About the song
Background
- A Time of Turmoil: The song was written and recorded during a very tense period for the Beatles (1969) leading up to their breakup. They were struggling with creative differences and personal tensions.
- Paul’s Dream Inspiration: Paul McCartney has stated that the inspiration came from a dream during this difficult time. In the dream, his deceased mother, Mary, offered words of comfort: “It will be alright, just let it be.”
- Gospel Roots: The song has strong gospel influences in its soulful piano, its choir-like backing vocals, and its structure.
Themes
- Acceptance and Resilience: At its core, “Let It Be” is about finding peace and acceptance in times of trouble. It’s about letting go of struggles and worries, trusting in a sense that things will work out.
- Comfort and Reassurance: The song offers a message of hope and reassurance that even in darkness, there is light.
- Spiritual Ambiguity: The references to “Mother Mary” caused some debate. Whether it’s specifically about his mother or a more universal image of the Virgin Mary is left open to the listener’s interpretation.
Interesting Facts
- Final Single Release: Although recorded in 1969, “Let It Be” was the last single The Beatles released before their official breakup in 1970.
- George Harrison: Harrison initially wasn’t a fan of the song’s sentiment. He plays a beautiful but restrained guitar solo, reflecting this tension.
Let It Be’s Legacy
The song has become an anthem of comfort, hope, and resilience, resonating far beyond its troubled origins. It remains a beloved classic!
Video
Lyrics
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to meSpeaking words of wisdom, let it beAnd in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of meSpeaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it beWhisper words of wisdom, let it be
And when the broken hearted people living in the world agreeThere will be an answer, let it beFor though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will seeThere will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it beThere will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it beWhisper words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it beWhisper words of wisdom, let it be, be
And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on meShinin’ until tomorrow, let it beI wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to meSpeaking words of wisdom, let it be
And let it be, let it be, let it be, let it beWhisper words of wisdom, let it be
And let it be, let it be, let it be, let it beWhisper words of wisdom, let it be