Cee Lo Green Disrespects John Lennon

Over the past several years, John Lennon’s song “Imagine” has been played over the loudspeakers in Times Square in New York City right before the ball drop.  It’s become a kind of tradition. 

Last year, for the first time, it was performed live by Taio Cruz in place of the recorded original version.  Even though it wasn’t as nice as hearing the original (in my opinion), it was well done and he sang the lyrics of the song accurately. 

This year, Cee Lo Green performed the song and took it upon himself to change the lyrics, thereby reversing the meaning of one part of the song. 

Instead of singing the line, “And no religion too,” he changed it to “And all religion’s true.” 

While I don’t know the circumstances involved in whatever decision-making process that went on which resulted in Cee Lo Green being invited to sing John Lennon’s “Imagine” in Times Square, I don’t think he was asked to change the lyrics or the meaning of the song, and this might be considered a breach of trust in a circumstance like this. 

Certainly it was disrespectful to John Lennon’s intent and memory for him to have done it. 

I personally would like a return to the tradition of playing John Lennon’s original version of the song over the loudspeakers before the ball drop.  Failing that, I’d like to see any future performers of “Imagine” in this venue show respect for the original intent of the song. 

But, I would rather not hear the song at all than hear it abused. 

See the very poor performance below beginning at the 3:54 mark.
 

See also:

Is all religion true?
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/our-humanity-naturally/201201/is-all-religion-true

American Atheists to Cee Lo Green: Put your mouth where your mouth is
http://blog.chron.com/partisangridlock/2012/01/american-atheists-to-cee-lo-green-put-your-mouth-where-your-mouth-is/

Cee Lo Green Changes 'Imagine' Lyrics To 'All Religions' From John Lennon's 'No Religion' During New Year's Eve Show
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/01/cee-lo-green-changes-imagine-lyrics_n_1178313.html?ref=entertainment

Cee Lo Green perverts John Lennon's atheist anthem 'Imagine' - fans outraged
http://www.examiner.com/humanist-in-portland/cee-lo-green-perverts-john-lennon-s-atheist-anthem-imagine-fans-outraged

That's Not How the Song Goes, Cee Lo…
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/01/01/thats-not-how-the-song-goes-cee-lo/

Fans angry that Cee Lo changed 'Imagine' lyrics
http://entertainment.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/01/9875746-fans-angry-that-cee-lo-changed-imagine-lyrics

Cee Lo Green changes lyrics to Lennon's Imagine to include pro-religion message enraging fans
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2081011/Cee-Lo-Green-changes-lyrics-Lennons-Imagine-include-pro-religion-message-enraging-fans.html

Cee Lo Green Changes 'Imagine' Lyrics to 'All Religions True' During NYE Performance
http://www.wtam.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=104668&article=9556768