Across The Universe

Across The Universe is a song by the English rock band The Beatles from the 1970 album Let It Be.

Lyrics
Words are flowing out

Like endless rain into a paper cup

They slither while they pass

They slip away across the universe

Pools of sorrow waves of joy

Are drifting through my open mind

Possessing and caressing me

Jai Guru Deva, om

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Images of broken light

Which dance before me like a million eyes

They call me on and on across the universe

Thoughts meander like a restless wind

Inside a letter box

They tumble blindly as they make their way

Across the universe

Jai Guru Deva, om

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Sounds of laughter shades of earth

Are ringing through my open views

Inciting and inviting me

Limitless undying love

Which shines around me like a million suns

It calls me on and on across the universe

Jai Guru Deva, om

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Jai Guru Deva

Jai Guru Deva

Jai Guru Deva

History
Although best known as a track on 1970’s Let It Be album, Across The Universe was recorded in early 1968 and first released on a World Wildlife Fund album the following year. It was John Lennon’s first composition to be recorded by The Beatles since I Am The Walrus five months earlier. The words were written before the music and came to Lennon in the early hours one morning at his home in Kenwood. Part of the song’s chorus, ‘Jai guru deva, om’ ,is a Sanskrit phrase which roughly translates as ‘Victory to God divine’. It was likely inspired by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, whom The Beatles had first met in August 1967. Maharishi’s spiritual master was called Guru Dev. ‘Jai’ is a Hindi word meaning ‘long live’ or ‘victory’, and ‘om’ is a sacred syllable in the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist religions.

Lennon initially wanted Across The Universe to be released as a single while The Beatles were in India with Maharishi, but the group opted for Lady Madonna instead. In March 1969, Across The Universe was mooted for a never-released Yellow Submarine EP, but eventually appeared on No One’s Gonna Change Our World, an 11-song charity album also featuring The Bee Gees, Cilla Black, The Hollies and others.