I get a lot of letters lambasting me about my thought's on Mr. Lennon's song Imagine. People have called me names unprintable on an all ages website. Often the adjectives and adverbs used are unprintable too. I have been called ignorant, stupid and various animal names and parts. Even human body parts, both male and female.
I have been told that I should have been shot instead of John.
All in John Lennon's defense from his fans who "get" the song that I obviously don't.
The letters below are from people who chose to attack me from a religious/theological perspective.

Hey "Music Guy"

What in the heck were you on when you put "Imagine" in the same category as "I Write the Songs" and "Afternoon Delight"? Sounds like he offended your Christianity to me...that hardly makes for a crap song.

As far as everything that's wrong with the modern world, religion (and George W.) are good places to start.
-nbergquist
Music Guy: Ease up, my friend!
:-)

First off, it is not in the official top 10, 20, even 40 worst songs.
It's my opinion, tweaked up a little to offend those who are easily offended.

Being an American, in the United States, I am entitled to that opinion.
I'm aware that having an opinion in some countries is a jailable offense, but, so far, I think I'm still allowed.
I'm also entitled to "tweak" almost anything I want.
;-)

I think that anti-religion, as expressed in the song, (no heaven, etc) are one of the things wrong with the world.
Religion being anything from the Judeo-Christian tradition to appreciating a higher power (the Great Spirit, as the Indians called it) making the trees grow, etc.

Based on your last statement, you blame everything wrong with the world on religion & republicans, via George Bush.
Where I come from, we're both entitled to those opinions!

To be clear, I have nothing against John Lennon. Several songs from his final album are among my favorite songs of all time.

BUT, I view "Imagine" as the hedonistic national anthem.
I think that PBS's Barney theme song put it more succinctly, and with a catchier melody. (I love you, you love me...).

I think it way over simplistic, and find it scary that so many people think of "Imagine" as such a wonderful goal.

Imagine all the people
living for today...
>Yeah, that's healthy.

Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
>We call that socialism.
I'm a big believer that man's desire to make things better for himself or herself is what truly can make him great.
Socialism eliminates incentive to do well.
Why bother working extra hard when the reward is the same for the shlub next to me?
This leads to long lines, waiting for scratchy toilet paper, as witnessed in Russia for that last 70 years, and often today.

As imperfect as it is, I prefer the upward struggle of capitalism we have to the "contentment" of...
Imagine no possessions,
I wonder if you can,
No need for greed or hunger,
A brotherhood of man,
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...

OK, the "no hunger" thing is nice, but it'd be cool to be invisible too.
Neither's gonna happen!
Before you get into my "not caring" - the typical response to my comments:

I do believe that giving to charity is an obligation. Receiving charity is not a right .

I also believe that if you give a man some fish to eat, he will eat for a day.
If you teach him to fish, he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
No wait, I meant he'll be able to catch his own fish tomorrow.
Or something like that.

Thanks for writing,
Music Guy

We got this one from dserafin@twcny.rr.com

We had to filter his language though.
I'm sure Mr Lennon would be proud that about 1/2 of those who disagree with the Music Guys' assessment of the song send us letters like this:

Remember me, you little hypocritical ***? I e-mailed you a couple of months ago and got nothing back. You know why? You are a *****. I also know why you go under an alias. Because you are a *****. You say that "Imagine" is 'pro-hedonistic' and which is obviously ********, yet you say that "Afternoon Delight" is NOT about afternoon sex, which apparently you think is not hedonistic? Hmmmmm...

Also, I read your lame "defense" of your opinions. It was pretty ******* weak, if you ask me. Of course, you have the right as a US citizen to express your opinions. So I will do what I have the freedom to do...express my opinion that you are A ******* ******! You know what? You sound like one of those stupid**** little redneck ****** saying **** like 'John Lennon was anti-patriotic and anti-God.' Yeah, maybe he didn't know what he was talking about when he said the Beatles were bigger than Jesus. But holy ****, did morons like you blow it out of proportion!

Can't you tell that John Lennon wasn't COMPLETELY SERIOUS when he sang the song "Imagine"? LOOK AT THE TITLE!!!!!!!
IMAGINE
Lennon is only telling us to IMAGINE what the world will be like if it wasn't polluted with ignorant ********* like you. Do some more research before you spew out your lame**** opinions, you little ****t!
Feel free to respond. Have a nice day. . .

I get dozens of e-mails every day and actually respond to just about every one.
I never got yours, or my response was rejected by your host, which happens about 10% of the time.
I don't recall yours at all.
If this e-mail comes back rejected (as many do from rr.com) I'll post your letter as is, with your e-mail addy, except getting rid of the foul words you used.

I never said that AFTERNOON DELIGHT was not about sex.

Normally, I'd have a civil conversation with you, but you have given me no reason to have one with you.

Have a nice life...
-Music Guy