The Beatles: Two Versions of Let It Be…

Two Versions of Let It Be…? Apparently, not quite!
“Try to realize it’s all within yourself no one else can make you change, and to see you’re only very small and life flows on within you and without you.” George Harrison

Let It Be: Ahh, Those handsome Beatles...

Those Fabulous Beatles Boys…
Many of us grew up singing along to “Let It Be”; the famous Beatles song which was released in March 1970 as a single, and later mixed as the title track of their album — Let It Be. It was written by Paul McCartney and credited to both Lennon/McCartney. There is a beautiful “Let It Be” story shared on Wikipedia on how Paul got his inspiration for the song; via a visitation with his mom who died when he was 14. Of note, Paul McCartney, Oprah, Bill T. Jones, and a few others, received an honorary award; Kennedy Center Honors from the president this Sunday.

Years later, long after the Beatles had moved on with their lives, I remember imagining myself a singer, crooning along to the song in the shower and dancing to it at parties in London. Who didn’t, right? I have tons of great memories of the Beatles and their fab music. I dug up the lyrics and have shared them below… it’s a song that makes everyone look good on Karaoke night. I even sang it for my kids who have grown to love the Beatles music and they like this particular song… 🙂

December 8, 2010 – 30th Anniversary of John Lennon’s Death
The New York Times asked in an article today… Where we were when John Lennon was killed? Below is my response.

Family: John, Yoko & Sean by Bob Gruen via Getty Images

I was in Manhattan, uptown at my college (Columbia), hanging out with friends at a local eatery when the news came on and we were all flabbergasted.
We quickly jumped on the subway and headed down to West 72nd Street to The Dakota…
Along the way, I bought some flowers at a grocery/newsstand and we laid them down next to hundreds of flowers that were slowly growing into what became a floral outdoor memorial for John. I grieved for Yoko and Sean, and for the entire family.
I grew up in England and the Beatles were a huge part of my childhood. When John died, I felt like I had lost a member of my extended family. I felt such deep pain; especially as word spread about how it happened — the senselessness of that act of violence.
Who could forget the night vigil… as we stood outside the Dakota? There was a heartfelt sadness and sense of helplessness spreading slowly amongst all that gathered. We had lost a friend, a part of our musical history, a peace lover…
Thirty years later, the memory lingers…
RIP John Lennon

What’s with this Gylne Tider fiasco?
Well, I was so surprised when recently, I came across an interesting video remix of the song from a Norwegian video promo for a show called ‘Gylne Tider’ (Golden Times). The video has many celebrities, some we haven’t seen in recent years, singing/lip syncing to ‘Let It Be… Take a look and listen below. What do you think? My take, if it feels good, go for it, hey? For the purists among us, I have also added a video version by the Beatles. Enjoy both! Share your feedback with me below.

***UPDATE!!! Oy Vey… As it turns out, the 40 or so celebrities, from Roger Moore, Glenn Close, Ricky Lake, Huey Lewis, Jason Alexander, Corbin Bernsen, Philip Michael Thomas, Robert Englund, Tonya Harding and more, were not fully apprised of the plans the videographers had for the tape. They were told it was for charity? They were tricked? Anyhow, if you want to see the video, USAToday still has the full video and story. Enjoy and share your thoughts. 🙁 🙂 🙁

“You’re all geniuses, and you’re all beautiful. You don’t need anyone to tell you who you are. You are what you are. Get out there and get peace, think peace, and live peace and breathe peace, and you’ll get it as soon as you like.” John Lennon

CELEBRITIES SING ALONG TO “LET IT BE.” 🙂

Okay, so Sony has clamped down on the video for obvious reasons… participants in an uproar. Pity! 🙁

The Beatles deliver on their original version…. Let It be. 🙂

“I never look forward, because I have no idea about how any of it happened to getting here. I’ve no idea how the next five years are going to be.” Paul McCartney

Let It Be: The Beatles in their prime...

Let It Be ~ Lyrics by Paul McCartney
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 broken hearted 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, …..

And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me,
shine 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.

Let it be, let it be, …..

If nothing else, the celebrities had fun recording that video and now it would be a memory for posterity… Sometimes, we have to go with the flow and let things be. We don’t have to be perfect or sing like a bird to have a great time and make music. Naturally, the original version is beautiful… and I ‘d love to read your thoughts on both. Did you like the song? Was it a tune you grew up to? What memories are tied to the song for you? Do Share!
Positive Motivation Tip: When you feel down about a situation, consider the alternative, look for a feasible solution and let it be…

A Sad Note: Rest in Peace – Elizabeth Edwards

R.I.P Elizabeth Edwards 1949-2010

On a very sad note, Elizabeth Edwards lost her battle with breast cancer today.  She was the brilliant, energetic, estranged wife of former presidential candidate and North Carolina senator, John Edwards.  She was with her beloved family when she died and is survived by John and three children; Cate, Emma and Jack.

Recently, Elizabeth had written a message on her Facebook page; sadly, now viewed as a farewell note:
“You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces – my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope,” she wrote. “These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined.”

Her family released a statement today saying:
“Today we have lost the comfort of Elizabeth’s presence but she remains the heart of this family,” her family said in a statement. “We love her and will never know anyone more inspiring or full of life. On behalf of Elizabeth we want to express our gratitude to the thousands of kindred spirits who moved and inspired her along the way. Your support and prayers touched our entire family.”
May her entire family find comfort in the wonderful memories they shared… She will be missed by many. My deepest sympathies to her loved ones.

Related Articles

• Winfrey, McCartney in DC for Kennedy Center Honors (omg.yahoo.com)

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER FOR VIDEOS***
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
LYRICS – Let It Be lyrics are provided for educational purpose only.

PHOTO/LYRICS CREDITS:
Picture of the Beatles via textually.org
Picture of Album cover via JustaSong blog
Picture of John Lennon & family by Bob Gruen via Getty Images/NYTimes
Lyrics via Lyrics007

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank