In the years leading up to their official split in 1970, the Beatles went through a period of intense internal disputes and creative disagreements. Despite having revolutionized music by blending genres like rock, pop, and blues, the group began to fall apart. McCartney tried to maintain cohesion, but George Harrison felt that his talent was not being recognized as it should. In the documentary “The Beatles Anthology” (1995), Harrison admitted that his efforts to sustain the band were frustrating, and personal and creative differences became increasingly evident during the recording of “Let It Be” (1969) and “Abbey Road” (1970).
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Despite the growing tension, McCartney created one of the most iconic songs of the Beatles: Let It Be. The inspiration behind this single not only has a personal origin for him, but is also imbued with biblical references that gave it a universal meaning.
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The dream that inspired “Let It Be” and the message of peace
In a conversation with comedian James Corden in 2018, McCartney shared that the idea for “Let It Be” came from a dream he had in the 1960s. In this dream, his mother, Mary Mohin McCartney, who passed away from cancer when Paul was 14 years old, conveyed a reassuring message to him: “It’s going to be okay. Just let it be.” McCartney fondly recalled the dream with emotion: “It was great to see her because dreams allow you to reunite with that person for a moment; there they are, and it almost feels like they are physically together again. It was very comforting.”
At that moment, the Beatles were going through difficulties. After the recording of The White Album (1968), internal conflicts intensified, and the band seemed to be on the verge of collapse. McCartney explained that, amidst this chaos, he indulged in parties, alcohol, and drugs. It was then, on one of those nights, that he had a dream about his mother, which provided him with relief and inspired him to compose the song.
“Let It Be” and its biblical references: a message of hope
Over the years, many have interpreted the song as a reference to the Virgin Mary, especially the phrase “Mother Mary”. In the Gospel of Luke 1:38, the Virgin Mary serenely accepts her fate by responding to the Angel Gabriel: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” The theologian Lucas Magnin also pointed out that other phrases such as “times of trouble” or “there’s a light that shines on me” evoke verses like John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
The line “And when all the people with broken hearts living in the world agree, there will be an answer” could also be linked to Luke 4:18, where it speaks of the mission to heal the brokenhearted.
Although McCartney clarified that the reference to “Mother Mary” was directed at his own mother, he always made it clear that he didn’t mind if the song could have a broader meaning. “I have no problem if people want to use it to strengthen their faith. I think it’s great to have faith of any kind,” he commented, allowing listeners to give their own meaning to the song.
The impact of “Let It Be” and its legacy beyond the Beatles
Released in 1970, just before McCartney announced his departure from the Beatles, “Let It Be” became a symbol of farewell for the band. However, the song has endured over time as an anthem of hope, offering comfort and a message of resilience. Despite the relationship between the Beatles members coming to an end, “Let It Be” remains one of the most powerful compositions in musical history, with a message that transcends beyond the band itself.