Let It Be
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Let it be - The Beatles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tabbed By: emorhys Tuning: Standard (GDAE) Intro/ Verse: G|-------------------------------------------------------------| D|------------------------------------------------3--2--0-----:| A|----3--3-----------------------3--3----------------------3--:| E|-----------3--3---5--5---1-1---------3--3--------------------| Chorus: G|-------------------------------------------------------------| D|-------------------------------------------------3--2--0-----| A|--------------------------3--3---3--3---------------------3--| E|----5--5---3--3---1--1------------------3--3-----------------| G|-------------------------------------------------------------| D|----3--2--0--------------------------------------------------| A|--------------3--2--0---------3------------------------------| E|-------------------------3--2--------------------------------| | / slide up | slide down | h hammer-on | p pull-off | ~ vibrato | + harmonic | x Mute note
Let It Be: The Beatles’ Iconic Song – A Comprehensive Guide
History
Let It Be is a song by the legendary British rock band The Beatles. It was released in March 1970 and was the band’s final single before their breakup. The song was produced by Phil Spector and was written by Paul McCartney.
The writing of Let It Be was inspired by a dream that McCartney had about his mother, Mary, who passed away when he was only 14 years old. In his dream, Mary came to him and told him to “let it be.” McCartney later said that the dream was a sign of reassurance during a difficult time in his life.
The song was recorded in 1969 during the production of the Let It Be album. The initial recording was a much simpler version of the final song, with McCartney playing piano and singing over it. However, after disagreements among the band members during the production of the album, Phil Spector was brought in to produce it. Spector added strings and choir vocals to the song, which gave it the iconic sound that we know today.
Message
Let It Be is a song about finding comfort in difficult times. It encourages listeners to let go of their worries and fears and find peace. The lyrics are simple and uplifting, with lines like “When I find myself in times of trouble/Mother Mary comes to me/Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.”
The song also has religious undertones, with Mother Mary being a reference to the Virgin Mary. However, McCartney has explained that the song is not meant to be religious or preachy but rather a message of hope.
Impact
Let It Be has had a significant impact on popular culture since its release in 1970. The song reached the top of the charts in many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It has been covered by countless artists over the years, and its message of hope and comfort has resonated with audiences around the world.
Let It Be has also been used in several movies and TV shows, including Forrest Gump, Across the Universe, and Grey’s Anatomy. The song’s iconic opening piano chords are instantly recognizable and have become a part of pop culture history.
Cover Versions
Let It Be has been covered by many artists over the years, including Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and Mariah Carey. One of the most famous cover versions of Let It Be is by the American singer-songwriter Joan Baez, who performed the song at the 1969 Woodstock festival.
Other notable cover versions include a gospel-inspired rendition by Ray Charles, a soulful version by Al Green, and a stripped-down acoustic take by Neil Young. Each cover version brings something new to the song, but all of them stay true to the message of hope and comfort that Let It Be embodies.
Conclusion
Let It Be is a song that has stood the test of time. Its simple lyrics and uplifting message have resonated with generations of listeners and have made it one of The Beatles’ most iconic songs. Whether you are going through a difficult time or just need a reminder to let go of your worries, Let It Be is a song that will always be there to provide comfort and inspiration.