Led by primary songwriters Lennon and McCartney, the Beatles built their reputation playing clubs in Liverpool and Hamburg over three years from 1960, initially with Stuart Sutcliffe playing bass. The core trio of Lennon, McCartney and Harrison, together since 1958, went through a succession of drummers, eventually settling with Pete Best in 1960, who played with them for two years before being replaced with then Rory Storm & The Hurricanes drummer Ringo Starr in 1962. Manager Brian Epstein molded them into a professional act and producer George Martin guided and developed their recordings, greatly expanding their domestic success after their first hit, "Love Me Do", in late 1962. As their popularity grew into the intense fan frenzy dubbed "Beatlemania", the band acquired the nickname "the Fab Four", with Epstein, Martin and other members of the band's entourage sometimes given the informal title of "fifth Beatle".
By early 1964, the Beatles were international stars, leading the "British Invasion" of the United States pop market and breaking numerous sales records. They soon made their film debut with A Hard Day's Night (1964). From 1965 onwards, they produced increasingly innovative recordings, including the albums Rubber Soul (1965), Revolver (1966) and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967), and enjoyed further commercial success with The Beatles (also known as "the White Album", 1968) and Abbey Road (1969). In 1968, they founded Apple Corps, a multi-armed multimedia corporation that continues to oversee projects related to the band's legacy. After the group's break-up in 1970, all four members enjoyed success as solo artists. Lennon was shot and killed in December 1980, and Harrison died of lung cancer in November 2001. McCartney and Starr remain musically active.
The Beatles are the best-selling music act of all time, with estimated sales of 600 million units worldwide. They hold the record for most number-one albums on the UK Albums Chart, most number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and most singles sold in the UK. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and all four main members were inducted individually between 1994 and 2015. In 2008, the group topped Billboard's list of the all-time most successful artists on the Billboard Hot 100. The band received seven Grammy Awards, four Brit Awards, an Academy Award (for Best Original Song Score for the 1970 film Let It Be) and fifteen Ivor Novello Awards. Time magazine named them among the 20th century's 100 most important people.
Former Rolling Stone associate editor Robert Greenfield compared the Beatles to Picasso, as "artists who broke through the constraints of their time period to come up with something that was unique and original "... In the form of popular music, no one will ever be more revolutionary, more creative and more distinctive ..." The British poet Philip Larkin described their work as "an enchanting and intoxicating hybrid of African-American rock-and-roll with their own adolescent romanticism", and "the first advance in popular music since the War".
They not only sparked the British Invasion of the US, they became a globally influential phenomenon as well. From the 1920s, the US had dominated popular entertainment culture throughout much of the world, via Hollywood films, jazz, the music of Broadway and Tin Pan Alley and, later, the rock and roll that first emerged in Memphis, Tennessee. The Beatles are regarded as British cultural icons, with young adults from abroad naming the band among a group of people that they most associated with UK culture.
Their musical innovations and commercial success inspired musicians worldwide. Many artists have acknowledged the Beatles' influence and enjoyed chart success with covers of their songs. On radio, their arrival marked the beginning of a new era; in 1968 the programme director of New York's WABC radio station forbade his DJs from playing any "pre-Beatles" music, marking the defining line of what would be considered oldies on American radio. They helped to redefine the album as something more than just a few hits padded out with "filler", and they were primary innovators of the modern music video. The Shea Stadium show with which they opened their 1965 North American tour attracted an estimated 55,600 people, then the largest audience in concert history; Spitz describes the event as a "major breakthrough ... a giant step toward reshaping the concert business". Emulation of their clothing and especially their hairstyles, which became a mark of rebellion, had a global impact on fashion.
According to Gould, the Beatles changed the way people listened to popular music and experienced its role in their lives. From what began as the Beatlemania fad, the group's popularity grew into what was seen as an embodiment of socio-cultural movements of the decade. As icons of the 1960s counterculture, Gould continues, they became a catalyst for bohemianism and activism in various social and political arenas, fuelling movements such as women's liberation, gay liberation and environmentalism. According to Peter Lavezzoli, after the "more popular than Jesus" controversy in 1966, the Beatles felt considerable pressure to say the right things and "began a concerted effort to spread a message of wisdom and higher consciousness".
Other commentators such as Mikal Gilmore and Todd Leopold have traced the inception of their socio-cultural impact earlier, interpreting even the Beatlemania period, particularly on their first visit to the US, as a key moment in the development of generational awareness. Referring to their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show Leopold states: "In many ways, the Sullivan appearance marked the beginning of a cultural revolution ... The Beatles were like aliens dropped into the United States of 1964.
In 1965, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Starr Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). The Beatles won the 1971 Academy Award for Best Original Song Score for the film Let It Be (1970). The recipients of seven Grammy Awards and fifteen Ivor Novello Awards, the Beatles have six Diamond albums, as well as 20 Multi-Platinum albums, 16 Platinum albums and six Gold albums in the US. In the UK, the Beatles have four Multi-Platinum albums, four Platinum albums, eight Gold albums and one Silver album. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
The best-selling band in history, the Beatles have sold more than 800 million physical and digital albums as of 2013. They have had more number-one albums on the UK charts, fifteen, and sold more singles in the UK, 21.9 million, than any other act. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked the Beatles as the most significant and influential rock music artists of the last 50 years. They ranked number one on Billboard magazine's list of the all-time most successful Hot 100 artists, released in 2008 to celebrate the US singles chart's 50th anniversary. As of 2017, they hold the record for most number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, with twenty. The Recording Industry Association of America certifies that the Beatles have sold 178 million units in the US, more than any other artist. They were collectively included in Time magazine's compilation of the 20th century's 100 most influential people. In 2014, they received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
There are two holidays celebrated for the Beatles: Global Beatles Day on 25 June each year. On that date in 1967, the band performed "All You Need Is Love" on television. In 2001, UNESCO created World Beatles Day on 16 January each year. This date has direct relation to the opening of The Cavern Club in 1957.
Five asteroids, 4147 Lennon, 4148 McCartney, 4149 Harrison, 4150 Starr and 8749 Beatles are named after the Beatles.
Hare Krishna Mantra
The Beatles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, my Lord
My sweet Lord
Oh, my Lord
I really wanna see You
I really wanna be with You
I like to see You, Lord
My sweet Lord
Oh, my Lord
My sweet Lord
I really wanna know You
I'd like to go with You
I wanna show You Lord
That it won't take long, my Lord
(Hallelujah)
My sweet Lord
(Hallelujah)
My sweet Lord
(Hallelujah)
My sweet Lord
(Hallelujah)
I really wanna know You
I really wanna see You
I'd like to see You Lord
I wanna see You Lord
It takes so long, my Lord
(Hallelujah)
My sweet Lord
(Hallelujah)
Oh my sweet Lord
(Hallelujah)
My sweet Lord
(Hallelujah)
I really wanna know You
(Hallelujah)
I'd like to go with You
(Hallelujah)
I'd like to show You, Lord
(Hallelujah)
And it won't take long, my Lord
(Hallelujah)
My, my, my Lord
(Hallelujah)
My sweet Lord
(Hallelujah)
Ooh hoo hmm
(Hallelujah)
Hare Krishna
Hare Krishna
Krishna, Krishna
Hare Hare
Hare Rama
Hare Rama
Aah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
(My sweet Lord)
Hallelujah
(My sweet Lord)
Hare Krishna
(My sweet Lord)
Hare Krishna
(My, my, my)
Krishna, Krishna
(Hey, my sweet Lord)
Hare Hare
(My sweet Lord)
Gurur Brahma
(Oh my Lord)
Gurur Vishnu
(Oh my sweet Lord)
Gurur Devo
(My sweet Lord)
Maheshwara
(My sweet Lord)
Gurur Sakshaat
(My sweet Lord)
Parabrahma
(Oh my sweet Lord)
Tasmayi Shree
(My, my sweet Lord)
Guruve Namah
(My sweet Lord)
Hare Rama
(My sweet Lord)
My sweet Lord
The lyrics to The Beatles' song "Hare Krishna Mantra" express a sense of longing to connect with the divine. The repetition of the phrase "My sweet Lord" and "Hallelujah" throughout the song serve as a mantra-like chant, inviting the presence of God. The verses indicate the desire to see and know the Lord, to be in His company and show Him love. The line "It takes so long, my Lord" implies a sense of impatience and longing to be closer to God, to feel His presence and experience His love.
The use of the Hare Krishna mantra in the song is significant, as it is a powerful chant used in Hinduism and Buddhism to invoke a sense of divine love and connection. The inclusion of Sanskrit words in the lyrics, such as "Gurur Brahma" and "Tasmayi Shree," further emphasizes the spiritual nature of the song. Overall, "Hare Krishna Mantra" is a deeply spiritual and emotional expression of the desire to connect with the divine.
Line by Line Meaning
My sweet Lord
The persona addresses their supreme being and acknowledges the sweetness of the Lord's nature.
Oh, my Lord
The persona continues to address their supreme being, reaffirming their devotion.
I really wanna see You
The persona expresses their desire to have a face-to-face encounter with their supreme being.
I really wanna be with You
The persona states their longing to be in the presence of their supreme being.
I like to see You, Lord
The persona further expresses their desire to behold the greatness of their supreme being.
Oh, it takes so long
The persona acknowledges the longing for their supreme being's presence and the duration of time it takes for this to happen.
I really wanna know You
The persona expresses their desire to have a personal and intimate relationship with their supreme being.
I'd like to go with You
The persona states their desire to accompany their supreme being on their journey through life.
I wanna show You Lord
The persona expresses their intention to present their supreme being with something that will please them.
That it won't take long, my Lord
The persona reassures their supreme being that whatever they intend to do for them will happen quickly.
Hare Krishna
The persona chants the Hare Krishna mantra, which is a call to the Hindu god, Krishna, for salvation.
Hare Rama
The persona continues to chant the Hare Krishna mantra but this time calling the name of the Hindu deity, Rama.
Gurur Brahma
The persona sings praises to Brahman, the highest Hindu deity, recognizing them as their spiritual guide.
Gurur Vishnu
The persona continues to sing praises, this time to the Hindu deity, Vishnu, acknowledging them as their protector.
Gurur Devo
The persona further acknowledges Brahma, Vishnu, and other Hindu deities as their divine guide and protector.
Maheshwara
The persona recognizes and worships the Hindu god, Shiva, the destroyer of evil and the transformer.
Gurur Sakshaat
The persona continues to refer to their deities as their spiritual guide, a direct manifestation of divinity.
Parabrahma
The persona recognizes and worships the ultimate reality of the universe, Brahman.
Tasmayi Shree
The persona dedicates their praises to the supreme being or Brahman.
Guruve Namah
The persona pays their respects and acknowledgments to their spiritual guide.
Contributed by Austin M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@luciocornejomedina
Descarga el Tono "My sweet lord" a tu Móvil
My sweet lord
My sweet lord
Hm, my lord
Hm, my lord
I really want to see you
Really want to be with you
Really want to see you lord
But it takes so long, my lord
My sweet lord
Hm, my lord
Hm, my lord
I really want to know you
Really want to go with you
Really want to show you lord
That it wont take long, my lord (hallelujah)
My sweet lord (hallelujah)
Hm, my lord (hallelujah)
My sweet lord (hallelujah)
I really want to see you
Really want to see you
Really want to see you, lord
Really want to see you, lord
But it takes so long, my lord (hallelujah)
My sweet lord (hallelujah)
Hm, my lord (hallelujah)
My, my, my lord (hallelujah)
I really want to know you (hallelujah)
Really want to go with you (hallelujah)
Really want to show you lord
That it wont take long, my lord (hallelujah)
Hmm (hallelujah)
My sweet lord (hallelujah)
My, my, lord (hallelujah)
Hm, my lord (hare krishna)
My, my, my lord (hare krishna)
Oh hm, my sweet lord (krishna, krishna)
Oh-uuh-uh (hare hare)
Now, I really want to see you (hare rama)
Really want to be with you (hare rama)
Really want to see you lord (aaah)
But it takes so long, my lord (hallelujah)
Hm, my lord (hallelujah)
My, my, my lord (hare krishna)
My sweet lord (hare krishna)
My sweet lord (krishna krishna)
My lord (hare hare)
@daviddunmer3889
George really expanded his musical horizons far more than any other beatle. He was the kid of guy you look at and wish your life would turn out that well. He experienced life to the fullest.
@Krsna5
When he died he was surrounded by devotees chanting Hare Krishna so for George his ''My Sweet Lord'' is Krishna the Lord of the universe
@TheWorldTeacher
Bhu-Mandala Universe
Are you a THEIST? 🤔
If so, what are the reasons for your BELIEF in God? 🤓
@TheWorldTeacher
JJ's Journal
it is not considered to be good etiquette for a person who is even lower than a slave to presume to instruct her MASTER, or to provide unsolicited advice to her superiors.
Is that fully understood, SLAVE?
Incidentally, it’s called “Spell-Check”. ✅
Look into it, SILLY Sinful Slave. 👨🏻🎓
@TheWorldTeacher
JJ's Journal
I regret to inform you, Slave, that your response is INCORRECT. 👎
The CORRECT answer is “Yes, Master”. ✅
Bless You Always, TYPICAL Arrogant Westerner!
@TheWorldTeacher
JJ's Journal
it is very magnanimous of you to offer me your UNSOLICITED opinion, Slave.☝️
I will most certainly NOT take it into consideration, Silly, Misjudgmental Fool. 🥱
Incidentally, Mr. Beta-Male, posting multiple comments in quick succession is a symptom of IMPETUOUSITY, a distinctly feminine trait. 🙄
I would wager that you are the product of a single mother, SILLY Sinful Slave. 👶🏻
@TheWorldTeacher
JJ's Journal
Are you VEGAN, Silly Slave? 🌱
@mariaharald9779
~JAI KRISHNA~...greetings from 2 musicians (sitar & tanpura) from germany......(maria&harald,the nectar of the night)...~
@3rk4u
That kid from Liverpool George,what a great devotee of Lord Krishnas/the pull of Krishna knows no bounds,once u find him its like wow what have i been doing all my life,somebody just hit the light switch,Hare Krishna.
@leslielynn6400
thanks Hare Krishna