Across The Universe
Jackson Browne & Robby Krieger Lyrics


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Words are flying 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 thorough my open mind
Possessing and caressing me
Jai guru deva 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 deva 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
exciting 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 deva 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 deva
Jai guru deva

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Jackson Browne and Robby Krieger's song "Across the Universe" can be interpreted as a reflection on the impermanence of life and the human condition of constantly seeking something beyond the material world. The opening line, "Words are flying out like endless rain into a paper cup," describes the fleeting nature of words and ideas, which are difficult to grasp or capture. The next line, "They slither while they pass, they slip away across the universe," further emphasizes the idea that thoughts and emotions are constantly in flux and difficult to hold onto.


The middle verse, "Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes that call me on and on across the universe," suggests the influence of past experiences and memories, as they continue to shape our present and propel us forward. The line "Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box they tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe" highlights the notion of the mind being in a constant state of motion, unable to control or direct the flow of thoughts.


The final verse, "Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns it calls me on and on across the universe," speaks to the idea that love is a foundational force that connects all beings across time and space. The repeated refrain of "Nothing's gonna change my world" and "Jai guru deva om" suggests a sense of peace and acceptance within this ever-changing universe.


Line by Line Meaning

Words are flying out like endless rain into a paper cup
The words being expressed are flowing uncontrollably and being consumed as if by an item as simple as a paper cup.


They slither while they pass, They slip away across the universe
The words move stealthily appearing without warning and disappearing just as quickly.


Pools of sorrow waves of joy are drifting thorough my open mind, Possessing and caressing me
The author's mind is open to both sad and happy thoughts that are moving through him and affecting him in emotional ways.


Jai guru deva om, Nothing's gonna change my world
The author looks to the guru's teachings to provide the way to a lasting peace that will not be affected by worldly changes.


Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes, That call me on and on across the universe
Broken light dances as if it is comprised of a million eyes speaking to the author's soul and guiding him through the seemingly infinite universe.


Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box, they tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe
The thoughts of the author are constantly changing and moving, like the wind blowing aimlessly and without direction.


Sounds of laughter shades of life are ringing through my open ears, exciting and inviting me
The author is highly receptive to the sounds of life, the laughter invigorates and draws him in.


Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns, It calls me on and on across the universe
The author feels the warmth and love of the guru calling him to explore the universe and reminding him to never lose sight of the love surrounding him.


Jai guru deva, Jai guru deva
The author returns to the teachings of the guru and their mantra of faith.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@darkwitness2718

This is my favorite cover of Across the Universe.

@ChristopherRamirezCalif

HOW DID I JUST FIND THIS... amazing... wouldn't have heard it without Breakfast with the Beatles this morning though

@lenapter3272

Wow-Just wow!

@jake105

John Lennon said the same thing after a 1/2 dozen different recording attempts. He blamed Paul. Maybe he should have just recorded it like "Julia". Just him and his guitar all by his lonesome. Nobody to blame but himself.

@terrythecensor

Wow! I am surprised at how much this one does not work. Maybe he should have done it with piano?

@lenapter3272

HUH? THIS IS incredible!

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