“Let It Be” by The Beatles is a song that’s often seen as a Christian anthem, though that wasn’t its intent. The lyrics, filled with themes of hope and peace, led many listeners to interpret it through a religious lens. This is especially true in the United States, where the song became a massive hit.
Despite its widespread popularity, the true meaning of “Let It Be” has always been more personal than spiritual. John Lennon himself later expressed regret that the track had taken on a life of its own, growing into something bigger than intended. The song wasn’t written to convey religious doctrine.
So, why did so many people link “Let It Be” with Christianity? This article explores how the song’s message sparked confusion and became entangled with religious imagery over time.
It’s Actually About Paul’s Mom
Pop songs with a gospel feel have been around for decades, even if they aren’t strictly religious. Tracks like Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and Elvis Presley’s “Burning Love” fit this mold. The Beatles’ “Let It Be” stands out as one of the most famous songs that carries a similar vibe without being overtly gospel.
The song’s sound can easily lead to the misconception that it’s Christian. The lyrics mention “Mother Mary,” which some listeners connect to the Virgin Mary. This link has made the song a favorite among certain Christian groups, despite its true inspiration.
Paul McCartney has clarified that “Let It Be” is about his own mother, Mary McCartney, not a religious figure. Yet, that explanation hasn’t stopped the song from being embraced as a hymn by some fans over the years.
The Debate Over “Let It Be” and Religion
Is it wrong for people to recontextualize “Let It Be” as a Christian song? It depends on one’s perspective. For some, this reinterpretation is a form of positive reclamation, while others might find it uncomfortable, especially given the Beatles’ occasional antagonistic stance toward religion.
What’s undeniable, though, is that The Beatles’ religious controversies never stopped them from making hits. “Let It Be” became a massive success in the U.S., topping the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and remaining on the chart for 14 weeks. It was one of their biggest hits during their final years as a band.
The song’s success continued with the album Let It Be, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for four weeks. It stayed on the chart for an impressive 79 weeks, cementing the song and the album’s place in music history.
John Lennon’s Thoughts on “Let It Be” Overexposure
In a 1980 interview, John Lennon expressed frustration with the overexposure of “Let It Be.” He mentioned hearing Beatles tracks on the radio and jokingly confused “Green Onion” with “Glass Onion.” His point was that the songs were often overplayed, especially the same few hits.
Lennon also criticized the tendency of radio stations to repeat just a handful of Beatles songs, like “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Let It Be.” He felt that the wide array of Beatles material wasn’t being explored enough, with stations playing the same tracks over and over again.
Despite this, Lennon acknowledged that “Let It Be” was still a great song. Even if it was played too much on oldies stations, its place in music history was secure, and people continued to enjoy it.