Devil’s Music

Chapter 44: The Third Encounter with the Dead?

John spoke up.

"By any chance, do you know the lyrics to my song 'Imagine'?"

Nodding, Geon recalled the lyrics.

---

[Imagine: Imagine this]

Imagine there's no heaven

It's easy if you try

No hell below us

Above us, only sky

Living for today, yeah

Imagine there's no countries

It isn't hard to do

Nothing to kill or die for

And no religion too

Imagine all the people

Living life in peace, you

You might call me a dreamer,

But I'm not the only one

Someday you will join us, and the world will be as one.

---

Watching Geon reflect on the lyrics in his mind, John continued.

"People say that I sprinkled too much sugar in my songs for conservative folks like Paul McCartney, thus diluting the essence of my beliefs. Sure, I did say that when Paul praised my song. But think about it. What if the melody of that song was complex, hard for the masses to grasp? Would many have sung along or been influenced by my thoughts if it were an intricate and less accessible piece?"

Geon shook his head, indicating disagreement.

"No, probably not. In music, lyrics matter, but what people first connect with is the melody."

John snapped his fingers.

"Exactly! That's why encapsulating ideals in easily approachable music, carrying emotions that resonate within lyrics and melody, is vital. That's the music I create, Geon. It's the answer I found dedicating my life to music."

Approaching Geon, John continued.

"I've experimented too. I had a song called 'Some Time In New York City.' It encapsulated my beliefs and messages deeply, but its melody was too intricate. Critics praised it, yet no one remembered it. That's when it became clearer to me."

Sitting back on the couch opposite Geon, John crossed his legs.

"From my first band, the Quarrymen, through The Beatles, albums with Yoko, and my solo works, I've gone through numerous trials and tasted musical despair. When I felt disillusioned with The Beatles, Yoko appeared, and I even turned the Beatles' dissolution attributed to her around. It was all my struggle to break free from musical despair."

Taking a bite of pie, John mused.

"Today, this pie tastes good! Anyway, I hope you've wandered less than me, at least."

Geon closed his eyes, pondering John's words. They felt like something to engrave deep within, akin to fossilized words.

John patiently waited until Geon opened his eyes, hinting that he sensed something stirring within the younger man.

Finally, as Geon's expression brightened a bit, John chuckled deeply.

"Looks like something struck a chord in you, young lad. Your comprehension is sharp. Alright, it's your turn now. Any advice for me?"

Geon replied with a cheerful expression.

"Mr. Lennon, your words were truly enlightening for me. I'll treasure and remember them for life. You'll remain the person who influenced me musically the most."

John laughed, waving his hand dismissively.

"Well, that's an honor! Haha, enough of that. Don't give me flattery. I'm sure I've cleared some debt of advice with you. Now it's your turn to advise me."

Geon pondered, wrestling with John's words. John patiently waited with a persistent smile.

After a while, as if struck by a sudden thought, Geon asked.

"Mr. Lennon, you mentioned earlier about releasing a song called 'Some Time In New York City.' So... what year is it now?"

John shrugged in amusement.

"The year? You're living without knowing the year? That's amusing. It's 1980."

Geon's expression froze.

"1980? It's 1980? Then... Mr. Lennon!! What's today's date?"

John, finding Geon's reaction odd, glanced at the calendar before replying.

"Let me see... It's December 8th. Why?"

Geon's face stiffened.

"Mr. Lennon... in two days. Absolutely do not go out. Do you understand?"

John looked at Geon, puzzled.

"What are you talking about? Why? Stay calm; is this some advice? Are you seeing the future? Why that day? Is there a war about to break, dropping missiles on New York?"

Geon urgently replied.

"No, it's not that! Even if you don't believe me, Mr. Lennon, just remember what I'm saying when you go out in two days."

John, unable to comprehend fully, nodded reluctantly.

"Alright, alright. I don't get it, but I'll keep it in mind. Feels like you've hit me with something, haha! Well, now we must put Sean to bed. Shall we conclude our meeting here?"

Geon looked sadly at John and slowly walked out towards the front door.

"Mr. Lennon, please remember what I've said."

Two days later, while returning home after finishing a recording session with Yoko, John was shot four times by Mark David Chapman, a mentally disturbed individual, and died.

>

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