Society / The late president celebrated the impact and influence of the song, which decries war, nationalism, and excesses of capitalism. John Nichols No American president, or post-president, thought more profoundly than did Jimmy Carter about the causes of war—and about the prospects for peace.

Southern Baptist Jimmy Carter’s funeral was marred by the singing of John Lennon’s “Imagine” at the National Cathedral. Garth Brooks and his wife Trisha Yearwood performed the song at a Christian funeral in a Christian church.