Julian Lennon, son of legendary musician John Lennon, has said repeatedly that he has no intention of ever playing his father’s song “Imagine.”
The singer had previously said he would only play it if the end of the world was near, but now he thinks everyone should hear his dad’s last words.
However, the 59-year-old felt obligated to sing the song in public as part of the 2022 Global Citizen’s Stand Up for Ukraine fundraiser because of the current violence in Ukraine.
Even though his father’s song was published in 1971, Julian’s interpretation was equally as moving as the original.
After reading about the “unimaginable tragedy” in Ukraine, Julian felt compelled to “respond in the most significant way I could.”
A light at the end of the tunnel is what the song is about, he wrote. “Millions of innocent families have been forced to leave the safety of their homes to seek asylum elsewhere as a result of the ongoing murderous violence.”
Since the beginning of the conflict in late February, more than 4.5 million people have left their homes throughout Ukraine.
According to Deadline, almost $10 billion was committed during Julian’s performance at a Global Citizen benefit for Ukrainian migrants.
Half of the funding came from international governments, corporations, and individuals, while the other half came from grants and loans from public European financial institutions.
Julian, the son of John and Cynthia Lennon, urged the global community to aid not just refugees in Ukraine but also those in search of a better life in other parts of the globe.
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I urge heads of state and all those who share the values of IMAGINE to take a position in support of refugees worldwide. Please be passionate in your advocacy and generosity.
Just stunning. I can’t find the words to do justice to Julian’s account and his plea for aid to those fleeing the fighting in Ukraine. Share Julian Lennon’s “Imagine” to help bring about global understanding and harmony.