Julian Lennon, John Lennon’s son, has pledged to never perform his father’s famous peace ballad “Imagine.” He would only perform it if the world came to an end, but the musician recognized that the world needed to hear his father’s message.

However, considering the ongoing war in Ukraine, the 59-year-old felt compelled to publicly perform the song as part of the 2022 Global Citizen Stand Up for Ukraine campaign.

Julian’s interpretation was simple but powerful, much like his father’s 1971 release.

Julian said the “unimaginable tragedy” in Ukraine inspired him to “respond in the most significant way I could.”

According to him, the song represents the hope for a light at the end of the tunnel. “As a result of the ongoing murderous violence, millions of innocent families, have been forced to leave the comfort of their homes, to seek asylum elsewhere.”

Half of the donations came from governments, businesses, and individuals all around the world, with the other half coming from public European financial institutions through grants and loans.

Julian, the son of John Lennon and his first wife Cynthia Lennon, urged people all across the world to aid not only Ukrainian refugees, but also anyone seeking a better life wherever in the world.