How might you rewrite ‘Imagine’

How might you rewrite the lyrics to the song ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon? Where would your imagination lead if you stopped for a moment to spend time with a pen, a paper and a tune to describe the world you seek in words that we could all sing along.

I gave that task once to a group of high school students.  I asked them to imagine the type of world they wanted as their own. 

Their lyrics led me to imagined places where there was no homework, drawing and daydreaming encouraged and sport compulsory almost all of the school day.

But they also shared a more intense, thought provoking side to their dreams for a better future. Their lyrics, too, demanded action on climate change, excessive waste and sought an end to poverty and hunger.

They were an incredible, imaginative group learning the power of imagination, that it can, and sometimes does, lead to a change in the world. A massive shift, a seismic lift-off, a fresh start.

In each example, they witnessed their everyday and challenged it, dreamed up something different. For some, it was fun, a bit of a lark, a giggle we could all share. For others, it was a more serious exercise. For all, it demonstrated that accessing your imagination, that very human essence of who we are, is a skill we all possess. It can be developed with practice.

So here’s a challenge for you: how might you rewrite the lyrics to ‘Imagine,’ how might you describe the world you seek? At work, in your community, your nation, in your everyday life?

If you share your lyrics in the comments, and I hope you will, we might just sing along.

For a refresher, here is an excerpt of John Lennon’s famous words:

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

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one