The sounds of English…
a listening experience
Let it be The Beatles
Fishing in the lake
Peten Itza Lake, El Peten, Guatemala
Let it be album Apple Records, produced be Phil Spector
Let it be is a song composed and sung by Paul McCartney. The song was released by the Beatles in March 1970. It immediately climbed the charts and became an all-time-favorite and classic representative of the ’70s. It is the title of the twelfth and final album published by The Beatles. It was released in May 1970, together with the movie, by the same name. The album was on the top of the charts in the US and Europe.
The sung, according to Paul McCartney, was inspired by a dream in which his mother visited him. Deeply troubled at the time, Paul’s mother, referred to as Mother Mary in the song, comforts and soothes him. In that dream, she also tells him to let things go their way, for everything will eventually be alright and resolve itself.
The lyrics
[Verse 1]
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”
[Chorus]
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
[Verse 2]
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
[Chorus]
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Yeah, 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
[Guitar Solo]
[Chorus]
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, yeah, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
[Verse 3]
And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light that shines on me
Shine on ’til tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
[Chorus]
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
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
Vocabulary
when I find myself in times of trouble When I am going through a difficult moment, having a lot of problems or feeling worried about the present situation. When I find myself in times of trouble, I try to think of the many good things that have happened in my life.
speaking words of wisdom Giving me advice, telling me what I can do to face a problem or bad times. When it was necessary, Grandmother would always speak words of wisdom to her grandchildren, and they would listen to her.
wisdom The ability to understand, intelligence, knowledge. My father once said how true wisdom and understanding is acquired through many years of experience.
whisper words of wisdom To give advice, encouragement, help in a low, soft voice. The doctor whispered words of wisdom and encouragement to his patient.
when the night is cloudy When I am feeling troubled, sad, confused. I find that a cup of tea helps me relax when the night is cloudy.
A light that shines on me A feeling of hope, optimism When they told me that Mary had come out of her comma, I felt a light shine on us!
shine on until tomorrow Stay with me until things get better, stay by my side. Please, don’t leave. We need your light to shine on us until tomorrow when things will surely be better!
The Listening Exercises
Let it be, The Beatles, 2009 Remastered
This is the original version. It is the title song to the last album produced by the iconic rock band from England. It has been said that when Paul McCartney wrote the lyrics to this piece, he was greatly concerned with the problems between the band members and the the breaking up of the group. As a listening exercise it should be quite easy to follow the lyrics as you listen to the music.
Billy Joel feat Paul McCartney Let it Be
This is a golden opportunity to listen to two masters of modern rock and pop music, performing together live and onstage. Billy Joel’s fifth album, The stranger, was a commercial success. It won the Record of the Year and the Song of the Year Grammy Awards. This rendition features McCartney as the vocalist and is an easy listening opportunity.
Gospel Touch Choir – Let it be (The Beatles Cover)
The Gospel Touch Choir is a worldwide organization present in a great number of countries. This video to the accompaniment of a piano in the background presents enriching listening experience to the viewer to hear a multitude of different voices singing these lyrics.
Let It Be ft. Paula Brancati and members of the Toronto Mass Choir
Let it be John Legend feat Alicia Keys – Beatles 50th Anniversary
Miloš Karadaglić – Let it Be (Beatles cover) ft. Gregory Porter
Vazquez Sounds – Let It Be (Cover)
There are a variety of different voices singing the same beautiful lyrics. Each one has its own pace, inflections, and personality. Listen to these different versions, and exercise your English listening skills, remember that learning is fun, so enjoy!
All photographs by ©edudelcorral
Talking easy, the English lessons The Listening Exercises