"Across the Universe"

“Across the Universe” – A Quintessential Beatles Song

I chose to do a cover of “Across the Universe” because it speaks to me on innumerable levels. Written during the Beatles’ Transcendental Meditation period, the lyrics are an encompassing, omnipotent reflection on mankind’s existence in the world and everything beyond it. The words are so fluidly poetic, like something that has emerged from a tranquil dream. John Lennon wrote these lyrics to maybe underline people’s insignificance in the face of a massive, unknown universe. The tone is effervescent and melancholic at the same time; the song champions the vivacious human spirit, while lamenting the outpouring of grief and sorrow that surrounds us. I relate to this song because I also feel overwhelmed by the immeasurable gravitas of life and by a muddled perception of the unknown. The Sanskrit phrase “Jai guru deva,” which roughly translates to “All hail the God divine,” is a fitting tribute that I have often found myself longing to express. Whoever listens to this song and understands what presence it’s alluding to should be incredulous of anyone not in perpetual awe of the creator of such an universe.

For my rendition of “Across the Universe,” I tried to keep my arrangement as sparse as possible. It’s not even feasible for someone to come close to the atmosphere of excellence that the Beatles reigned in during all their songs. I just tried to do the song justice by conveying supple empathy while keeping mellow undertones in the background.