John Lennon wrote “Imagine” in early 1971, inspired by his and Yoko Ono’s peace activism and Ono’s poetry book Grapefruit, which uses “imagine” as an invitation to envision a different world. Recorded at his home studio and released on the 1971 album Imagine, the song presents a utopian vision: no borders, no possessions, and no religious or national divisions. Initially, Lennon downplayed Ono’s role, but later acknowledged her as a co-writer. Over time, “Imagine” became an unofficial global peace anthem. It was performed at anti-war rallies during the Vietnam era, at Amnesty International and human rights events, and in memorials after tragedies such as 9/11. Artists across genres have covered it to call for unity and nonviolence. At the 2012 London Olympics closing ceremony and various New Year’s and global charity broadcasts, the song has been used to symbolize shared hope for a more peaceful, borderless world, keeping Lennon’s message central to modern peace movements.