The Beatles were known for their creative flexibility, with no strict rules about who sang whose songs. While the songwriters typically chose who would perform their tracks, it wasn’t uncommon for John Lennon to sing a Paul McCartney composition, or for George Harrison to receive help on his own work. After Lennon’s tragic death, McCartney wanted to honor his late friend in any way he could, but one particular song remained off-limits for him: “Imagine.”
After The Beatles disbanded, Lennon and McCartney ventured down separate paths. Their divide grew wider when manager Allen Klein became involved, but that didn’t stop them from pouring their emotions into their music. McCartney may have concealed his true feelings behind albums like RAM, but Lennon was more direct, especially with his album Plastic Ono Band.
Lennon had found inner peace and wanted to share it with the world through “Imagine,” asking listeners to picture a world of unity and peace. While Lennon described the song as a sugar-coated version of his political beliefs, it resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.
However, McCartney chose not to perform “Imagine” during a 1990 tour, even though it was meant as a tribute for Lennon’s 50th birthday. McCartney explained in an interview with Rolling Stone, “I thought, ‘There’s no shame in performing these songs. I considered doing a big tribute to John, but then people started saying, ‘Why don’t you do ‘Imagine’?’. And I thought, ‘Fucking hell, Diana Ross does ‘Imagine’. They all do ‘Imagine.’ That’s when I backed off the whole thing.’”
Despite this, McCartney found other ways to honor his friend. He regularly included bits of Lennon’s songs in his live sets, like “Strawberry Fields Forever,” and ended with Lennon’s anthem, “Give Peace a Chance.”
Even today, McCartney isn’t shy about incorporating Beatles tracks into his performances, surprising audiences with deep cuts like Lennon’s “Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite.” However, McCartney’s most profound tribute to Lennon remains his own song “Here Today,” where he encapsulates their entire friendship in just three minutes, capturing the essence of their bond in every note. Each time he performs it, it feels as though Lennon’s spirit is listening along.
