Julia
Paul McCartney/John Lennon Lyrics
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But I say it just to reach you, Julia
Julia, Julia, ocean child, calls me
So I sing a song of love, Julia
Julia, seashell eyes, windy smile, calls me
So I sing a song of love, Julia
In the sun
Julia, Julia, morning moon, touch me
So I sing a song of love, Julia
When I cannot sing my heart
I can only speak my mind, Julia
Julia, sleeping sand, silent cloud, touch me
So I sing a song of love, Julia
Hum, hum, hum, calls me
So I sing a song of love, Julia, Julia, Julia
The song "Julia" by Paul McCartney/John Lennon is a tribute to Lennon's mother, Julia Lennon, who had passed away when he was a teenager. The song starts with half of what I say is meaningless, but I say it just to reach you, Julia, suggesting that the singer is trying to connect with Julia in a spiritual sense, possibly through music. Julia is described as an ocean child, with seashell eyes, and a windy smile, which suggests a free spirit, and the singer is giving in to the enchantment of her spirit.
The song goes on to describe a vivid image of Julia and the natural world around her, with her hair described as floating sky shimmering and glimmering in the sun. The beauty of nature that surrounds her reflects her own inner beauty, with her presence alone inspiring the singer to want to sing a song of love for her. However, when the singer finds it difficult to express his feelings through music, he can always speak his mind and turn to Julia, even when she's no longer present. The song ends with a hum, which feels like a call to Julia in the spiritual realm, encouraging the singer to keep singing songs of love for her.
Line by Line Meaning
Half of what I say is meaningless
Although I may speak meaningless words, I do so just to communicate with you, Julia.
But I say it just to reach you, Julia
I speak in order to connect with you, Julia.
Julia, Julia, ocean child, calls me
I am beckoned by the call of the ocean child, Julia.
So I sing a song of love, Julia
In response, I show my love by serenading you with a song, Julia.
Julia, seashell eyes, windy smile, calls me
The lovely image of your shining eyes and breezy smile summons me, Julia.
Her hair of floating sky is shimmering, glimmering
Your hair, which reminds me of the sky, shimmers and glimmers beautifully in the sunlight, Julia.
In the sun
The source of warmth and light illuminating the beauty of your hair, Julia.
Julia, Julia, morning moon, touch me
Your magical presence is like that of the morning moon, making me feel touched, Julia.
When I cannot sing my heart
When I am unable to express my emotions in song,
I can only speak my mind, Julia
I can only communicate my feelings through spoken words to you, Julia.
Julia, sleeping sand, silent cloud, touch me
You are like the serene comforts of sleeping sand and silent clouds, bringing me peace and solace, Julia.
So I sing a song of love, Julia
Action speaks more than words, so I showcase my love for you through song, Julia.
Hum, hum, hum, calls me
Your calling voice repeats in my head as hums, urging me to come to you, Julia.
Julia, Julia, Julia
You, Julia, are the subject, the inspiration, and the recipient of my love and affection.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind