Across The Universe
Lennon / McCartney Lyrics
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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 through my open mind
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 earth
Are ringing through my opened mind
Inciting and inviting me
Limitless undying love, which
Shines around me like a million suns
And 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
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 song "Across The Universe" by Lennon/McCartney speaks of a spiritual journey that encompasses the feelings and thoughts that the singer experiences as he travels through the universe. The lyrics mix powerful visual images with a sense of transcendence, where nothing can change the singer's world.
The first few lines of the song speak about how thoughts and ideas are fleeting and transient, like water slipping through cupped hands. The singer uses the metaphor of "pools of sorrow" and "waves of joy" to describe the immense emotions he's experiencing on this journey. The next stanza speaks of how the singer's mind is open and vulnerable to the forces of the universe, and how he's being "possessed and caressed".
The chorus line "Jai guru deva om" is a Sanskrit phrase that means "I give thanks to the divine teacher" and is meant to evoke a sense of spirituality and transcendence. The phrase is used to underscore the unchanging nature of the universe and the singer's sense of staying power amidst a world of chaos and change. The second stanza speaks of the visual images that dance before the singer's eyes and beckon him onwards, further into the universe.
Line by Line Meaning
Words are flowing out like Endless rain into a paper cup
The ideas and thoughts are flowing out continuously and they are as insubstantial as raindrops falling into a paper cup.
They slither while they pass
The thoughts and ideas are slippery and difficult to catch, disappearing as quickly as they appear.
They slip away across the universe
The thoughts drift away without restraint or direction, floating aimlessly through the vast and endless universe.
Pools of sorrow
Deep wells of sadness and pain that sit stagnant in the mind, difficult to escape or release.
Waves of joy
Intense bursts of happiness and pleasure that wash over the mind and body, lifting the spirits and bringing a sense of buoyancy.
Are drifting through my open mind
These emotions come and go freely, without resistance, inhabiting the space of a mind that is open and accepting of them.
Possessing and caressing me
These emotions have taken hold of the mind and heart, holding them firmly in their grip and comforting them.
Jai guru deva om
A chant meaning 'Hail to the divine guru' that serves as a mantra to focus and quiet the mind.
Nothing's gonna change my world
Despite the turbulence of emotions and thoughts, the world around the author will remain unchanged and unaffected.
Images of broken light which Dance before me, like a million eyes
The broken shards of light or colors that flash in the mind, appearing like millions of eyes watching and observing.
That call me on and on across the universe
These images seem to beckon and draw the thoughts and mind along a cosmic journey that stretches across the entire universe.
Thoughts meander like a Restless wind inside a letter box
The thoughts wander aimlessly within the bounds of the mind, like a gust of wind trapped within a confined space.
They tumble blindly as They make their way across the universe
These thoughts move about without direction or guidance, tossed carelessly along on the currents of the endless universe.
Sounds of laughter
The sound of happiness, joy, and amusement that can be heard ringing out.
Shades of earth
The variety of different colors and experiences associated with living life on earth.
Are ringing through my opened mind
These sounds and colors are echoing through the mind that is open to them, resonating deeply and fully.
Inciting and inviting me
These sensations inspire and call out to the mind, urging it to move forward and explore new possibilities.
Limitless undying love, which Shines around me like a million suns
A love that is unbound by time and space, a love that is infinite and eternal, shining like radiant suns all around the author.
And calls me on and on across the universe
This love fills and fuels the author, inspiring them to continue their journey across the never-ending expanse of the universe.
Jai guru deva
The mantra of 'Hail to the divine guru' repeated again, serving as a punctuation mark that helps ground and center the author's thoughts.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind