Brooks and Yearwood, who were close friends of Carter, sang a rendition of John Lennon’s 1971 track “Imagine,” at the Democrat’s funeral. Their performance caused quite a stir online, with many fans voicing their opinions on the choice of song.
The firestorm on social media largely revolved around the song’s lyrical rejection of religion. One of the most dividing verses sings, “Imagine there’s no heaven, It’s easy if you try, No hell below us, Above us only sky.” Fans didn’t love the idea of having these words sung in a church setting as they challenged the very values of the Christian funeral.
One fan expressed their disbelief, “Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood sing Imagine at a highly Christian funeral?!! How awful. Imagine there’s no Heaven?? [sic].”
Another triggered fan criticized this decision, “Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are performing ‘Imagine’ at Jimmy Carter’s funeral. ‘Imagine there’s no heaven…’ ‘And no religion too …’ I gotta wonder—who planned this? There’s no worse song to sing at a funeral, except maybe ‘Highway to Hell.’ Sad. Pitiful, really [sic].”
Others took a hit at the song directly, writing, “Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood Singing the worst song ever written. ‘Imagine’ there’s no heaven. It’s easy if you try. No thank you. What kind of funeral song is that?! [sic]” More users questioned the song’s appropriateness, “Why would you sing this song at a Christian funeral? Weird.”
Others were more direct in their disapproval, calling it the “most insulting song that could be played at a Christian funeral.” One user pointed out Carter’s strong faith, “Carter was a devout Christian and that song was absolutely tone-deaf to sing at his funeral.” Another individual agreed, “Inappropriate song for a devout Christian funeral.”