☝️ Key Points
- The song lyrics contain poetic and philosophical reflections on the universe and human existence, with particular emphasis on the fluidity and impermanence of words, thoughts, and emotions.
- The repeated refrain 'Nothing's gonna change my world' expresses a stable inner conviction and constancy, despite the constant changes in the universe.
- The line of text 'Jai Guru Deva OM' contains a Sanskrit mantra from Transcendental Meditation, meaning 'Honor to the divine teacher', and 'OM', a sacred sound in Hinduism and Buddhism, is a reference to the Beatles' spiritual journey.
- The statement 'Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes. That call me on and on across the universe' could represent a deep awe for the beauty and complexity of the universe, with 'broken light' possibly referring to the countless stars in the universe.
- Overall, the song lyrics are a profound contemplation of life, existence, and the universe, conveyed through poetic imagery and spiritual references.
Interpretation
The lyrics of 'Across the Universe' by
the Beatles are a poetic and philosophical reflection on the universe and human existence. In the opening lines 'Words are flying out like endless rain into a paper cup. They slither while they pass, they slip away across the universe', John Lennon suggests that words, thoughts, and emotions are fluid and endless, similar to rain into a paper cup. They are fleeting and spread across the universe.