The Meaning Behind The Song: Across the Universe (Take 2) by The Beatles
| Title | Across the Universe (Take 2) |
|---|---|
| Artist | The Beatles |
| Writer/Composer | John Lennon & Lennon-McCartney |
| Album | Anthology 2 (1996) |
| Release Date | March 18, 1996 |
| Genre | Rock |
| Producer | George Martin |
The Beatles’ song “Across the Universe” holds a special place in my heart. It is a beautiful and poetic composition that resonates deeply with its listeners. Written by John Lennon and released in 1996 as part of the Beatles’ Anthology 2 album, the song showcases Lennon’s ability to create evocative and thought-provoking lyrics.
According to Lennon himself, “Across the Universe” features some of his best work. In an interview, he described it as “good poetry, […] like a poem, you can read them.” This demonstrates the depth and meaning that Lennon infused into the song. The lyrics are abstract and dreamlike, filled with vivid imagery that allows listeners to interpret the song in their own way.
Listening to “Across the Universe,” I am transported to a state of introspection and contemplation. The words flow like “endless rain into a paper cup,” creating a sense of fluidity and movement. The imagery of sorrow and joy drifting through an open mind reflects the complex and ever-changing nature of human emotions.
The chorus, with its repetition of “Jai Guru Deva, Om,” adds a spiritual element to the song. The phrase is a Sanskrit mantra that can be loosely translated as a prayer to the divine. It speaks to the timeless and transcendent nature of the human experience, emphasizing that nothing can truly change the core essence of who we are.
As the song progresses, Lennon describes the images that dance before him, comparing them to “a million eyes.” These images call to him, drawing him into a journey across the universe. The restlessness of his thoughts is likened to a “restless wind inside a letter box,” symbolizing the constant movement and search for meaning in life.
“Across the Universe” also explores the power of love. The lyrics allude to a limitless and undying love that shines like “a million suns.” This love is not confined to romantic relationships but encompasses a broader sense of connection and unity. It is a love that calls us onward, guiding us through the vastness of the universe.
Personally, “Across the Universe” has been a source of comfort and inspiration in various moments of my life. During times of uncertainty or introspection, I have found solace in the song’s ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics. It has served as a reminder that, despite the challenges and changes we encounter, the essence of who we are remains constant.
The timeless quality of “Across the Universe” is further emphasized by the fact that NASA chose to beam the song into space on the 40th anniversary of its recording. This cosmic gesture speaks to the universal appeal and enduring significance of the song.
In summary, “Across the Universe” by The Beatles is a poetic and deeply introspective composition. Its abstract and dreamlike lyrics invite listeners to interpret its meaning in their own way. Through vivid imagery and spiritual undertones, the song explores the themes of love, change, and the transcendent nature of the human experience. Listening to this song is a personal and transformative journey, one that I am grateful to embark on time and time again.
