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The Beatles — Across The Universe
Album:
Avg rating:
7.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 753








Released: 0
Length: 3:40
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup
They slither wildly as they slip away across the universe
Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my opened 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 letterbox
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 life are ringing through my opened ears
Inciting and inviting me
Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns
And 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
Jai guru deva
Jai guru deva
Jai guru deva
Comments (117)add comment
I don't want to take anything away from this song, but the stripped version on "Let It Be - Naked" is far better - a 10 to this ones' 9.8
 westslope wrote:

Let's get one thing clear.  Lennon was NOT a revolutionary.  Revolution inevitably requires violence.

 

Lennon sought peace.

 
No doubt he was a man of peace.

Not so sure you can't be revolutionary while at the same time advocating peaceful, non violent tactics. Maybe along the way violence occurs as part of the breakdown of existing norms but I think there can still be those inspiring the change but who recoil at the violence. 
 sunward wrote:
Someone (Haretic?) said: "Lennon was a liberal..." John would be turning in his grave at such a thought. He was the most political of Beatles—but "revolutionary" would be a be a better descriptor of his politics. Though this is not my idea of a political song.
 

Let's get one thing clear.  Lennon was NOT a revolutionary.  Revolution inevitably requires violence.

 

Lennon sought peace.


I think you need to add an "11" rating.  
I do like the Fiona Apple version of this song too.
Someone (Haretic?) said: "Lennon was a liberal..." John would be turning in his grave at such a thought. He was the most political of Beatles—but "revolutionary" would be a be a better descriptor of his politics.

Though this is not my idea of a political song.

 
romeotuma wrote:


This is such a magnificent liberal song...  love it...
 
I never thought of this song as a political statement, romeotuma. Is it the "nothing's going to change my world...?" Care to drop a hint?

"Sounds of laughter shades of life
are ringing through my open ears
exciting 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..."

literally timeless.

10


I always liked this version much better:
 

One of the best of the best of the best.
Nice!
 kevinc wrote:

I don't recall exactly which version this was (been a few hours since I heard it at work), but I think this was, more or less, the version that was released prior to Let It Be.  Regardless, the Let It Be version was the same take as the original release, slowed down, without some of the sound effects that were added to the original.  i don't recall Yoko on any version, including this one.  The only Beatles song that I remember hearing Yoko on is Bungalow Bill.

 
from Wikipedia:

The basic track was successfully recorded on 4 February. Along with the basic rhythm track of acoustic guitar, percussion and tambura, it featured an overdubbed sitar introduction by George Harrison. According to Lennon, McCartney persuaded Lennon to call in the services of Lizzie Bravo and Gayleen Pease, two of the so-called Apple scruffs (the female fans who collected outside the studio), to add harmony vocals.

" There was a whole crowd of girls outside and Paul went out to find a couple of suitable ones. They were so excited. They couldn't believe they'd actually been invited by Paul - not just inside the building but into the studio itself, to sing with The Beatles. " - Martin Benge, engineer

 



 gjr wrote:
sorry, like the "let it be" version better............yoko KILLS this one
 
I don't recall exactly which version this was (been a few hours since I heard it at work), but I think this was, more or less, the version that was released prior to Let It Be.  Regardless, the Let It Be version was the same take as the original release, slowed down, without some of the sound effects that were added to the original.  i don't recall Yoko on any version, including this one.  The only Beatles song that I remember hearing Yoko on is Bungalow Bill.


Beatles in 1969 by rising70
https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_first_rays/

Copyright All rights reserved
.
(Edited 05-12-2010)
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 gjr wrote:
sorry, like the "let it be" version better............yoko KILLS this one
 

That isn't Yoko.


sorry, like the "let it be" version better............yoko KILLS this one
Timeless....{#Meditate}
I prefer the original, but still think this song is incredible.
 ICHawk wrote:
I believe this is the first version of this song, which was recorded and released on a non-Beatles album that was used as a fundraiser for a wildlife cause. The shrill female voices you hear are actually 2 "apple scruffs" or female fans that hung out by the Apple Studio doors and were pulled in to sing on this track....more or less as a laugh.
 
Thanks for that info; I never would have known.  I really love AtU, but the backing vocals really spoil this version.

Is this the Chipmunks version? To my ear it comes across as soul-less and shallow.
I don't like this version.
I can see why some people wouldn't prefer this, but I enjoy it!
Not one of their better efforts IMO
I think the music of the Let It Be album is a departure from their earlier more experimental stuff. It is bluesy and raw and thoroughly enjoyable. It is unfortunate that Phil Spector felt the need to go overboard with post production. The later release of this album, Naked, is a great listen and is a truer representation of what the Beatles were trying to accomplish.
 jagdriver wrote:


As I recently wrote my daughter, by that time John had thoroughly fried his brain; other writers state he had succeeded in destroying his ego. This, along with the internal clashes stemming from the ill-conceived Apple Corps, and you no longer had a strong, acerbic Lennon countering Macca, and vice versa. Their partnership was undeniably far stronger than the individual parts.

Although Macca was much more of a sonic experimenter than the casual listener realizes, I also strongly believe that without George Martin's direction and Geoff Emerick's technical prowess, much of their music wouldn't be anywhere near what it turned out to be.
 
I'm amazed by the histrionics that are now invented concerning the music created by these men.

The 'bowl of pills", the speculated condition of someones brain. The dedication to wordsmithing a critique.

Funny, a little sad, and not in the same universe, creatively speaking, as the subject matter of the post on the worst day of his life.


 jagdriver wrote:
As I recently wrote my daughter, by that time John had thoroughly fried his brain; other writers state he had succeeded in destroying his ego. This, along with the internal clashes stemming from the ill-conceived Apple Corps, and you no longer had a strong, acerbic Lennon countering Macca, and vice versa. Their partnership was undeniably far stronger than the individual parts.
 
See also: Rod Steward and Jeff Beck.

 colt4x5 wrote:

troll.
 

Oh for chrisssake. That has to be one of the stupidest things I've ever read on these boards. How is someone who says "I don't get the Beatles" a troll? I mean, you're kidding, right?

Get out more, dude. Or maybe just spend a little more time reading people whose opinions you disagree with occasionally.

I've had a fondness for this song (but not this version) ever since I first heard it - but it's always going to be associated with a close friend, now long dead.

I hope he's enjoying his trip across the universe and some day meets Lennon . . .


 Stingray wrote:
Of course I am a Beatles fan and I feel shy to admit: I do not really love this song (as most others), something what is true for basically all of the other "LET IT BE" songs as well.

I recommend instead: Rubber Soul, White Album (!), Abbey Road (!!) and LOVE, the most-most wonderful recent "Beatles" album.

Stingray
 
I am completely with you, Stingray. I don't think I've ever pulled out the Let It Be release, either in LP or CD format, more than ten times to listen to anything from it.

As I recently wrote my daughter, by that time John had thoroughly fried his brain; other writers state he had succeeded in destroying his ego. This, along with the internal clashes stemming from the ill-conceived Apple Corps, and you no longer had a strong, acerbic Lennon countering Macca, and vice versa. Their partnership was undeniably far stronger than the individual parts.

Although Macca was much more of a sonic experimenter than the casual listener realizes, I also strongly believe that without George Martin's direction and Geoff Emerick's technical prowess, much of their music wouldn't be anywhere near what it turned out to be.
 skdenfeld wrote:
One of those cases where, rarely, I like one or more of the various covers floating around than the original. I don't think I quite jive with the spaciness of this one. I particularly like Rufus Wainright's version from I Am Sam. This could just be me, though.
 
I could be wrong, but  I believe this is an alternate version.  It sounds like it is the one that was on some compilation prior to Let It Be.

This version or one very similar to it was released on the "Rarities" album released in the late 70's.

This version is inferior to the Let It Be version...not sure about the Naked version of that album (which, contrary to what McCartney told us, didn't improve anything).

 colt4x5 wrote:

troll.
 
Sorry, to a certain extent I have to agree. Never liked them.

I believe this is the first version of this song, which was recorded and released on a non-Beatles album that was used as a fundraiser for a wildlife cause. The shrill female voices you hear are actually 2 "apple scruffs" or female fans that hung out by the Apple Studio doors and were pulled in to sing on this track....more or less as a laugh.
 olsaltybastard wrote:
I have never heard this song before and it will be too soon if I ever do again. I just don't get the Beatles.
 
troll.
I swear, I listened to this song on my Zune at roughly the same time today. DUDE!
Mindscrape wrote:
I like Yoko's quote "I see that this is the beginning of the new age in which we will communicate with billions of planets across the universe." This is basically how it would go: "Hi" +400years "Hello" +400years "We're from Earth." ...
LOL.............................
quesarah wrote:
Yes indeed. February 4, 2008 7pm EST, NASA will beam this song over the deep space communnication network, toward the star Polaris. NASA link: (click here)
I like Yoko's quote "I see that this is the beginning of the new age in which we will communicate with billions of planets across the universe." This is basically how it would go: "Hi" +400years "Hello" +400years "We're from Earth." ...
For some reason, listening to this reminded me that Steve Gerber, best known for creating Howard the Duck back in the 70's, passed away on Sunday. Something about the "serious nonsense" of the song perhaps. Rest in Peace, Steve.
This song is one of my favorites
Yep. A somewhat (for the Beatles) average performance of a very good song. The better covers of it show its' magic. Gave it a '9' - not because of what it is, but because of what it became. - Riff pkimbrel wrote:
No, it's not just you. However, it's interesting how this version doesn't work for me, but the core of the song is fantastic - and other's heard it and took it to the next level. That's a testament to how good Paul & John were at writing good songs.
RichardPrins wrote: Yes indeed. February 4, 2008 7pm EST, NASA will beam this song over the deep space communnication network, toward the star Polaris. NASA link: (click here)
(click here)
skdenfeld wrote:
One of those cases where, rarely, I like one or more of the various covers floating around than the original. I don't think I quite jive with the spaciness of this one. I particularly like Rufus Wainright's version from I Am Sam. This could just be me, though.
No, it's not just you. However, it's interesting how this version doesn't work for me, but the core of the song is fantastic - and other's heard it and took it to the next level. That's a testament to how good Paul & John were at writing good songs.
Of course I am a Beatles fan and I fe3el shy to admit: I do not really love this song (as most others), something what is true for basically all of the other "LET IT BE" songs as well. I recommend instead: Rubber Soul, White Album (!), Abbey Road (!!) and LOVE, the most-most wonderful recent "Beatles" album. Stingray
One of those cases where, rarely, I like one or more of the various covers floating around than the original. I don't think I quite jive with the spaciness of this one. I particularly like Rufus Wainright's version from I Am Sam. This could just be me, though.
nigelr wrote:
A 10, of course.
but of course!
A 10, of course.
one of Lennon's highlights... a shot of foget-me-not, a shot of sadness, a shot of romance... a little masterpiece
olsaltybastard wrote:
I have never heard this song before and it will be too soon if I ever do again. I just don't get the Beatles.
Taking this song in isolation I agree with you --- in fact a lot of the Let It Be album was pretty weak. Try Abbey Road, Magical Mystery Tour, or A Hard Day's Night --- all great, great records.
A great cover of this appears on the Young Americans album by Lennon's friend, David Bowie. Lennon also co-wrote "Fame" from that same album.
olsaltybastard wrote:
I have never heard this song before and it will be too soon if I ever do again. I just don't get the Beatles.
And if you're an old salty bastard now, well, I guess you never will either!
olsaltybastard wrote:
I have never heard this song before and it will be too soon if I ever do again. I just don't get the Beatles.
That's hysterical! You can't possibly be for real.
olsaltybastard wrote:
I have never heard this song before and it will be too soon if I ever do again. I just don't get the Beatles.
That's the funniest thing I've read today.
out_to_lunch wrote:
Oh hey - you left your copy of Catcher in the Rye in between my couch cushions the other day....it's all full of writing...
heheh..nice
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
I have never heard this song before and it will be too soon if I ever do again. I just don't get the Beatles.
I believe John Lennon would have been 67 today...and Sean Lennon is 32 today.
Yeah, thats the past masters version. a bit of trivia: the harmonies here are sung by a couple of fans who were hanging outside the studio. it was john and paul only working on the song, and they thought it would be good to have some female harmonies, so they went out and asked those girls if they can do it, and they agreed.
kenneth wrote:
I love The Beatles, and correct me if I'm wrong, but this song is not on the "1" CD.
You are correct. (It irks me that Bill hasn't bothered to fix this. Also, the name of the band is "The Beatles", not just "Beatles"!) I haven't checked to make sure, but I strongly suspect this is the version from the "Past Masters, Vol. 2" CD. Here's the relevant background info from a comment on that CD at Amazon.com:
We also get the glorious original version of "Across The Universe," for years available only on the World Wildlife Fund's OUR WORLD LP. Recorded in 1968, the song received its stereo mix for the Wildlife album in October 1969.
Anyone going to Vegas? Might I passionately (see: jumping up and down, lighting hair on fire) suggest seeing "Love", the Beatles show at the Mirage... Killer. For real.
dpjag wrote:
my skin crawls when his voice warbles.
Oh hey - you left your copy of Catcher in the Rye in between my couch cushions the other day....it's all full of writing...
ch83575 wrote:
anybody else get a little chuckle from that last segue?
I did... hehe
This song sung by late great John Lennon is as great as the Long and Winding Road, sung by the insufferably sappy Paul McC, is cloying.
Perfection.
anybody else get a little chuckle from that last segue?
I love The Beatles, and correct me if I'm wrong, but this song is not on the "1" CD.
This such a beautiful song sung by John Lennon with his beautiful great voice! The Beatles are the most covered music artists of all time with everyone from classical,rock,jazz,pop,motown and even heavy metal music artists have recorded their great timeless music! There was a heavy metal Beatles tribute album out last year called,Butchering The Beatles.
dpjag wrote:
my skin crawls when his voice warbles.
John Lennon had one of the most beautiful unique strong singing voices in rock! As The All Music Guide says not only were The Beatles the greatest music act of the rock era and introcuced more innovations into popular music than any other artists,but they also said John Lennon and Paul McCartney were among the best and most expressive singers in rock! And a guy who runs a Rolling Stones and John Lennon fan site also has Keno's Classic Rock n Roll Web Site and he has top 10 lists from classic artists and what the fans voted next to them. He and the fans voted John Lennon # 1 Greatest Rock Singer! He voted John Lennon and Paul McCartney # 2 Greatest Song Writers in Rock after Bob Dylan at # 1 and the fans voted John and Paul tied at # 1! John and Paul just recently beat Keith Richards and Mick Jagger again as the # 1 Greatest Rock song writers in an online Rolling Stone Readers Poll!
Dude wrote:
No... it's harder for millionaires to say such things. They would have more to lose... get it? No possessions means no money, no buying , no owning... just sharing.
Yeah, but he didn't have to worry much about food or rent (or clothes) either. Even Buddha acknowledged that until you achieve some level of "worldly" security that it is hard to pursue spiritual enlightenment. So I guess maybe you're both right. This song is one of my favorites.
MrSpaz wrote:
I absolutely love this song, and I know some people are gonna just blow to smithereens on me when I say this...but; I *really* like the Fiona Apple cover of this one. I'd even say I prefer it...
Rufus Wainright's cover on the "I Am Sam" soundtrack is absolutely delicious, too.
my skin crawls when his voice warbles.
MrSpaz wrote:
I absolutely love this song, and I know some people are gonna just blow to smithereens on me when I say this...but; I *really* like the Fiona Apple cover of this one. I'd even say I prefer it...
I gotta say I agree.
OldFrenchie wrote:
Boomers.... your taste in music makes no sense to me
I'm a boomer, and in this particular instance I have to agree with you.
n4ku wrote:
The annual airing of this timeless classic.
I don't think annual means what you think it means.
I absolutely love this song, and I know some people are gonna just blow to smithereens on me when I say this...but; I *really* like the Fiona Apple cover of this one. I'd even say I prefer it...
Waybo wrote:
"It was a millionaire who said 'Imagine no possessions'".
Me,I would given all that money away.
Hannio wrote:
Sure, it's easy for millionaires to say such things. But I agree, money doesn't matter much. Unless, of course, you don't have any, then it matters quite a bit.
No... it's harder for millionaires to say such things. They would have more to lose... get it? No possessions means no money, no buying , no owning... just sharing.
The best version is on the "naked" Let it Be CD.
Boomers.... your taste in music makes no sense to me
Nothing's gonna change my world.... Love, love, LOVE this one...
Waybo wrote:
"It was a millionaire who said 'Imagine no possessions'".
Sure, it's easy for millionaires to say such things. But I agree, money doesn't matter much. Unless, of course, you don't have any, then it matters quite a bit.
"It was a millionaire who said 'Imagine no possessions'".
I still prefer the original version. Or should I qualify that? The Let It Be version.
On_The_Beach wrote:
It's refreshing to see that people are simply ignoring the pathetic drivel from closedmindedmoron. Hey dude, no one cares what you say!
Ditto! Just goes to show that evolution has bypassed some carbon based life forms!
It's refreshing to see that people are simply ignoring the pathetic drivel from closedmindedmoron. Hey dude, no one cares what you say!
renlat wrote:
Why writing that this song is from Let it Be? Not the same version.
Too bad - I much prefer the production on the Let It Be version. Despite the criticism that's been heaped on that production, I think it gives the song a wonderfully airy, uplifting feeling. That being said, this song is virtually impossible to ruin, especially when the Beatles are doing it.
Viv515 wrote:
If it was the Let it Be version, I would have given it a 9. This version gets only an 8 from me.
You're close...this gets a 9 and the 'Let It Be' version would score a 10.
CandoLex wrote:
Hey, this wasn't the 'Let It Be' version of the song. John wasn't doing helium hits on the original version... Like the LIB version better, but it would be nice to know the background here... was it a JL demo?
If it was the Let it Be version, I would have given it a 9. This version gets only an 8 from me.
osfinca wrote:
--------Heavy, dude. :) Personaly, when I...erm, detatch, I hope the Head DJ of the Universe picks either "Blackbird" or "Born to Run" for my harmonic component. Think about it! Crusing around heaven in a chrome cloud while, "TRAMPS LIKE US.....BABY WE WERE BORN TO RUN!!!" blasts in the background? :D
Bah, make it "Jesus Built My Hotrod" for me thanks.
This sounds tinny like something is wrong with the file.
One of my faves from the Liverpool boys.
The annual airing of this timeless classic.
Beautiful song! Very relaxing!
I\'m in bliss!
Why writing that this song is from Let it Be? Not the same version.
Jai Guru Dev One of the finest yet simple late Beatles songs.
I find Lennon\'s complexity to be one of his most compelling attributes. He was a deep, messy, challenging guy. I mean, this guy wrote both Across the Universe and Cold Turkey! Whew!
Listened to at the right time and in the right atmosphere, it's still a fabulous song. A 'day dream song', just like Strawberry Fields (also written by Lennon) Guess it lost a bit of the magic it had, those days.
Hm. "A little biased." Yes, I picked up on that too.But with all due respect, if it was "obvious" when a song was garbage or not, I guess we wouldn't need to look for alternatives to commercial radio would we? It would all be great out there. What I'm thinking is that it's possible, just possible, that folks out there like the song because it has a beautiful falling melody line and gently abstract lyrics, and not because they are deluded. Anway, that's how I justify the pleasure I derive from it. So VB, try not to be "depressed" when folks don't share your taste in music. It's gonna make life feel long, you know? Regards,
Originally Posted by VBKashmir: Please, this song is just terrible. Albeit, im a little iased against the beatles (because I really hate them) but cmon people... This song is obviously garbage. The fact that someone rated that song "Godlike" is depressing, and a prime example of how I think some of yous vote on the band, and not the song.
Originally Posted by CandoLex: Hey, this wasn't the 'Let It Be' version of the song. John wasn't doing helium hits on the original version... Like the LIB version better, but it would be nice to know the background here... was it a JL demo?
This song came off of a compilation record a few years before Let It Be. I believe it was a charity record and that it either had Atlantic or Atlantis in the title. However, I thought that that version had more bird noises in it. I know that the U.S. Rarities album had that version on it, along with the Promo version of Penny Lane and a couple of mono tracks from teh White Album, which were significantly different mixes than the versions we're used to.
My brother still has the LP No One\'s Gonna Change Our World, which was in aid of the WWF (no, stupid, the World Wildlife Fund). That was an eclectic mix, if a dredge my mind back it had stuff like \"Cuddly Old Koala\" by Rolf Harris (at the time a British institution), \"I\'m A Tiger\" by Lulu and Spike Milligan singing \"Ning Nang Nong\", all of whom probably mean absolutely nothing across the Pond :)
A timeless dream moment. When I detach from corporeal form, I hope this song will reverberate as the harmonic component of my spirit\'s continued existence.