Across The Universe

By John T. Marck

Another by Lennon, this was a song that he deemed as one of his best. This had originally been recorded during the "Lady Madonna" sessions, and placed on the side. The Beatles weren't sure what to do with it. They wanted it as a single, then as a B-side, then it was to be used on a EP. Because none of these ideas panned out, The Beatles gave this song to the World Wildlife Fund for a charity album. Phil Spector liked it and decided to include it in "Let It Be." He took the original recording, edited out the opening over dubbed bird sounds, slowed it down a little, and added a choir and orchestra. The bird sounds can be heard on the version included in Past Masters II.

Many people have asked what the phrase "Jai Guru De Va Om" means? Before The Beatles studied under the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India, they met him in England. Traveling with the Maharishi was his guru, "Guru Dev." John Lennon liked the name and decided to use it in this song. It is nothing more than another Guru's name.

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 De Va 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

That 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 De Va 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 open ears,

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 De Va 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 De Va, Jai Guru De Va, Jai Guru De Va, Jai Guru De Va, Jai Guru De Va

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