"Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind
Do this, don't do that,
can't you read the sign?"
-Signs (Five Man Electrical Band)
Do this, don't do that,
can't you read the sign?"
-Signs (Five Man Electrical Band)
Lennon vs. Lenin. Signs.
"Coexist"
Lennon Wall
Prague, Czech Republic
John Lennon was a hero to the youth of Eastern Europe during the Cold War era. Communist authorities banned many western pop/rock songs...especially those of John Lennon who praised freedom in a place where freedom didn't exist.
"Lennon Eyes Freedom"
Lennon Wall
Prague, Czech Republic
Lennon Wall
Prague, Czech Republic
When Lennon was murdered in 1980, he became even more of a hero to the Czech youth who began a peaceful movement ironically called "Lennon-ism" in the Communist country. It began here, where an ordinary wall in Prague was filled with John Lennon inspired graffiti and lyrics from Beatles songs. To express yourself freely where freedom didn't exist was done at the risk of prison for "subversive activities against the state."
"Love, Peace and Hotmail"
Lennon Wall
Prague, Czech Republic
"Love"
Lennon Wall
Czech Republic
"Give Peace a Chance"
Lennon Wall
Prague, Czech Republic
Lennon Wall
Prague, Czech Republic
Communist police repeatedly painted over the messages, but they could never keep up with the poems, flowers, paintings of Lennon, messages of freedom and peace. Even with the installation of surveillance cameras and overnight guards. Apparently it's a universal talent that teen-agers are able to get away with lots of things, despite being watched.
"Love"
Lennon Wall
Czech Republic
To some, it looks like any other graffiti covered wall. But this wall has a special history. Some say it is Prague's equivalent of the Berlin Wall. Some also believe the Lennon Wall helped contribute to the fall of Communism in the former Czechoslovakia in 1989.
"Give Peace a Chance"
Lennon Wall
Prague, Czech Republic
Today, the wall is still there. It continually morphs with each new addition of paint. Yet it remains a symbol of the ideals of youth. Love and Peace. Signs.
**********
Ah, tis a grand thing to be Irish. And on March 17th, we are all Irish...which is a special blessing. So in honor of Saint Paddy's day, next week's Song-ography title is...
"It's Not Easy Being Green"
Kermit
As always, thank you for joining in here with Song-ography! If you are on the fence, and have been debating whether to participate both Nike and I urge you to "Just Do It!". You can use photos taken specifically for the week's song, or go back into your archives and use photos that fill the bill for ya. Sometimes, you already HAVE the perfect photograph...so why mess with perfection? And since I'm urging you here...just a reminder that if YOU have a song that you would like to see incorporated into Song-ography, please let me know. I look forward to visiting all your blogs and seeing what roads you have taken in your creativity and interpretations. And one last thing...did you remember to spring forward last night? An extra hour of daylight, spring is knocking on the door!
P.S. You can now find me on Facebook. Please hop on over to You'll Shoot Your Eye Out and give me a "like".
Great song. Thanks for the interesting recent history lesson. I had never heard of this movement and the connection to John Lennon. His "Imagine" song is one of the best.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of all graffiti but of most. These are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI especially love the last one.
Such a tragedy that Lennon was gone so soon.
That's a great little bit of history that I did not know. I really love the way the youth tried to turn it around with peace. These are very cool walls.
ReplyDeleteoh such awesome photos ... i was not aware of its significance ... awesome! Thank you again for hosting this fun linky party! Hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteJust thought I'd say hello, since you might remember me from my first blog, "photo by ansku". I've stepped into big shoes now and started my own photography business :-) I've been reading your blog since it's just so much fun, and now luckily found the images in my archives to participate in song-ography..
ReplyDeleteVery interesting history and challenge behind the reason for the graffiti.
ReplyDeleteWell I learned something this morning! Very cool pictures!! Thanks for hosting - this really is a fun mental and creative challenge each week!
ReplyDeleteFantastic graffiti -- some I actually "get". Great collection memorializing history as spoken through art.
ReplyDeleteIf only all graffiti was so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe second I saw the first photo, I knew this was the John Lennon wall--What great shots!
ReplyDeletei happen to LOVE graffitti. the art of self expression, especially if it has meaning. i do believe it always has meaning to the artist/creator!! great take on today's lyrics!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the history lesson, Kath! So interesting. Demonstrates the power of art - in this case, both paint and music. Kinda scary that writing LOVE on a wall could be considered subversive. Your photos are incredible, as always!
ReplyDeleteWow, I've learned so much just reading your blog. I think I might try playing along with you this year if I can figure out how to link up. Let's see................
ReplyDeleteI've heard of this wall, and seen a few photos - but these are great! Really captures the anti-establishment feel of the song. I remember this song so clearly. It was a favorite for me and my brother...I can remember lots of loud sing a longs in the basement....that was "our" space. Walls painted with peace signs...wish I had photos of that! Hope you're enjoying your weekend!
ReplyDeleteKathy you really "nailed" this one with these signs. They were so colorful and really captured your attention. I like the one with the Flower Peace Symbol.
ReplyDeleteFantastic colors! :-)
ReplyDeleteThat is some gorgeous graffiti!
ReplyDeleteWhat vibrant colors! This is beautiful graffiti and historical. What a privilege it would be to see this wall. Thanks for hosting this week!
ReplyDeleteGreat graffiti. As Ringo would say, Love & Peace. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove that street art..............
ReplyDeleteGreat choice of graffitis....
ReplyDeleteWell, I have been absent for a little while, but here I am. Back again, holding a sign - hehehe - not really, but you get the drift. Those are some awesome graffiti and I admire those people, teenagers or not, risking punishment of the worst kind for bringing their belief to the streets. When I was in Prague I missed these...
ReplyDeleteI am on the fly (probably in the wrong direction as my post implies) and don't have time to adequately comment on your Lennon Wall post ... suffice it to say, I loved it and I think it is an outstanding post which I want to go over again and then comment when I have time to put my thoughts together. Great job, Kathy ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
I absolutely LOVE those graffiti walls. I'm glad I came to play today.
ReplyDeleteI jsut want to add that this wall holds so much meaning on this day because of what is happening in The Ukrain and particularly in Crimea. I was not aware of this wall, but it not only honors a man with great vision, it honors the consept of freedom and what it means to the human spirit. Your timing on the post is impeccable ... I admire you for your abiltiy to be so poignant in your posts. Thank you for this ... it means a lot to many ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
What great images to go with the prompt this week. Powerful and colourful and I do love a bit of graffiti
ReplyDeleteMollyxxx
Yes, great mural frames! Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeletelove. love, love your post!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely tour and story of this colorful wall, thanks for sharing this! Thanks for linking up today to Travel Photo Mondays.
ReplyDeleteSuch good photography. I like the second one and the sentiment of the "Love". A refreshing post. :)
ReplyDelete