Julia
The Beatles (ENG) 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 hum, calls me
So I sing a song of love, Julia, Julia, Julia
The Beatles’ song Julia, written by John Lennon, appears on their 1968 eponymous album, famously known as the “White Album.” The song serves as a tribute to Lennon’s mother, Julia, who was killed in a road accident when he was only seventeen years old. Lennon uses the lyrics to express his longing for his mother and the pain he feels when he is unable to connect with her. He believes that half of what he says is meaningless, but he still says it, hoping that it will somehow reach his mother, Julia.
The lyrics are explicitly emotional, with a clear emphasis on longing and love. The song starts with Lennon saying that he sings to Julia, who he refers to as an “ocean child.” He then continues to describe Julia’s unique features, particularly her “seashell eyes” and “windy smile,” which he finds incredible. The song’s narrative takes an introspective turn when Lennon remarks that he can only speak his mind when he cannot sing his heart. Lastly, Lennon ends with his signature “Hum hum hum hum,” basically a plea to Julia to touch him so he can sing a song of love for her.
Line by Line Meaning
Half of what I say is meaningless
Although I may say things that have little significance, I say them anyway in hopes that they will eventually reach you, my beloved Julia.
But I say it just to reach you, Julia
Every word I utter is an effort to connect with you, Julia.
Julia, Julia, ocean child, calls me
The name Julia, which means 'youthful', reminds me of the ocean, which represents boundless youth and renewal, and the childlike innocence that we tend to lose as we grow older. I am compelled to sing this song in her honor.
So I sing a song of love, Julia
I express my love for Julia through the art of music.
Julia, seashell eyes, windy smile, calls me
Julia's captivating eyes, which resemble the intricate patterns found on seashells, and her breezy smile leave a lasting impression on me. They inspire me to serenade her with this song.
Her hair of floating sky is shimmering, glimmering
Julia's hair, which appears to resemble the sky as it moves and floats around her, glows and radiates brilliantly in the sunlight.
In the sun
Julia's hair dazzles and brightly reflects the light of the sun.
Julia, Julia, morning moon, touch me
As Venus is to the evening, so is Julia to the morning. She is just as captivating as the moon and implores me to keep singing about her.
When I cannot sing my heart
Occasionally, the words escape me and I become speechless.
I can only speak my mind, Julia
During these moments, I verbalize my thoughts instead, always mindful of Julia and my feelings for her.
Julia, sleeping sand, silent cloud, touch me
Even as I slumber, the name Julia remains etched in my memory like the sand on the beach or a soft cloud in the sky.
So I sing a song of love, Julia
Always, my love for Julia compels me to create and sing songs in her honor.
Hum hum hum hum, calls me
Sometimes, there are no words that can capture the depth of my affection for Julia. The simple sound of a hum offers a musical expression of my love for her.
Julia, Julia, Julia
As the song comes to a close, my love for Julia remains ever-present in my heart and mind.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON, JOHN WINSTON LENNON, PAUL MCCARTNEY, PAUL JAMES MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind