Sharleen Spiteri (vocals, guitar), Ally McErlaine (guitar) and Johnny McElhone (bass) have survived all line ups.
Across The Universe
Texas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They slither while they pass, they slip away across the universe
Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my open mind,
Possessing and caressing me.
Jai guru de va 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
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
Jai guru de va 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 open views inviting and inciting me
Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns,
They call me on and on across the universe
Jai guru de va 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
The lyrics to "Across the Universe" by Texas are filled with vivid imagery that beckons the listener to take a journey across the universe. The opening lines speak of words that flow like endless rain into a paper cup, alluding to the vastness of the universe and the fleeting nature of life. The line "they slither while they pass, they slip away across the universe" adds a sense of gravity to the lyrics, as if the words are slipping away into the void beyond our reach. The pools of sorrow and waves of joy that are drifting through the open mind of the singer paint a picture of the ups and downs of life, and how we are constantly at the mercy of our emotions.
The chorus "jai guru de va om, nothing's gonna change my world" is both a repetition and a statement of intention. The Hindi line "jai guru de va om" is a spiritual chant that evokes a sense of peace and calmness in the listener, while the rest of the chorus is a declaration that no matter what happens, the singer's world will remain unchanged. The second verse has a similar structure, with images of broken light dancing like a million eyes, and thoughts meandering like a restless wind. The line "they call me on and on across the universe" is particularly evocative, painting a picture of a vast, open space that is almost hypnotic.
The final verse speaks of the sounds of laughter and shades of earth that are ringing through the singer's open views, inviting and inciting them. The undying love that shines around the singer like a million suns is the final piece of imagery that invokes a sense of wholeness and completion. The repetition of the chorus throughout the song serves to reinforce the message that in the face of everything that life can throw at us, we can remain centered and at peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup,
I'm overwhelmed with thoughts and ideas, they come so fast it's hard to keep up.
They slither while they pass, they slip away across the universe
Sometimes my thoughts disappear just as quickly as they came.
Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my open mind,
I'm experiencing a range of emotions and thoughts, both good and bad.
Possessing and caressing me.
These emotions and thoughts have a hold on me, both comforting and overwhelming.
Jai guru de va om
A chant or phrase used to center oneself spiritually.
Nothing's gonna change my world
Despite the overwhelming thoughts and emotions, I feel grounded and confident that nothing can disrupt my inner state.
Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes,
I see flashes of light and colors that feel like I'm being watched by countless eyes.
They call me on and on across the universe,
These flashes of light and colors lure me and pull me in different directions.
Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box they
My thoughts wander aimlessly, like wind blowing through a mailbox.
Tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe
My thoughts are directionless and chaotic as they move through my mind.
Sounds of laughter shades of earth are ringing
I hear a variety of sounds and emotions from the world around me.
Through my open views inviting and inciting me
These sounds and emotions are opening my mind and encouraging me to explore more.
Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns,
I feel surrounded by a positive and radiant love that is infinite in nature.
They call me on and on across the universe
This love seems to reach out to me in different ways and in different places.
Jai guru de va om
I repeat this chant, reciting it as a way of connecting with a greater spiritual force.
Nothing's gonna change my world
Despite the chaos of thoughts and emotions, I am still grounded and calm in myself.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Snowflake9
I'm a big fan of The Beatles and John Lennon but I must say I got goosebumps listening this... beautiful performance... Sharleen is amazingly talented singer.
Aurum Bolton
WOW!!!!! que excelente version de Across The Universe!!!!... Sharleen es lo maximo... Que gran generacion de cantantes, Sharleen Spiteri, Dolores O'riordan, Nina Person, Shirley Manson... All European... Does anybody know if Texas will ever release a new album?... I miss them :(
sugarplumfairiie
I remember watching this tribute night to John Lennon, I was staying at a hostel for the homeless back then, I was in my room completely stoned, sad, and apathetic, and it was Sharleen's performance that struck me, also Moloko. Almost a decade later, and i don't do weed no more, nor booze, and I own my home, but I still feel sad and apathetic, and somewhat stoned from other meds. Nothings gonna change my world....
Michael Bennett
I remember coming across this on the John Lennon tribute and was blown away by her stunning interpretation of a beautiful song. About love it!!
I-Uan Sayampol
Sharleen is so great, very talented!
SixEightySeven
Love this. A wonderful performance of a beautiful song. That's all I want.
Pippa Thorpe
Same here! This is such a beautiful version of the song.
Alan McLaren
what a duet...that would be Sharleen and John.....
beautiful song ..and beautiful voices.
Antonio Dragonheart
Happy birthday, Sharleen. Magnificent rendition.
Rw59
Sharleen can sing , that's for sure. Brilliant