo album of the same name, “Imagine” asks listeners to envision a world of peace and unity. It peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and remains one of the most well-known and respected songs worldwide.

Now I understand what you have to do. Put your political message across with a little honey. This is what we do… to try to change the apathy of young people."

Despite the popularity of the song, some have criticized its message and Lennon’s sincerity in living out its message. The 1993 novel, The Giver, depicts a utopia similar to that in “Imagine” and then depicts that dream as tragically flawed, since what it takes to remove the bad from society in this manner also necessarily removes the equivalent wisdom, joy, and passion.