UNRAVELLING THE VISION OF PEACE AND UNITY: A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF JOHN LENNON'S "IMAGINE"

This research investigates the iconic and timeless masterpiece song "Imagine" by John Lennon, seeking to unravel the profound messages and ideologies that lie beneath its evocative lyrics for peace, unity, and social change. The study employs Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) by Teun A. van Dijk to conduct a comprehensive analysis of macrostructure, superstructure, and microstructure of the song. This research adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing content analysis and thematic analysis to explore the meanings and messages conveyed in the lyrics. Content analysis is employed to examine the explicit messages and themes presented in the song, while thematic analysis delves into the implicit meanings and underlying ideologies. This study finds that in the level of macrostructure, the vision of a utopian world free from religious, national, and materialistic barriers emerges as the central message, emphasizing the value and dignity of every individual. The superstructure analysis delves into the construction of the song's elements and their cohesive arrangement, highlighting its universal appeal and global consciousness to participate actively in creating positive change to build a better world. The microstructure analysis investigates the nuanced meanings conveyed by specific linguistic elements, such as rhetorical devices, lexical choices, emotive language, and direct address. Beyond its explicit messages, "Imagine" serves as a critique of societal constructs that perpetuate divisions and inequalities, challenging listeners to imagine alternative ways of organizing society based on compassion and shared humanity.

. The second approach, language function, focuses on the active deployment of language to achieve a particular purpose.Concurrently, language forms scrutinize the internal grammatical structure of words, phrases, and expressions, contributing to the overall coherence and meaning (Jaelani, A & ETS Sujatna (2014).Lastly, the contextual analysis examines the circumstances that configure the setting for an event, statement, or idea, elucidating the factors critical for a comprehensive understanding.The comprehensive approaches recommended by Coulthard's (1996) theory center on the linguistic and structural aspects of the discourse, making it particularly well-suited for written and textual contexts.Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge the significance of spoken and interactive communication, where grammatical accuracy remains paramount to ensure a nuanced understanding.Widdowson (2000) defines Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) involves examining texts to uncover hidden ideologies as a structured representation of reality.The main goal of textual analysis is to identify how different ideologies are expressed through various text structures ( Van Dijk, 1997).Therefore, text creation is influenced by underlying ideologies.CDA relies on ideologies, social issues, and cultural contexts, which change with society's evolution.It provides insights into how words can be employed to perpetuate stereotypes, such as those related to race, politics, and morality.
CDA emerges as a rigorous scientific discipline that seeks to investigate the actual usage of language in communication.Stubbs (1983) explains that this field explores language in its natural form, encompassing both spoken and written manifestations, as exemplified in everyday interactions and exchanges.Van Dijk, a prominent scholar in text linguistics, discourse analysis, and critical discourse analysis, has proposed a comprehensive understanding of the structures that constitute a text.Van Dijk's (1991) model partitions the text into three distinct levels: (1) macrostructure, (2) superstructure, and (3) microstructure.
The macrostructure embodies the global meaning of a text, readily apparent through its overarching themes and topics, akin to the central theme in a news story.The analysis of macrostructure involves comprehending the text in the context of the surrounding social conditions, as the theme may not be overtly stated but emerges as a cohesive and coherent unity within the discourse.The superstructure, influenced by the base-superstructure schema from Marxist aesthetic theory, pertains to the organizational framework of the text, delineating how its constituent parts come together to form a cohesive whole.The microstructure explores into the nuanced meanings conveyed by specific linguistic elements, such as individual words, sentences, propositions, clauses, paraphrases, and images.Huda, Hidayat & Alek (2020) In the context of song lyrics, CDA reveals how language within songs becomes a vehicle for meaningful ideas and thoughts, which resonate with the listeners or enthusiasts.These lyrics, crafted with specific purposes in mind, serve as conduits for the authors' intentions, effectively communicating messages that may have political, religious, or social implications.
As an illustrative case, the iconic song "Imagine" by John Lennon serves as a prime exemplar of discourse analysis.The song characterizes a vision of a world with transformed perspectives-devoid of barriers such as heaven, countries, and possessions.It exhorts individuals to embrace peace, foster mutual care, and abandon needless wars.The song's profound impact on politics, religion, and society has sparked numerous movements, making it an essential subject for critical discourse analysis.
In this research, Van Dijk CDA's model is employed to dissect the transcendent song of humanity, peace, unity, and social change, The analysis meticulously explore three central elements: the macrostructure, which encapsulates the overarching meaning and theme; the superstructure, which governs the organizational framework of the song; and the microstructure which explores the nuanced meanings conveyed by specific linguistic elements.

METHOD
This research uses descriptive qualitative aiming aims to describe the form of critical discourse in the lyrics of the song "Imagine" by John Lennon which has a message about humanity and peace.The primary data for this study is the lyrics of the song "Imagine" by John Lennon.The song's lyric serves as the primary text for analysis, as they contain the discourse under investigation.
The researchers begin by analyzing the macrostructure of the song "Imagine."This involves identifying the overarching themes, topics, and central message that the song aims to convey.The researchers then consider the social context and historical backdrop during the song's creation and reception, as these factors can influence the song's macrostructure.The superstructure analysis focus on the organizational framework of the song's lyrics.The researchers identify how the lyrics are structured, including the use of verses and other literary devices that contribute to the song's cohesive narrative.The researchers pay attention to the sequencing of ideas and emotions within the song.The microstructure analysis delves into the specific linguistic elements within the song's lyrics.This includes examining individual words, phrases, metaphors, similes, and imagery used by John Lennon to convey his message effectively.Linguistic choices are identified that evoke emotions, create vivid mental images, and reinforce the song's core ideas.
The findings from the macrostructure, superstructure, and microstructure analyses are integrated and interpreted.How the three levels of discourse work together to amplify the song's message of peace, unity, and societal transformation are examined to discuss how the linguistic and structural elements contribute to the emotional impact and resonance of the song.

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION Findings
The text analysis is divided into three steps.The macrostructure, superstructure, and microstructure are all examined.Macro structure is linked to the text's overall meaning or topic.The superstructure is linked to the discourse's structure.The microstructure explores the nuanced meanings conveyed by specific linguistic elements.

Macro Structure
The thematic components that demonstrate the text's overall meaning are the subject matter of the macro structure's analysis.As Van dijk (1980) noted that this approach is aimed to contribute to the semantics of global structures in natural languages.The theme in the fundamental concepts helps to reveal the overall meaning, "the notion of macrostructure has a more limited function.It is used to account for the various notions of global meaning, such as topic, theme, or gist.
The macrostructure analysis of "Imagine" reveals a profound and cohesive message centered around the themes of peace, unity, and a vision of a harmonious world.The song's discourse unfolds as a seamless narrative, emphasizing a utopian society free from the divisions of heaven, hell, countries, possessions, and religious beliefs.
The first verse sets the stage for the overarching message by inviting listeners to envision a world without the concept of heaven or hell.Lennon emphasizes the ease of this imaginative exercise, suggesting that a harmonious reality is achievable if one only tries.The imagery of "above us, only sky" creates a sense of vastness and boundless possibilities, supporting the theme of a unified humanity.
The second verse expands on the vision of a unified world by removing the concept of countries and the associated conflicts and divisions they often entail.The line "Nothing to kill or die for" calls attention to the violence and wars often borne out of nationalistic ideologies.The song challenges listeners to imagine a world where the absence of borders and countries fosters a global community that values life and peace above all else.
The third verse continues the theme of unity by challenging the relevance of religious beliefs in this imagined world.By suggesting "no religion, too," Lennon envisions a society free from religious conflicts and divisions.The emphasis on "livin' life in peace" reinforces the vision of a harmonious existence that transcends religious differences.
The refrain, "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one," acknowledges the idealistic nature of the song's vision while also inviting listeners to embrace this dream of unity and peace.The inclusion of "I hope someday you'll join us" conveys a sense of optimism and collective responsibility, encouraging listeners to actively participate in realizing this vision of a harmonious world.
The final verse proposes a radical departure from materialistic concerns by envisioning a society without possessions, greed, or hunger.The concept of "a brotherhood of man" emphasizes the solidarity and interconnectedness of humanity, transcending social, economic, and cultural barriers.The lyrics presents a compelling discourse that advocates for unity, peace, and the rejection of divisive ideologies.The song's thematic coherence and sequential flow contribute to its emotional impact and enduring popularity.It challenges listeners to imagine a world where humanity lives as one, fostering a shared responsibility for creating a more harmonious and equitable global community.Each verse builds on the previous one, culminating in a powerful call for collective responsibility in realizing this utopian dream of unity and peace.The song's thematic coherence and sequential flow contribute to its enduring popularity and timeless message of hope.

Superstructure
Superstructure entails the construction of the text elements that have a good construction and have meaning.Given the nature and function of such an overarching structure, superstructure is used.However, one of the crucial differences between macrostructures and superstructures is not only that the first is semantic and the second is schematic or "structural," but also that macrostructures must classify any type of complex information processing, whereas superstructures have a more conventional nature.( Van Dijk, 1980).
In the superstructure analysis it delves into the intricate organization and arrangement of the song's text elements, which imbue the composition with coherence and meaning.The superstructure plays a pivotal role in shaping the song's narrative, ensuring that the core message of envisioning a world of unity and peace resonates effectively with the audience.
The first verse serves as the foundational element, introducing the central theme of the song.Lennon invites listeners to imagine a world devoid of traditional religious concepts such as heaven and hell.By positing this hypothetical scenario, Lennon creates a space where boundaries and divisions are dissolved, allowing for a sense of unity and interconnectedness among all individuals.The opening lines, "Imagine there's no heaven, It's easy if you try, No hell below us, Above us, only sky," skilfully evoke a sense of transcendence and boundless possibility, setting the stage for the subsequent verses.
The chorus functions as a recurring refrain that punctuates the song's verses, acting as a powerful and unifying statement.The repetition of the phrase "Imagine all the people, Livin' life in peace" reinforces the core message and serves as an invitation to the listeners to engage actively in envisioning a world of harmony.By repeatedly using the word "imagine," Lennon emphasizes the act of envisioning as a catalyst for collective transformation, fostering a sense of shared responsibility in the pursuit of peace.
The second verse seamlessly builds upon the foundations laid by the first, expanding the imaginative scope to encompass the absence of national boundaries and the eradication of violence.Lennon implores listeners to contemplate a world where there is "Nothing to kill or die for, And no religion, too."Here, the song challenges the relevance of conflicts and wars fuelled by nationalistic ideologies and religious differences, advocating for a higher order of human existence, one that transcends such divisions.
The bridge acts as a connective element between the verses and the final verse, featuring the iconic lines "You may say I'm a dreamer, But I'm not the only one."This segment carries a nuanced psychological depth, acknowledging that the visionary perspective presented in the song might be seen as idealistic or utopian by some.However, Lennon counters this scepticism with unwavering hope, expressing that he is not alone in his dreams of a better world.The subsequent lines, "I hope someday you'll join us, And the world will be as one," call upon the listeners to actively participate in this collective dream of unity, underscoring the sense of shared responsibility and agency.
The third verse presents the final vision of a world untethered by materialistic pursuits, exemplifying the dissolution of possessions, greed, and hunger.The song fosters a sense of brotherhood among humanity, emphasizing the importance of sharing resources and fostering solidarity.This verse adds further depth to the overarching message of peace and unity, painting a vivid picture of a society that prioritizes communal welfare over individual accumulation.
The concluding chorus serves as a resounding call-to-action, reaffirming the song's core themes and aspirations.By repeating the bridge and the final chorus, Lennon reinforces the song's overarching message, leaving listeners with a profound sense of hope and a vision of a world living as one.
The superstructure of "Imagine" masterfully constructs a cohesive and evocative narrative, skilfully interweaving the song's elements to convey its transformative vision.The strategic use of repetition, the thoughtful progression of themes, and the emotive power of the refrain all contribute to the song's enduring impact as a timeless anthem for a harmonious and unified world.The superstructure ensures that "Imagine" not only resonates with its audience but also serves as a catalyst for collective introspection and action, inspiring generations to envision and strive for a more compassionate and united humanity.Concludes with a powerful call-to-action, restating the core message, and leaving listeners with a profound sense of hope for a world living as one.
The superstructure elements of "Imagine" serve as the building blocks that craft a coherent and impactful narrative.Each element contributes to the song's overarching theme of unity, peace, and a transformative vision for humanity.The repetition of key themes in the chorus reinforces the central message, while the bridge adds nuance and emotional depth to the song.The final verse and ending chorus provide a compelling conclusion, leaving a lasting impression on listeners and inspiring them to actively engage in the pursuit of a more harmonious world.

Microstructure
Specific linguistic elements are examined to uncover the underlying discursive strategies and ideological positions.Microstructure level involves examining specific linguistic elements that contribute to the construction of meaning and the reinforcement of the song's central message, the underlying discursive strategies and ideological positions.The elements include the followings:

Repetition
The use of repetition in the lyric serves to reinforce the key messages and themes.The repetition of the word "Imagine" at the beginning of each verse functions as a rhetorical device, urging the listeners to engage in the act of envisioning a better world.This repetition emphasizes the central theme of the song, encouraging the audience to imagine the possibilities of a world without divisions and strife.

Imagery and Metaphor
Throughout the lyric, Lennon employs vivid imagery and metaphors to convey his vision.For instance, the lines "Imagine there's no heaven, It's easy if you try, No hell below us, Above us, only sky" create a contrast between earthly existence and the boundless sky, symbolizing a world free from religious constraints and divisions.Similarly, the phrase "brotherhood of man" invokes a sense of solidarity and interconnectedness among humanity.

Modal Verbs and Tone
The use of modal verbs such as "can" evokes a sense of possibility and potential.The song's tone is hopeful and optimistic, encouraging the audience to believe in the feasibility of the proposed vision.On the other hand, the phrase "You may say I'm a dreamer" acknowledges the possibility of skepticism, but the subsequent lines challenge this doubt by expressing the hope for collective action and a unified world.

Rhetorical Devices
The use of rhetorical devices in the microstructure contributes to the emotive impact and persuasiveness of the song.For example, the repetition of the word "imagine" at the beginning of each verse serves as an imperative, inviting the listeners to actively engage in envisioning the proposed world.This repetition reinforces the core theme of imagining a better reality and prompts the audience to reflect on the possibilities presented.

Lexical Choices
The choice of specific words and vocabulary reflects the ideologies and values promoted in the song.For instance, words like "heaven," "hell," "countries," "religion," "possessions," "greed," and "hunger" represent concepts tied to divisions, conflicts, and materialistic pursuits.In contrast, words like "livin' for today" and "brotherhood of man" evoke a sense of present-focused living and global unity.The use of these lexical choices effectively conveys the contrast between the current state and the envisioned ideal world.

Emotive Language
Emotive language is employed in the microstructure to elicit emotional responses from the audience.For instance, the phrase "Livin' for today" conveys a sense of immediacy and urgency, appealing to the audience's desire for a better and more peaceful world.The line "You may say I'm a dreamer, But I'm not the only one" contains an emotional appeal, inviting listeners to empathize with the visionary perspective of the speaker and consider the possibility of joining in the pursuit of a unified world.

Direct Address
The use of direct address in lines like "You may say I'm a dreamer, But I'm not the only one" and "I hope someday you'll join us" creates a sense of personal connection between the speaker (Lennon) and the audience.This direct engagement encourages the listeners to relate to the message on a personal level and fosters a sense of collective responsibility for creating a harmonious world.

Absence of Specificity
The lyric employs a deliberate lack of specificity regarding particular individuals or groups.For instance, the phrase "Imagine all the people" conveys a universal message, appealing to humanity as a whole rather than targeting specific individuals or factions.This lack of specificity contributes to the song's inclusive and collective nature.

Absence of Negative Language
Lennon's use of negative language is notable in the lyric.Instead of explicitly condemning existing systems or ideologies, the song adopts a positive and forward-looking approach.For instance, the lines "Nothing to kill or die for, And no religion, too" do not directly criticize religion but instead present a vision of a world without religious conflict.The repeated use of "Imagine" emphasizes the act of envisioning and reinforces the song's central theme."No heaven," "No hell," etc.The use of vivid imagery and metaphors creates contrasting visions of a world without religious divisions.2 Lexical Choices "Countries," "religion," "possessions," "greed," etc.
Specific word choices contribute to the song's meaning and reinforce the vision of a unified world.
3 Emotive Language "Livin' for today," "I hope someday you'll join us" Emotive language evokes feelings and engages the audience emotionally, encouraging them to embrace the vision.4 Direct Address "You may say I'm a dreamer" Directly addressing the audience creates a sense of connection and invites them to consider the message.5 Absence of Specificity "Imagine all the people" The lack of specificity makes the message inclusive, appealing to humanity as a whole rather than specific groups.6 Absence of Negative Language Absence of explicit criticism of existing systems or ideologies.
The song takes a positive and forward-looking approach, focusing on the vision rather than condemning the present.The classified elements above collectively contribute to the song's rhetorical power, emotional impact, and universal appeal.The use of repetition, imagery, emotive language, and direct address effectively engages the audience in envisioning a world of unity and peace.Meanwhile, the absence of specificity and negative language contributes to the song's inclusive and hopeful message, inviting listeners to join in the collective dream of a harmonious global community.It reveals how rhetorical devices, lexical choices, emotive language, and direct address work together to construct a compelling narrative of unity, peace, and a world free from divisions.The specific linguistic elements utilized in the song contribute to its enduring impact as an anthem for a more compassionate and unified humanity.The absence of specificity and negative language contributes to the song's universal appeal and its emphasis on collective responsibility in working towards a harmonious and equitable global community.

Discussion
Beyond the lyric, "Imagine" conveys several powerful messages and a compelling ideology i.e., vision of a utopian world emphasis on humanism, critique of societal constructs, empowerment of individuals, call for collective responsibility, universal appeal and global consciousness, hope and aspiration, and reimagining social norms.

Vision of a Utopian World
The central message of "Imagine" is the envisioning of a utopian world free from divisions and conflicts.Lennon's lyrics paint a picture of a world without religious, national, or materialistic barriers, where people live in harmony and unity.This vision serves as a powerful call to imagine a better future and challenges listeners to strive for a world characterized by peace and cooperation.It is presented through vivid and imaginative language that invites listeners to transcend their current reality and envision an ideal society.Lennon starts by urging us to "imagine there's no heaven," suggesting a world where religious dogmas and divisions no longer hold sway.By eliminating the concept of heaven, he advocates for a focus on the present life and the importance of living for today.

Emphasis on Humanism
The ideology of humanism in "Imagine" extends beyond a simple rejection of divisions and embraces a deeper understanding of the inherent value and dignity of each person.It challenges listeners to look beyond superficial differences and recognize the shared experiences, emotions, and aspirations that unite humanity.By presenting a vision of a world that values each individual's worth and strives for mutual understanding and empathy, "Imagine" exemplifies the profound humanistic message of the song.

Critique of Societal Constructs
Lennon challenges the notion of countries, religions, and possessions as sources of strife and advocates for their dissolution to pave the way for a more unified and compassionate world.He presents a potent critique of societal constructs that he perceives as contributing to divisions and conflicts in the world.The song challenges the established norms and ideologies that often create boundaries and perpetuate animosity between people and nations.Through his lyrical critique, Lennon advocates for the dissolution of these constructs to pave the way for a more unified and compassionate world.

Empowerment of Individuals
By addressing the audience directly with lines like "You may say I'm a dreamer" and "I hope someday you'll join us," Lennon empowers individuals to embrace their dreams and contribute to the collective vision of a harmonious world.The song emphasizes the agency of every individual in shaping a better future through their actions and beliefs.The empowering message of "Imagine" lies in its emphasis on the agency of every individual.Lennon does not propose an external savior or a grand revolution to bring about change; instead, he places the onus on each person to contribute to the realization of the envisioned world.By addressing the audience directly, he recognizes their potential to effect meaningful change through their actions and beliefs.Therefore, "Imagine" becomes more than just a songit becomes a call to action, a declaration of human agency, and a celebration of the transformative power of individual contributions.It encourages listeners to see themselves as active participants in shaping their reality and challenges them to align their actions with the shared vision of a harmonious world.

Call for Collective Responsibility
The song calls for collective responsibility and action in building a better world.It empowers individuals to participate actively in creating positive change and realizing the vision of unity and peace.Lennon's call to join "us" highlights the shared responsibility of all people in shaping a harmonious society.It serves as a rallying cry for active engagement and action in building a better world.The song goes beyond mere idealism and becomes a powerful plea for individuals to take ownership of their role in shaping society and working towards a vision of unity and peace.

Universal Appeal and Global Consciousness
The line "You may say I'm a dreamer" is a self-aware declaration that recognizes the unconventional nature of his ideas.It conveys an understanding that some may perceive his vision as idealistic or utopian.However, rather than being deterred by skepticism, Lennon embraces the label of a dreamer with pride and courage.This act of embracing the dreamer identity represents a bold assertion of hope and belief in the transformative power of human imagination.
By labelling himself as a dreamer, Lennon invites his audience to share in the realm of boundless possibilities and encourages them to believe in the potential for positive change.It evokes a sense of shared optimism, positioning Lennon and the listeners as kindred spirits united by their shared dreams for a better world.This collective sense of hope becomes a unifying force, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared purpose among those who believe in the power of visionary ideas.

Reimagining Social Norms
Beyond its explicit messages, "Imagine" challenges social norms and encourages individuals to question prevailing ideologies that perpetuate divisions and inequalities.It invites listeners to imagine alternative ways of organizing society based on compassion, understanding, and shared humanity.Lennon goes beyond its explicit messages of peace and unity to serve as a powerful catalyst for reimagining social norms and challenging established ideologies.The song's call to "imagine" a world without traditional constructs like heaven, countries, possessions, and religion encourages listeners to question the prevailing norms that often lead to divisions and inequalities.
The "living for today" serves as a reminder to embrace the present moment and prioritize the values of compassion and empathy in our interactions with others.This emphasis on the present challenges the tendencies to fixate on past grievances or future ambitions, inviting individuals to engage in meaningful connections and actions in the here and now.
CONCLUSION"Imagine" by John Lennon conveys a powerful ideology centered on envisioning a utopian world free from divisions and conflicts.It emphasizes humanism, critiques societal constructs, empowers individuals to take action, calls for collective responsibility, fosters universal appeal and global consciousness, inspires hope and aspiration, and encourages a reimagining of social norms.The song envisions a harmonious world without religious, national, or materialistic barriers, challenging societal divisions.It empowers individuals to actively contribute to this vision and emphasizes collective responsibility."Imagine" has a universal message that fosters global consciousness and inspires hope in the potential for positive change.Beyond its explicit messages, it encourages questioning prevailing social norms and prioritizing compassion and empathy in the present moment.

Table 1 .
Van Dijk's Elements of Discourse

Table 2 .
The macrostructure's interpretation of each verse

Table 4 .
The classified elements in John Lennon's "Imagine"