Across The Universe
Jim Sturgess/Joe Anderson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Endless rain into a paper cup
They slither wildly as they slip away across the universe
Pools of sorrow waves of joy
Are drifting through my opened mind
Possessing and caressing me
Jai guru deva om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Images of broken light
Which dance before me like a million eyes
They 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
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
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
Jai guru deva
Jai guru deva
The opening verse of "Across the Universe" by The Beatles begins with the words, "Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup." The lyrics perfectly encapsulate the feeling of a stream of consciousness which is often associated with meditation. The words are untethered and unfiltered, pouring out like a stream of water. The imagery conveys a sense of limitless possibility and the infinite nature of language, with the words slipping away over the vast expanse of the universe.
The following lines, "Pools of sorrow waves of joy, are drifting through my opened mind," suggest that the lyrics themselves are not the only things pouring out of the songwriter's mind. Feelings of both sadness and joy are also present, saturating the mind like water in a pool. The second verse echoes the same theme of thoughts and images flowing through the mind like a chaotic and ever-changing stream. Despite the onslaught of words and emotions, the refrain of "Nothing's gonna change my world" repeats throughout the song, providing a grounding and resolute sense of stability in the midst of flux. The repetition of the phrase, "Jai guru deva om" further emphasizes the meditative nature of the song, the words serving as a mantra.
Line by Line Meaning
Words are flowing out like
My thoughts and emotions are pouring out of me uncontrollably
Endless rain into a paper cup
It feels like my feelings and experiences are infinite, but meaningless and contained
They slither wildly as they slip away across the universe
My thoughts and feelings are slipping away and I have no control over them
Pools of sorrow waves of joy
I am experiencing both sadness and happiness, often simultaneously
Are drifting through my opened mind
These emotions are freely flowing through my mind without restraint
Possessing and caressing me
These feelings are consuming and comforting me at the same time
Jai guru deva om
A mantra that represents my search for transcendence and meaning
Nothing's gonna change my world
Regardless of the circumstances, my internal world will remain unchanged
Images of broken light
I see flickering and fragmented images that represent my unsteady emotions
Which dance before me like a million eyes
These images feel like they are watching me, as if there are millions of eyes looking at me
They call me on and on across the universe
These images are constantly drawing me in and consuming me
Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box
My thoughts wander aimlessly without direction or purpose, like wind trapped in a small space
They tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe
My thoughts feel lost and directionless as they float through my mind
Jai guru deva
A reminder that I am still searching for something meaningful and transcendent
Jai guru deva
I repeat the mantra, hoping to find some clarity and purpose
Jai guru deva
The repetition of the mantra becomes a calming, meditative practice
Jai guru deva
I continue to repeat the mantra, seeking a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul Mccartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stranger2two
No, it doesn't! :D.
Jai is from the word 'Vijay', meaning 'Victory'.
In this context, 'Jai' is likely to mean 'All Hail', or all 'All Praise'
'Guru' literally translates to 'teacher', and is still a common name and title.
In some contexts, 'Guru' implies someone who's learned, and well-versed in religious matters, or just an expert; for example: He's a financial mogul and a tech guru.
'Deva' literally means 'God', and the 'a' in 'Deva' is mute/soundless, so it's properly pronounced as the English 'Dave' in Hindi and other related languages. For example, we have 'Kaam Dev', (The God of Love), 'Indra Dev', (The Lord Indra), 'Shani Dev' (The God governing Saturn), and so on.
Now Gurudev could itself imply lots of things, and is unfortunately, erroneously used by 'spiritual masters' in their titles.
So, how much ever I like this song, they could have been trying to be esoteric, or literally thanking some 'guru' they were enamoured with, which could be true, because back then it was the time for these Gurus to appear (The so-called Hippie Period), or it could be just a verse they extracted from a prayer, something which TS Eliot did in his 'The Waste Land'.
PS I am not Indian, just someone who has studied some languages.
@HellYeahCrayal
Had this playing live at my mother's funeral yesterday, this song is just HER and I will always feel warm and happy when I hear it. This and the original are just magical.
@mustlovecorgis9993
Sorry for your loss. It's a fitting tribute--the lyrics are beautiful and the music is indeed magical...as you said.
@Crazychickenlady448
And now there is a hauntingly beautiful version by Evanescence to enjoy!
@user-hk7hz9cn7v
Your mother has returned to the universe. We all will someday. It’s nothing to be afraid of…a celebration of life and a celebration of the universe figuring itself out
@II-rk4uy
This movie made the Beatles' songs more magical and they went ahead and put them into a story. On my top 3 list of all time best movies.
@Pam777mermaid
yeah yeah yeah (8) love the beatles and this movie is one of my favorite musicals all time! MASTERPIECE
@joshc3689
It’s underrated alright! This movie I like. And of course Moulin Rouge and The Greatest Showman are my all time musical movies!
@superjedi4206
Ive watched the movie over 300 times and will continue to haha i feel it, i also love Sweeney todd .
@megmeg9461
Same
@anthonys.8569
@@superjedi4206 you have a great tastes in musicals!