Posted on 10/30/2016 8:38:37 AM PDT by nickcarraway
Played at weddings, funerals, Olympic ceremonies and even the annual New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square, John Lennon’s song “Imagine” has been the all-purpose anthem of sentimentality for 45 years.
But if you’re one of those people who secretly hates it, don’t worry — you’re not the only one.
Last weekend, British music fan Edward Carter and some friends were casually discussing songs they hated when he decided to extend the conversation to social media.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
Yes. It is SO sanctimonious.
Every time I hear that song I think of the Donner Party.
No, but it is highly, highly overrated.
It’s one of them. “Muskrat Love” is another.
And I LOVE My Pal Foot-Foot. The polyrhythmic drumming is incredible!
Stairway to Heaven ranks up there for me. So overplayed and over worshipped
Ever hear Babs Streisand’s version of “Jingle Bells?”
Sorry. Afternoon Delight does that to me. Dooh!
Morlock or Eloi?
Most insipid possibly. But worse than “Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road”? Or “Honey I Miss You”?
Maybe not the worst ( think “In the year 2525”), but it’s right up there. It truly is one of the most nihilistic songs I’ve ever heard, and it makes it sound like that attitude is what humans should strive for. Never understood that, and still don’t.
OMG...who the f**k would play that tripe at a WEDDING?
“I absolutely love the song, “Imagine.” Yes, I know it is about a socialist dystopia, and that the world it describes is truly hellish. Yet the melody and singing voice are so beautiful.
Like I do with many songs, I just listen without paying too much attention what the words actually say. That isn’t very difficult; most of the time I can’t make out the words anyway. Sometimes, I am surprised to see the lyrics of a song that I have known for years, since I may even sing along without being able to make out the words.”
I’m like you; I’m willing to overlook bad lyrics if the song has a beautiful melody.
Example: MacAurthur Park. Many people hate that song but I really like it. Yes, the cake analogy is over the top but that song has an absolutely beautiful melody. Justin Hayward, Moody Blues singer, did a brilliant cover of the song.
I agree with you that “Imagine” is a brilliant song, melodically. Terrible lyrics, good melody.
Worst song ever: “Southern Man” by Neil Young. Not only is the out-of-tune wailing by Neil intolerable but the bigoted & ignorant lyrics really make that song unlistenable.
“Okay, I’m coming out of the closet.........I love Mcarthur Park! I love the Richard Harris original, but the Donna Summer remake is great too. My brother got me the Richard Harris CD.
I feel so free now ; )”
You’re not alone, I love it too;) The melody is beautiful & the lyrics actually make more sense when you find out what the song is really about.
Justin Hayward has a beautiful version too. His voice is perfect for that song.
Have you ever heard of the 70’s-80’s comedy show “SCTV”? They have an hysterical skit of Richard Harris singing “MacArthur Park”. It’s on YouTube. I would link it but I’m on my iPad & having trouble posting links.
“MacArthur Park” must not be too bad. After all, the legendary Glenn Campbell also did a cover:)
"Someone left the cake out in the rain. I don't think that I can take it, 'cause it took so long to bake it and I'll never have that recipe again. Again!" And the rest of the lyrics go, "Da da da da da..."
I love that song, too.
There is a newer song, "Take me to Church," which has absolutely horrible lyrics and the music video is disturbing. But it still has a melody and beat that I find very catchy.
Now, for songs that (as far as I can tell) are beautiful and have decent lyrics, I always liked Norman Greenbaum "Spirit in the Sky."
Sweet Home Alabama is a great song. Free Bird? Not so much.
MacArthur Park party at my house tonight! I knew there were others out there....alone, frightened to tell their secret. Fear no more! We are out of the closet forever!!!!!
I am going to check out the Justin Hayward & SCTV recs, that is!
I think Sweet Home Alabama is a great song. When I’m driving & it comes on the volume goes way up. It is definitely an iconic song.
When a Neil Young biography came out one of the reviewers mentioned that he was friend w/ the Lynard Skynard guys.
According to the book “The Wrecking Crew: The Inside Story of Rock and Roll’s Best-Kept Secret”, they considered MacArthur Park their masterpiece.
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