The Beatles – Let It Be

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 brokenhearted 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, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper 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 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, let it be, yeah, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Written by Paul McCartney, “Let It Be” was released in March of 1970 as a single, with an alternate track included in the album of the same name.  It was the last single released before McCartney announced that he is leaving The Beatles.

McCartney wrote the song when he dreamt about his mother, Mary, who passed away when he was only 14.  According to McCartney, his mother came to him during “times of trouble” (when the tension was rising during the recording of the White Album) in his dreams and spoke to him “words of wisdom”.  He woke up at peace and inspired to write a song about this experience.

The song is about picking up the pieces, leaving the problems behind and moving on with life.  If you try to listen to the lyrics, especially the oft repetition of “Let it be” in the song, it’s a call to accept things as they are and know that things will be better tomorrow.

“Let it be” is one of the greatest funeral songs to play during a funeral or a basic cremation service as it urges everyone to see the silver lining between the dark clouds that hover above them during the loss of a loved one.  The line, “For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see, There will be an answer, Let it be” is a reminder that in time, you will understand why things have to happen and that you learn to accept it and move on.