Let It Be by the Beatles

Let It Be is a soulful song by The Beatles. It was released as a single just prior to Paul McCartney's leaving the band and the dissolution that followed. Perhaps the timing of the release connected to the breakup of one of the most beloved bands in music history contributes to the attraction to the song. Let It Be is in the top ten of many Beatles hits lists. It made the number one slot on a fans list of the top 100 Beatles songs. 

In the song Paul McCartney, the composer, mentions Mother Mary coming to him in times of trouble. With his Roman Catholic Church background, you might think he was referring to Mary the mother of Jesus of Nazareth. He's not. He's talking about his own mother. 

McCartney said he had the idea of "Let It Be" after he had a dream about his mother during the tense period surrounding the sessions for The Beatles (the "White Album"). McCartney explained that his mom — who died of cancer when Paul was fourteen — was the inspiration for the "Mother Mary" lyric. He later said, "It was great to visit with her again. I felt very blessed to have that dream. So that got me writing 'Let It Be'." He also said in a later interview about the dream that his mother had told him "It will be all right, just let it be."

Give this melancholy melody a listen.  http://youtu.be/WcBnJw-H2wQ

Let It Be by The Beatles

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be

And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be

Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be

And when the brokenhearted people
Living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be

For though they may be parted
There is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be

Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Yeah, there will be an answer let it be

Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be

And when the night is cloudy
There is still a light that shines on me
Shine on until tomorrow, let it be

I wake up to the sound of music
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be

Yeah, let it be, let it be
Let it be, yeah, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be

Let it be, let it be
Let it be, yeah, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be

Songwriters
LENNON, JOHN WINSTON / MCCARTNEY, PAUL JAMES

You can hear the desire in McCartney's heart for peace and understanding among his bandmates. The song's appeal draws upon a universal desire for peace and understanding within all of us. A film adaptation of Beatles music, Across The Universe, came out in 2007. My daughter Amanda and I watched it together in the theater. Let It Be was performed with images of race riots in Detroit, war in Vietnam, and broken relationships between lovers. The song was performed like a gospel number at a church. It was deeply moving. We both were wiping tears from our cheeks and laughing at ourselves. That shows you the power of this song. It connects deep within to our desire for harmony in life.

Even though Paul McCartney wasn't thinking of Mary, the mother of Jesus, she actually says the words "Let it be" in the New Testament. Depending upon the translation, when the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will be pregnant with child and bear the son of God, she replies, "Let it be done to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38)

I wonder if we recognize that peace and understanding on this earth begins with this humble attitude toward God. Consider what the world would be like if we all stopped trying to control outcomes and one another. What would your day be like if you accepted each moment within the will of God? Imagine how much less pain and suffering there would be if we didn't get angry when things didn't go as we planned or as we hoped. Let it be.  Let go and let God. 

On the day the terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, the US Pentagon and targeted Capitol Hill, I thought of Psalm 46. I turned to its words for comfort and assurance in the face of this world changing tragedy.

God is our place of safety. He gives us strength.
He is always there to help us in times of trouble.

The earth may fall apart.
The mountains may fall into the middle of the sea.
But we will not be afraid.
The waters of the sea may roar and foam.
The mountains may shake when the waters rise.
But we will not be afraid.

God’s blessings are like a river. They fill the city of God with joy.
That city is the holy place where the Most High God lives.
Because God is there, the city will not fall.
God will help it at the beginning of the day.

Nations are in disorder. Kingdoms fall.
God speaks, and the people of the earth melt in fear.

The Lord who rules over all is with us.
The God of Jacob is like a fort to us.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God. (Psa 46:1-7, 10)

There is a light that shines on us into all our cloudy nights, disappointing days and troublesome tomorrows. That light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. (Jn 1:5) Jesus Christ is the light of the world, the light that shines on us, in us, and all around us. Walk in His light so that you will not stumble. Be still and know that God's light is shining always. Let it be.

Dear Lord, shine Your light ever brighter. Awaken us to Your light so that our times of trouble will draw us ever closer to trusting You. Help us to rest in You and let You be in control. Amen.