My brother passed in 2019. He was a big Beatles fan. I was tasked with making a Playlist for the memorial. This was the first song. I will never not tear up when I hear it.
Maybe this song inspired these words: "There is freedom within, there is freedom without, try to catch the deluge in a paper cup....." from Crowded House.
I dedicated this song to my son who passed away in 2011 at 4 months old when the lyric shines around me like a million sun's it hits me like a ton of bricks. This to me is John's greatest lyrics ever written it's better than Imagine to me it's the greatest song ever written..
@@eziospaghettiauditore8369 or even better in less than 2 months you can listen to this without the wall of sound when the let it be 2021 remixed album is released the let it be(song) mix is already out
No other band has ever made a journey that was so short and at the same time so far. If you look at where they started musically speaking and where they wound up it's still hard to believe.
From SongFacts: "The refrain 'Jai Guru Deva, Om' is a mantra intended to lull the mind into a higher consciousness. The words are in Sanskrit, and they mean "I give thanks to Guru Dev," who was the teacher of The Maharishi."
speaking of dreamy songs, “i’m only sleeping” is another lennon composition. it isn’t quite as dreamy but more of what i’d say “drowsy and hazy” great acoustics and vocals
It is on "Revolver" album, and he was so damn fed up with the busy life of touring at the time, that, after they'd done the last gig, he literally didn't find out of bed for several weeks. "Everybody seems to think I'm lazy, I don't mind, I think they're crazy running everywhere at such a speed, till they find, there's no need." A real "kiss my heinie" song :' D LOVE IT !!!
Bless you. I was born in October 1962 along with The Beatles and the Cuban Missile Crisis and I’ve always been grateful that it was The Beatles and not Kennedy and Khrushchev who blew up the world...also, I had teenaged neighbours who would take me to their place to play, and my very first words were ‘yeah yeah yeah’ ( she loves you)..😎🇦🇺🦘🐨
John's voice lends itself to another world. He understood how to use his voice and sound to evoke emotion. The lyrics are pure poetry. John would latter reject mantras in his song "GOD" as he rejected most idolatry other than he and Yoko. Let it be Naked is a much better version. BTW the Movie "across the universe" is a nice Beatles tribute. Thanks Hari I've learned that I can trust you to call it like it is and not pander to us.
You can hear the poet in John Lennon coming out in this song (among many). A true artist. It's a great song. A highlight for the day for me is your listening and reacting to the Beatles. So far, I think I've loved all of your reactions. Being a musician yourself makes it even more interesting.
That slightly tinny voice adds to the faraway feel of the song in my opinion. By the way, it's pronounced 'me-Ander' (3 syllables). "Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box, they tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe". One of his best lines ever!
The words so soulful. I learned something from YOU today Harri. I was unaware that Lennon thought these were the best lyrics he wrote, so thank you for that. A very spiritual song. All about higher consciousness. Peace 🙏🏼
My oldest brother used to play this song on guitar. My Mom, God rest her swore she didn't care for The Beatles yet she liked this song and probably at least 10 others. Her favorite being Eleanor Rigby
@@dunismith3045 exactly! I would say you like this song and she'd say yes and we would go on and on like that. I'd say, now tell me someone else where you like 20 of their songs? She never could.🤣
Luckily the Beatles made only about 200 songs, so 20 is already 10% of the whole. I mean "luckily" only for the stats, not certainly for their art. Every record of theirs was a wonderful surprise, so we all had our first hearing, and the usual reaction was calling our friends to say: "Listen THIS!"
In my senior year of high school, in 1975, our English poetry teacher assigned us each to choose a poem (of our own choice, not off a list) and teach it to the class. I chose this song. Don't remember what mark I got on my presentation, but I was very excited about doing it. And my very critical teacher conceded that I had convinced him that it did qualify as a poem. Boom!
Great reaction Harri. Such a great song. There’s something so heartfelt and mesmerizing about this song. I don’t have the words to explain the feeling it gives me. Maybe across the universe.🌌👍❤️✌️🌼
This is such a "good vibe" channel. It just oozes positivity, love and an overall uplifting feeling. Harry could very well be "the coolest" reactor on RUclips.
Dear Prudence is another Lennon song from the White Album that I know you will really enjoy, you can thank me later, great reaction and break down of the song 😎👍✌️
I 2nd this, it's my #1 favorite song of all time, the Deconstructed video reveals a lot about the production such as a different bass line for each verse. Just love how it floats in, ebbs and flows, builds to the finale then drifts away again. Great decision holding the electric guitars and piano for the climax, really hits hard.
"Across the universe" and "Long and winding road" were songs that were mostly affected by phil spector's production he used wall of sound and added orchrestra
@@dunismith3045 I loathe it! I wrote a comment about it further up. This song would have deserved way more care from his fellow Beatles. That could have kept Spector off from puting his fatty fingers on it. It's a shame, really :/
Seeing this title evokes memories of the movie of the same name. It’s a must - see for Beatles fans, a musical with Beatles cover songs throughout. It’s the kind of movie you wind up watching several times because it’s so good.
These words are visual to me. I fell in love with the words which surprised me since I was younger. I got it. So beautiful. So deep. A perfect song to me.
This song was written when he lived with Cynthia He work up and said the words would not let him sleep until he had written them down The Chorus is Indian Jai Guru Dava Om
Next please try listening to "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds", "Tomorrow Never Knows", "Only A Northern Song", "I Am The Walrus", or "It's All Too Much".
Every person, every life form, everything that exists, has this in common: limitless undying love that shines around them like a million suns and calls them on and on across the universe.
Excellent choice! You must do his surreal "Tomorrow Never Know", next, soon Harri. Especially after doing this one. And you mentioned a monkey on your back, reminds me to suggest "Everybody's Got Something to Hide Except For Me and My Monkey" from their White Album. That's got to be their longest song title!! ✌️😎
Lennon at his lyrical best. After having been in a row with Cynthia while they were lying in bed, he had these words just start flowing out-like endless rain in to a paper cup. Johns occasional odd measure of 5/4 is used effortlessly in Across The Universe. Though he was never completely happy with how the song was recorded. Feeling slightly put off by what he considered short shift from Paul. Saying he felt Paul sabotaged some of his great songs. The Let It Be Naked version is, in my view, the best version. One of my favorite Beatles track. This is the Phil Specter production. Cheers, Hari, RNB
I made a comment further up on the matter. No effort was done to embellish the arrangement. That should have been mainly Paul's task IMO. He didn't care enough on this one.
It sure likes that to me as well. The suggestions Paul did make seemed almost phoned in. There is an unusually lazy vibe about Paul's entire approach to Across The Universe. John was known for fits of paranoia. But not here. Not on this song. He was right. And so are you R C. Sincere apologies for missing your earlier post. Cheers, RNB
Cool backdrop, Harri! I love this song. So personal, so dreamy, so beautiful. John Lennon lives in Heaven. We know because he shared it with us when he was alive! :)
I can easily see this in the beautiful "Magical Mystery Tour"! ...like sort of like " The Fool on the hill "..feeling. The Beatles are a very long journey a fantastic one!
When you said you need to get the monkey off your back, my first thought is that you should react to the Beatle's song called "Everybody's Got Something to Hide Except For Me and My Monkey". Seriously, I envy you for hearing all this for the first time.
@@HarriBestReactions I decided to have a listen to it again when I saw your comment, so I looked it up on RUclips and found the coolest cover of it by Fats Domino! I had no idea Fats covered The Beatles! Thanks for responding to my comment so I could learn this!
It's nice that the Beatles are experiencing a renaissance here on the channels. Musically, I come from the "post-Beatles generation" (musically active from the mid-1970s) and the Beatles were yesterday's music for me. It wasn't until a few years later that I discovered them for myself. But when you talked about dreaming and drifting, my great love broke through again ... "Dreaming and drifting"? There's also something by YES. E.g. "Soon" ruclips.net/video/o6KOX31PtN8/видео.html This is an excerpt from the song "The Gates Of Delirium" The dreamy finale, so to speak.
Lovely work as usual, Harri. Funny thing is that John complained that his guitar was out of tune in the recording. True or not is sure sounds great to me. Dear God, I am getting old ... This has been one of very favorite Beatles songs for almost 50 years. I am so old and The Beatles will always be just like new forever. Cheers, Harri.
Hey Harri-dude, I love what you are doing with The Beatles reactions. My favourite Beatles song will always be Tomorrow Never Knows. It is probably the most advanced pop/rock song ever created, no group or solo artist will ever match its creative brilliance.
Hi Harry, One of my favorite Lennon songs. For me, I always get a spitirual vibe (I don't know why). I can't recall a time when I didn't enjoy listening to it once again and I have heard it many, many times.
This was first released on a charity album compilation for World Wildlife Fund called No One's going to change our world and featured many other artists of the day including the BeeGees, Cilla Black, The Hollies etc. I bought it when it was first released and it cost 19/11d in good old pre-decimal - still got the price sticker attached.
Excellent review, Harri! John was a phenomenal songwriter. May Pang once told me he would keep a notepad right by his bed in case he would dream up lyrics and he'd jot them right down so he wouldn't forget. It's great that you notice that the song is a little distorted because it was slowed down during mixing. There are a few Bside and demo versions of this song that keep the originally recorded tempo as well as a sped-up version. These variations give such subtle differences to the whole vibe. But what remains constant is the haunting melody. If I may suggest a few of my favorite Beatles songs penned by John, I'd say react to "I'm Only Sleeping"(for some groovy back-masked guitar), "Rain" (for a great example of John's duality), and "Ticket To Ride" (for a cheeky story about a guy being dumped by a prostitute). I greatly look forward to each of your videos and I love discovering your past reactions!
The orchestration and choir vocals, were added to the rough original recordings at a later time by Phil Spector. It is my understanding that John was displeased with the Spector "wall of sound" final mix, not only on that song, but pretty much the whole album.
Hey Harri, just curious, hope it’s not too personal but wondering where you from ? I’m up in “ The Great White North “ Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦 Really like your channel...after a long day sometimes I check out what yer’ up to now...especially The Beatles. Some of us are older and were there for it all. It was really something, but you always seem to bring me a smile with your obvious love for music and positivity 🎶❤️
Hi Mark..im from London..North London😀 Thanx for checking the channel out many times.Folks like you inspire me when im feeling tired or lazy to make a video 😀
Well Harri, you’re so happy it seems and so up beat ( so to speak...lol ) I really appreciate your channel and your reactions are so positive and sincere. Nice to meet you 🎶👍🏻😊
Harri Yes I heard this before I graduated from high school I was in bed it’s late at night the radio was on and this came on can you imagine that I couldn’t believe it
This is the `Third` version of the song. The second version where bird sounds were added and the song was speeded up is on the Spike Milligan World Wildlife charity L.P (From 1969) I think the original Feb 68 recording (When Cynthia was still married to John) hasn't been heard since early 68.
OM.. the imagined sound of the universe. This wonderful song is remarkably influential. I can think of two songs that seem to be framed on it in melody - Mr.Kingdom-ELO(no surprises there), If - Roger Whitaker.
Only a genius writes these lyrics, that part you mentioned 'Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes' I always picture the northern lights when listening that part 😊
Ahhh, this song. The one (or should I say the one of many) that John was never satisfied with how it was recorded, although he said it's one of his best lyrics. It was intended to be a single at the beginning of 68, but Lady Madonna won the honor to be A side. The recording of the song began in February 68, along with Lady Madonna, Hey Bulldog and the vocals of The Inner Light (weirdly, both Lennon's songs, ATU and HB, were relegated and almost forgotten before being used in "less important" projects, even though both of them are great tracks). The backing track is guitars, percussion, tambura, and a guitar through a wah wah pedal. Not convinced with the song, John said he wanted two female voices, but NOW!, and Paul said "well, there are always girls outside" (dialogue imagined by me, real product may differ). So (imagine this!!!!) Paul went out of Abbey Road, where there were always fans waiting for them, and asked if anyone could sing high pitch. So Lizzie Bravo, from Brazil, and Gayleen Pease (they were just seventeen... you know what I mean, and the way they look... well, was way beyond compare) got to get into Studio Two at Abbey Road and record with them. Apparently Lennon was not happy with the result, so the song was forgotten (or not) until 1969, when it appeared in a charity album called No One's Gonna Change Our World. The charity was about wild life, so it was decided to stitch bird sounds at the beginning (and a brief appearing at the end) and the whole song was sped up, making it sound brighter and John's voice younger (some say even chipmunkier). You can hear this version in the official Past Masters album (you can hear the girls voices when John sings "nothing's gonna change my world"). Also at the beginning of 69 they started the Get Back project (that was going to end in the Let It Be album/movie in 1970). Perhaps because of the release of the wild life version, The Beatles can be seen in the LIB movie doing some takes of Across the Universe, so it was later decided to include it in the Let It Be album, although the boys never recorded it properly for it, and they couldn't be bothered with the task of recording it (the same thing happened with I Me Mine, it appears in the movie so they included it in the album, but at least it got recorded properly for the occasion!). So, Phil Spector took the 1968 tape of Across the Universe, muted some of the tracks (the girls, Paul and George's "aaaah"s, etc) and added a full choir and strings. Besides he SLOWED DOWN the song's speed, thats why it sounds darker and almost muddy. But the take is exactly the same as the wild life version. Interview with Lizzie Bravo: www.culturesonar.com/singing-with-the-beatles-lizzie-bravo/ Wild life version ruclips.net/video/iotagMCkJRE/видео.html
When NASA launched voyager into space , they put a gold disc on it showing the earth it's people their languages and their music and Across the universe was included. Can you imagine an alien listening to this , and becoming a beatles fan.
@Mike Pritchard AS far as I know, there is no Beatles track on the Voyager disc. Music From Earth (voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/golden-record/whats-on-the-record/music/) The following music was included on the Voyager record. Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F. First Movement, Munich Bach Orchestra, Karl Richter, conductor. 4:40 Java, court gamelan, "Kinds of Flowers," recorded by Robert Brown. 4:43 Senegal, percussion, recorded by Charles Duvelle. 2:08 Zaire, Pygmy girls' initiation song, recorded by Colin Turnbull. 0:56 Australia, Aborigine songs, "Morning Star" and "Devil Bird," recorded by Sandra LeBrun Holmes. 1:26 Mexico, "El Cascabel," performed by Lorenzo Barcelata and the Mariachi México. 3:14 "Johnny B. Goode," written and performed by Chuck Berry. 2:38 New Guinea, men's house song, recorded by Robert MacLennan. 1:20 Japan, shakuhachi, "Tsuru No Sugomori" ("Crane's Nest,") performed by Goro Yamaguchi. 4:51 Bach, "Gavotte en rondeaux" from the Partita No. 3 in E major for Violin, performed by Arthur Grumiaux. 2:55 Mozart, The Magic Flute, Queen of the Night aria, no. 14. Edda Moser, soprano. Bavarian State Opera, Munich, Wolfgang Sawallisch, conductor. 2:55 Georgian S.S.R., chorus, "Tchakrulo," collected by Radio Moscow. 2:18 Peru, panpipes and drum, collected by Casa de la Cultura, Lima. 0:52 "Melancholy Blues," performed by Louis Armstrong and his Hot Seven. 3:05 Azerbaijan S.S.R., bagpipes, recorded by Radio Moscow. 2:30 Stravinsky, Rite of Spring, Sacrificial Dance, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Igor Stravinsky, conductor. 4:35 Bach, The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, Prelude and Fugue in C, No.1. Glenn Gould, piano. 4:48 Beethoven, Fifth Symphony, First Movement, the Philharmonia Orchestra, Otto Klemperer, conductor. 7:20 Bulgaria, "Izlel je Delyo Hagdutin," sung by Valya Balkanska. 4:59 Navajo Indians, Night Chant, recorded by Willard Rhodes. 0:57 Holborne, Paueans, Galliards, Almains and Other Short Aeirs, "The Fairie Round," performed by David Munrow and the Early Music Consort of London. 1:17 Solomon Islands, panpipes, collected by the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Service. 1:12 Peru, wedding song, recorded by John Cohen. 0:38 China, ch'in, "Flowing Streams," performed by Kuan P'ing-hu. 7:37 India, raga, "Jaat Kahan Ho," sung by Surshri Kesar Bai Kerkar. 3:30 "Dark Was the Night," written and performed by Blind Willie Johnson. 3:15 Beethoven, String Quartet No. 13 in B flat, Opus 130, Cavatina, performed by Budapest String Quartet. 6:37
George Harrison said at the height of the BEATLES " ALL THINGS MUST PASS" this was written when the Beatles were are their height of fame, it felt as if they were so influential like they would never fade away, but they have all but passed.
I read that John Lennon wrote this song while in India along with the other 3 Beatles, Mia Farrow, a Beach Boy and Donovan. "Ja guru deva" means "Thanks to the teacher", the teacher being God. Good reaction.
The Beach Boy was Mike Love, and Mia had her sister Prudence, who stayed in her room all day meditating, and eventually getting seemingly depressed, hence "Dear Prudence", which happens to be for me the most poignant song, and the most caressing and gentle piece of art, John Winston (ny. Ono) Lennon has ever given birth to. Donovan showed him the technique of "Travis Picking", used in that song; same as in "Julia" btw. Prudence Farrow is still into Transcendental Meditation, to this very day. Patty Boyd, George's wife had also her sister Jenny, and then there were of course Maureen Starkey, Cynthia Lennon and Jane Asher, Paul's fiancé... So a whole hippie camp in the Indian jungle, full of the utmost BEAUTIFUL WOMEN together with the Beatles and other awesome musicians, with acoustic guitars and bongos. Who could ask for more :'D
@@ralphcordon5688 Not me. I couldn't ask for more. And you're a real fountain of information. Wow. I did know the part about Donovan teaching John that guitar-picking style. Oh, and Donovan took the opportunity to write "Hurdy Gurdy Man:" while there. But I'm sure you knew that. Stay well.
This is truly one of my favorite songs, Beatles or not. Back in the day (of hidden backwards lyrics) it was said that the mantra played backwards said "god is good hash". Oh, those were the days.
Harri, great reaction again, your right about the audio on this version , the better version is on the later album LET IT BE NAKED this is stripped down Beatles which was driven by Paul years later. How about away from The Beatles and my favourite solo artist NEIL YOUNG, he is a fantastic story teller in his music, start with "The Needle And The Damage Done", you won't be disappointed kid, keep up the good work buddy and cheerio from Glasgow.
This album was produced by Phil Spector. That's why it sounds different. There are several versions of this song for your listening pleasure. Keep up the great reactions Harri!
The version off of the 'Let It Be - Naked' remix album strips away Spector's production and produces a really clear and beautiful alternate version of this song.
The mix on the stripped back version of the album, "Let It Be... Naked", has clearer sound on John's voice. Of course, the tinny, dreamy quality was intentional, but it's nice to hear the later version, too.
Harri your Beatles teactions are the highlight of my day also ! Another awesome song. As you are encompassing solo songs the song this reminds me of on the solo album is "Mind Games"Some may disagree with .me. its OK. . There is even more where this comes from Harri Happy listening
The Beatles' records company has released 5 different versions of this song, that may be a records. The 1st out was on a charity album "No One's Gonna Change Our World" with bird sounds added (it later appeared on "Rarities" and late "Past Masters". Next was he official "Let It Be" with the Phil Spector strings and choir (John liked it). "Anthology 2" in 1996 has an early alternate take (Take 2) with more sitar. The 2003 "Let It Be.. Naked" at the correct speed but stripped of most of the instrumentation and digitally processed to correct tuning issues. I nearly forgot the 2018 version on the 50th anniversary of The White Album which is more sparse. David Bowie covered it in 1975 on "Young Americans" with John's help. This Wikipedia article tracks the history of it: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Across_the_Universe#Recording_and_version_history
John said this song was never recorded well, which is such a shame as it is a real master work, one of his best. If only the other guys and George Martin, not Spector had made it a total group effort, then wow, who knows.
Lyrics Words are flowing out Like endless rain into a paper cup 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 Deva, 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 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 Deva, 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 Inciting and inviting me Limitless undying love Which shines around me like a million suns It calls me on and on across the universe Jai Guru Deva, 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 Jai Guru Deva Jai Guru Deva Jai Guru Deva
Some people get sad when they think about how the Beatles broke up near the peak of their stardom. The real miracle is that four people as talented as them all found each other and stayed together as long as they did. Any one of them could’ve carried a band and they all came together to create the most influential music group in the past century. Geniuses.
Tomorrow Never Knows, Within Without You , I am the Walrus...all part of their psychedelic/religious mind expanding phase. All wonderful in their own way. Lucy on the Sky with Diamonds will make you feel floaty for sure.
My brother passed in 2019. He was a big Beatles fan. I was tasked with making a Playlist for the memorial. This was the first song. I will never not tear up when I hear it.
Good luck and I'm sorry for your loss
may he rest in peace
Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup...
It's genius.
Maybe this song inspired these words: "There is freedom within, there is freedom without, try to catch the deluge in a paper cup....." from Crowded House.
"Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns..."
“Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box. They tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe” 🤯
He was a genius that's why.
“ Limitless undying love that shines around me like a million suns “
A life cut short ....john lennon may have written the best song we never heard.
Not really. He did all of his best work with McCartney. Once they parted neither of them produced anything but mawkish drivel.
Absolutely
Isn't it incredibly beautiful
Yes!
The song is celestial, transcendental, on another level.
"ethereal" if i may.
I dedicated this song to my son who passed away in 2011 at 4 months old when the lyric shines around me like a million sun's it hits me like a ton of bricks. This to me is John's greatest lyrics ever written it's better than Imagine to me it's the greatest song ever written..
Yes, this is one of John's best songs. Yep, it has a very dreamy feel, transcedental.
Screwed up in production, though
Sadly :/
@@ralphcordon5688 I agree Phil Spector ruined it. You should listen to Paul McCartney's naked version
@@eziospaghettiauditore8369 or even better in less than 2 months you can listen to this without the wall of sound when the let it be 2021 remixed album is released
the let it be(song) mix is already out
@@ralphcordon5688 2021 Mix is perfect
@@ralphcordon5688listen to the Let it be naked album, It's perfect
It's supposed to sound dreamy. The lyrics are genius! Like poetry.
No other band has ever made a journey that was so short and at the same time so far. If you look at where they started musically speaking and where they wound up it's still hard to believe.
In only eight years at that!
@@vinnygi Exactly! From Rubber Soul on each album was a new listening experience. What would they do next? How exciting it was.
Very well put!
They went from Love Me Do to this masterpiece in just 8 years
@@mikedocemrick9497 Lucky to be alive to witness the journey. Timing is everything.
From SongFacts: "The refrain 'Jai Guru Deva, Om' is a mantra intended to lull the mind into a higher consciousness. The words are in Sanskrit, and they mean "I give thanks to Guru Dev," who was the teacher of The Maharishi."
Thank you!
I was 60 years old when I found out what it was 🤷🏻♂️ never too old to learn
@@davemaullin8242 I'm 60 now finding out
Finally I had wondered for years many thanks
@@dana_brooke_27 lol, what timeline are we all on where all us 60 yr olds are finding this out all together now O.o
speaking of dreamy songs, “i’m only sleeping” is another lennon composition. it isn’t quite as dreamy but more of what i’d say “drowsy and hazy” great acoustics and vocals
It is on "Revolver" album, and he was
so damn fed up with the busy life
of touring at the time, that,
after they'd done the last gig,
he literally didn't find out of bed
for several weeks.
"Everybody seems to think I'm lazy,
I don't mind, I think they're crazy
running everywhere at such a speed,
till they find, there's no need."
A real "kiss my heinie" song :' D
LOVE IT !!!
I was 10 years old in 1964, the year the Beatles really exploded in the US. I grew up with this band and in my mind none is better!!😎😎😎😎
Same!
Bless you. I was born in October 1962 along with The Beatles and the Cuban Missile Crisis and I’ve always been grateful that it was The Beatles and not Kennedy and Khrushchev who blew up the world...also, I had teenaged neighbours who would take me to their place to play, and my very first words were ‘yeah yeah yeah’ ( she loves you)..😎🇦🇺🦘🐨
Me too. Saw them on Ed Sullivan. Madly in love.
The fact that the nuns in the catholic school I was in hated them only added to their appeal.
6
Not just my favourite Beatle’s song, but my favourite popish song ever written..it truly is transcendental.
One of my favorites! Just so beautiful. I always loved John's songs the best.
John's voice lends itself to another world. He understood how to use his voice and sound to evoke emotion. The lyrics are pure poetry. John would latter reject mantras in his song "GOD" as he rejected most idolatry other than he and Yoko. Let it be Naked is a much better version. BTW the Movie "across the universe" is a nice Beatles tribute. Thanks Hari I've learned that I can trust you to call it like it is and not pander to us.
You can hear the poet in John Lennon coming out in this song (among many). A true artist. It's a great song.
A highlight for the day for me is your listening and reacting to the Beatles. So far, I think I've loved all of your reactions. Being a musician yourself makes it even more interesting.
One of those songs that touches something deep inside me, achingly beautiful, brings me to tears every time I hear it.
*crying* what a beautiful universe in which something like this can move your soul.
That slightly tinny voice adds to the faraway feel of the song in my opinion. By the way, it's pronounced 'me-Ander' (3 syllables). "Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box, they tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe". One of his best lines ever!
The words so soulful. I learned something from YOU today Harri. I was unaware that Lennon thought these were the best lyrics he wrote, so thank you for that. A very spiritual song. All about higher consciousness. Peace 🙏🏼
Hi Despina😀
“Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box. They tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe” 🤯
My oldest brother used to play this song on guitar. My Mom, God rest her swore she didn't care for The Beatles yet she liked this song and probably at least 10 others. Her favorite being Eleanor Rigby
Your mom was a Beatle fan, she just didn’t know it!
@@dunismith3045 exactly! I would say you like this song and she'd say yes and we would go on and on like that. I'd say, now tell me someone else where you like 20 of their songs? She never could.🤣
Luckily the Beatles made only about 200 songs, so 20 is already 10% of the whole.
I mean "luckily" only for the stats, not certainly for their art. Every record of theirs was a wonderful surprise, so we all had our first hearing, and the usual reaction was calling our friends to say: "Listen THIS!"
In my senior year of high school, in 1975, our English poetry teacher assigned us each to choose a poem (of our own choice, not off a list) and teach it to the class. I chose this song. Don't remember what mark I got on my presentation, but I was very excited about doing it. And my very critical teacher conceded that I had convinced him that it did qualify as a poem. Boom!
Great reaction Harri. Such a great song. There’s something so heartfelt and mesmerizing about this song. I don’t have the words to explain the feeling it gives me. Maybe across the universe.🌌👍❤️✌️🌼
This is such a "good vibe" channel.
It just oozes positivity, love and an overall uplifting feeling.
Harry could very well be "the coolest" reactor on RUclips.
vIbE
These lyrics grab my heart like the best poetry. Wonderful.🥰
Dear Prudence is another Lennon song from the White Album that I know you will really enjoy, you can thank me later, great reaction and break down of the song 😎👍✌️
I 2nd this, it's my #1 favorite song of all time, the Deconstructed video reveals a lot about the production such as a different bass line for each verse. Just love how it floats in, ebbs and flows, builds to the finale then drifts away again. Great decision holding the electric guitars and piano for the climax, really hits hard.
Harri, you should give Lennon's "Because" a listen. It's another dream like song.
And then the rest of The Long One 😊
Yes!
When you think the Beatles cannot outdo themselves they somehow DID.AMAZING!!!!
"Across the universe" and "Long and winding road" were songs that were mostly affected by phil spector's production he used wall of sound and added orchrestra
You can buy the Let it Be (Naked) album. Without most of the Spector influence.
I much prefer the Spector versions even though we're not supposed to.
@@porflepopnecker4376 Same here! LOL
@@dunismith3045 I loathe it!
I wrote a comment about it
further up.
This song would have deserved
way more care from his fellow Beatles.
That could have kept Spector off
from puting his fatty fingers on it.
It's a shame, really :/
@@porflepopnecker4376 i prefer spector version in case of long and winding road
The best channel on RUclips keeps me all full of The Beatles peace and love. Thank you.
Seeing this title evokes memories of the movie of the same name. It’s a must - see for Beatles fans, a musical with Beatles cover songs throughout. It’s the kind of movie you wind up watching several times because it’s so good.
Great movie. Filmed without a script. Lots of special and talented artists, guests and music. Lovead it
i really enjoyed that movie. great bit with joe cocker.
This was always one of my favorites from John. Fiona Apple does a wonderful cover of this song.
All right I look forward to hearing your take on #9 Dream.
Yes
Love your reactions Harri. I recommend you react to Golden Slumbers/Carry that Weight/The End by the Beatles. It’s a part of the Abbey Road medley.
These words are visual to me. I fell in love with the words which surprised me since I was younger. I got it. So beautiful. So deep. A perfect song to me.
"thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letterbox..."
Thanks again for the reaction, Harri! For more great John Lennon fun try She Said She Said! Peace,
This song was written when he lived with Cynthia
He work up and said the words would not let him sleep until he had written them down
The Chorus is Indian Jai Guru Dava Om
It’s just a supremely gorgeous song!😂🌈☀️🪐🌏⚡️❄️
Next please try listening to "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds", "Tomorrow Never Knows", "Only A Northern Song", "I Am The Walrus", or "It's All Too Much".
Good choices...I concur😁
Not tommorow never knowsb
the movie Across the Universe is one of the best movies I’ve seen. Love the Beatles music
Every person, every life form, everything that exists, has this in common: limitless undying love that shines around them like a million suns and calls them on and on across the universe.
Excellent choice! You must do his surreal "Tomorrow Never Know", next, soon Harri. Especially after doing this one. And you mentioned a monkey on your back, reminds me to suggest "Everybody's Got Something to Hide Except For Me and My Monkey" from their White Album. That's got to be their longest song title!! ✌️😎
Lennon at his lyrical best. After having been in a row with Cynthia while they were lying in bed, he had these words just start flowing out-like endless rain in to a paper cup. Johns occasional odd measure of 5/4 is used effortlessly in Across The Universe. Though he was never completely happy with how the song was recorded. Feeling slightly put off by what he considered short shift from Paul. Saying he felt Paul sabotaged some of his great songs. The Let It Be Naked version is, in my view, the best version. One of my favorite Beatles track. This is the Phil Specter production. Cheers, Hari, RNB
I made a comment
further up on the matter.
No effort was done
to embellish the arrangement.
That should have been
mainly Paul's task IMO.
He didn't care enough on this one.
It sure likes that to me as well. The suggestions Paul did make seemed almost phoned in. There is an unusually lazy vibe about Paul's entire approach to Across The Universe. John was known for fits of paranoia. But not here. Not on this song. He was right. And so are you R C. Sincere apologies for missing your earlier post. Cheers, RNB
I can't decide between the "Anthology" and "Let It Be Naked" versions, very similar.
And he sabotaged "Real Love" too (the sped-up vocal) or he let Jeff Lynne do so. Yoko should never have let him near it
Cool backdrop, Harri! I love this song. So personal, so dreamy, so beautiful. John Lennon lives in Heaven. We know because he shared it with us when he was alive! :)
I can easily see this in the beautiful "Magical Mystery Tour"! ...like sort of like " The Fool on the hill "..feeling. The Beatles are a very long journey a fantastic one!
When you said you need to get the monkey off your back, my first thought is that you should react to the Beatle's song called "Everybody's Got Something to Hide Except For Me and My Monkey". Seriously, I envy you for hearing all this for the first time.
I like that title..i will check it out
@@HarriBestReactions I decided to have a listen to it again when I saw your comment, so I looked it up on RUclips and found the coolest cover of it by Fats Domino! I had no idea Fats covered The Beatles! Thanks for responding to my comment so I could learn this!
@@TodayImMaking Thank YOU Ethora
John made his best points when he attempted to describe a dream he had, as he did here.
sound ,travels like light ,,but slower ,through the atmosphere into the universe, thanks for the analyses.
David Bowie did a cover of this gem, and John Lennon himself sang backing vocals. Brilliant!
Oh wow, didn't know that.
I'm a huge Beatle fan but actually prefer Dave Bowie's version!😳
@@brianalmeida1964 even John liked more the cover
Loving the Aussie indigenous art background - love from Brisbane Australia.
It's nice that the Beatles are experiencing a renaissance here on the channels. Musically, I come from the "post-Beatles generation" (musically active from the mid-1970s) and the Beatles were yesterday's music for me. It wasn't until a few years later that I discovered them for myself. But when you talked about dreaming and drifting, my great love broke through again ... "Dreaming and drifting"? There's also something by YES. E.g. "Soon" ruclips.net/video/o6KOX31PtN8/видео.html This is an excerpt from the song "The Gates Of Delirium" The dreamy finale, so to speak.
Makes me think of my Children…My Babies. Love Them All!
I have 2 favourite songs from this album.....one is 'Two Of Us' and the other is ' One After 909'
I have a bootleg of One After 909 recorded in Liverpool in 1960! Yes, it's that old!
@@fredneecher1746 they did a lot of stuff from the early days during the
"Get Back" sessions in Jan '69
Those were songs they had written years before they were famous and decided to record them
Lovely work as usual, Harri. Funny thing is that John complained that his guitar was out of tune in the recording. True or not is sure sounds great to me. Dear God, I am getting old ... This has been one of very favorite Beatles songs for almost 50 years. I am so old and The Beatles will always be just like new forever. Cheers, Harri.
You should check out ‘She Said, She Said’ from the Revolver album. One of my favourite Lennon songs… 👍
Hey Harri-dude, I love what you are doing with The Beatles reactions. My favourite Beatles song will always be Tomorrow Never Knows. It is probably the most advanced pop/rock song ever created, no group or solo artist will ever match its creative brilliance.
Hi Harry,
One of my favorite Lennon songs. For me, I always get a spitirual vibe (I don't know why). I can't recall a time when I didn't enjoy listening to it once again and I have heard it many, many times.
One of the best 👌 ❤
This was first released on a charity album compilation for World Wildlife Fund called No One's going to change our world and featured many other artists of the day including the BeeGees, Cilla Black, The Hollies etc. I bought it when it was first released and it cost 19/11d in good old pre-decimal - still got the price sticker attached.
Thank you so much for this ☯️☯️
You are so welcome!
Excellent review, Harri! John was a phenomenal songwriter. May Pang once told me he would keep a notepad right by his bed in case he would dream up lyrics and he'd jot them right down so he wouldn't forget. It's great that you notice that the song is a little distorted because it was slowed down during mixing. There are a few Bside and demo versions of this song that keep the originally recorded tempo as well as a sped-up version. These variations give such subtle differences to the whole vibe. But what remains constant is the haunting melody.
If I may suggest a few of my favorite Beatles songs penned by John, I'd say react to "I'm Only Sleeping"(for some groovy back-masked guitar), "Rain" (for a great example of John's duality), and "Ticket To Ride" (for a cheeky story about a guy being dumped by a prostitute).
I greatly look forward to each of your videos and I love discovering your past reactions!
Have you heard No. 9 Dream by John Lennon? A totally dreamy song, absolute classic.
The song describes the experience of deep meditation.
Me an der meander, means to move aimlessly. Love your gigs Harri
The orchestration and choir vocals, were added to the rough original recordings at a later time by Phil Spector. It is my understanding that John was displeased with the Spector "wall of sound" final mix, not only on that song, but pretty much the whole album.
Hey Harri, just curious, hope it’s not too personal but wondering where you from ? I’m up in “ The Great White North “ Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦 Really like your channel...after a long day sometimes I check out what yer’ up to now...especially The Beatles. Some of us are older and were there for it all. It was really something, but you always seem to bring me a smile with your obvious love for music and positivity 🎶❤️
Hi Mark..im from London..North London😀
Thanx for checking the channel out many times.Folks like you inspire me when im feeling tired or lazy to make a video 😀
Well Harri, you’re so happy it seems and so up beat ( so to speak...lol ) I really appreciate your channel and your reactions are so positive and sincere. Nice to meet you 🎶👍🏻😊
Harri
Yes I heard this before I graduated from high school I was in bed it’s late at night the radio was on and this came on
can you imagine that
I couldn’t believe it
When I was Homeless on the streets ...I wore out my Walkman in California.
This and Change by Blind Lemon.
This is the `Third` version of the song. The second version where bird sounds were added and the song was speeded up is on the Spike Milligan World Wildlife charity L.P (From 1969) I think the original Feb 68 recording (When Cynthia was still married to John) hasn't been heard since early 68.
Nothing's gonna change my world :) Peace!
OM.. the imagined sound of the universe. This wonderful song is remarkably influential. I can think of two songs that seem to be framed on it in melody - Mr.Kingdom-ELO(no surprises there), If - Roger Whitaker.
Divinely inspired, fo sure.
Only a genius writes these lyrics, that part you mentioned 'Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes' I always picture the northern lights when listening that part 😊
You are doing a great job 😎
Ahhh, this song. The one (or should I say the one of many) that John was never satisfied with how it was recorded, although he said it's one of his best lyrics. It was intended to be a single at the beginning of 68, but Lady Madonna won the honor to be A side.
The recording of the song began in February 68, along with Lady Madonna, Hey Bulldog and the vocals of The Inner Light (weirdly, both Lennon's songs, ATU and HB, were relegated and almost forgotten before being used in "less important" projects, even though both of them are great tracks). The backing track is guitars, percussion, tambura, and a guitar through a wah wah pedal. Not convinced with the song, John said he wanted two female voices, but NOW!, and Paul said "well, there are always girls outside" (dialogue imagined by me, real product may differ). So (imagine this!!!!) Paul went out of Abbey Road, where there were always fans waiting for them, and asked if anyone could sing high pitch. So Lizzie Bravo, from Brazil, and Gayleen Pease (they were just seventeen... you know what I mean, and the way they look... well, was way beyond compare) got to get into Studio Two at Abbey Road and record with them.
Apparently Lennon was not happy with the result, so the song was forgotten (or not) until 1969, when it appeared in a charity album called No One's Gonna Change Our World. The charity was about wild life, so it was decided to stitch bird sounds at the beginning (and a brief appearing at the end) and the whole song was sped up, making it sound brighter and John's voice younger (some say even chipmunkier). You can hear this version in the official Past Masters album (you can hear the girls voices when John sings "nothing's gonna change my world").
Also at the beginning of 69 they started the Get Back project (that was going to end in the Let It Be album/movie in 1970). Perhaps because of the release of the wild life version, The Beatles can be seen in the LIB movie doing some takes of Across the Universe, so it was later decided to include it in the Let It Be album, although the boys never recorded it properly for it, and they couldn't be bothered with the task of recording it (the same thing happened with I Me Mine, it appears in the movie so they included it in the album, but at least it got recorded properly for the occasion!).
So, Phil Spector took the 1968 tape of Across the Universe, muted some of the tracks (the girls, Paul and George's "aaaah"s, etc) and added a full choir and strings. Besides he SLOWED DOWN the song's speed, thats why it sounds darker and almost muddy. But the take is exactly the same as the wild life version.
Interview with Lizzie Bravo:
www.culturesonar.com/singing-with-the-beatles-lizzie-bravo/
Wild life version
ruclips.net/video/iotagMCkJRE/видео.html
When NASA launched voyager into space , they put a gold disc on it showing the earth it's people their languages and their music and Across the universe was included. Can you imagine an alien listening to this , and becoming a beatles fan.
They also shot this song with a powerful radio transmitter north toward Polaris
@Mike Pritchard
AS far as I know, there is no Beatles track on the Voyager disc.
Music From Earth (voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/golden-record/whats-on-the-record/music/)
The following music was included on the Voyager record.
Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F. First Movement, Munich Bach Orchestra, Karl Richter, conductor. 4:40
Java, court gamelan, "Kinds of Flowers," recorded by Robert Brown. 4:43
Senegal, percussion, recorded by Charles Duvelle. 2:08
Zaire, Pygmy girls' initiation song, recorded by Colin Turnbull. 0:56
Australia, Aborigine songs, "Morning Star" and "Devil Bird," recorded by Sandra LeBrun Holmes. 1:26
Mexico, "El Cascabel," performed by Lorenzo Barcelata and the Mariachi México. 3:14
"Johnny B. Goode," written and performed by Chuck Berry. 2:38
New Guinea, men's house song, recorded by Robert MacLennan. 1:20
Japan, shakuhachi, "Tsuru No Sugomori" ("Crane's Nest,") performed by Goro Yamaguchi. 4:51
Bach, "Gavotte en rondeaux" from the Partita No. 3 in E major for Violin, performed by Arthur Grumiaux. 2:55
Mozart, The Magic Flute, Queen of the Night aria, no. 14. Edda Moser, soprano. Bavarian State Opera, Munich, Wolfgang Sawallisch, conductor. 2:55
Georgian S.S.R., chorus, "Tchakrulo," collected by Radio Moscow. 2:18
Peru, panpipes and drum, collected by Casa de la Cultura, Lima. 0:52
"Melancholy Blues," performed by Louis Armstrong and his Hot Seven. 3:05
Azerbaijan S.S.R., bagpipes, recorded by Radio Moscow. 2:30
Stravinsky, Rite of Spring, Sacrificial Dance, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Igor Stravinsky, conductor. 4:35
Bach, The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, Prelude and Fugue in C, No.1. Glenn Gould, piano. 4:48
Beethoven, Fifth Symphony, First Movement, the Philharmonia Orchestra, Otto Klemperer, conductor. 7:20
Bulgaria, "Izlel je Delyo Hagdutin," sung by Valya Balkanska. 4:59
Navajo Indians, Night Chant, recorded by Willard Rhodes. 0:57
Holborne, Paueans, Galliards, Almains and Other Short Aeirs, "The Fairie Round," performed by David Munrow and the Early Music Consort of London. 1:17
Solomon Islands, panpipes, collected by the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Service. 1:12
Peru, wedding song, recorded by John Cohen. 0:38
China, ch'in, "Flowing Streams," performed by Kuan P'ing-hu. 7:37
India, raga, "Jaat Kahan Ho," sung by Surshri Kesar Bai Kerkar. 3:30
"Dark Was the Night," written and performed by Blind Willie Johnson. 3:15
Beethoven, String Quartet No. 13 in B flat, Opus 130, Cavatina, performed by Budapest String Quartet. 6:37
@@i_am_m3384 all i remember is it being shot towards somewhere as stated bellow using the radio transmitter
John Lennons son Julian lennon one of his songs called Saltwater from 1991 is good .very similar vibes to Imagine by his dad 😊
Beautiful meter.
The Beatles weren't a band, they were a miracle.
George Harrison said at the height of the BEATLES " ALL THINGS MUST PASS" this was written when the Beatles were are their height of fame, it felt as if they were so influential like they would never fade away, but they have all but passed.
I read that John Lennon wrote this song while in India along with the other 3 Beatles, Mia Farrow, a Beach Boy and Donovan. "Ja guru deva" means "Thanks to the teacher", the teacher being God. Good reaction.
The Beach Boy was Mike Love,
and Mia had her sister Prudence,
who stayed in her room all day
meditating, and eventually
getting seemingly depressed,
hence "Dear Prudence", which
happens to be for me the
most poignant song, and the most
caressing and gentle piece of art,
John Winston (ny. Ono) Lennon
has ever given birth to.
Donovan showed him the technique
of "Travis Picking", used in that song;
same as in "Julia" btw.
Prudence Farrow is still into
Transcendental Meditation,
to this very day.
Patty Boyd, George's wife
had also her sister Jenny,
and then there were of course
Maureen Starkey, Cynthia Lennon
and Jane Asher, Paul's fiancé...
So a whole hippie camp in the
Indian jungle, full of the utmost
BEAUTIFUL WOMEN
together with the Beatles
and other awesome musicians,
with acoustic guitars and bongos.
Who could ask for more :'D
There is footage around on YT
of them in the ashram.
Check it out!
@@ralphcordon5688 Not me. I couldn't ask for more. And you're a real fountain of information. Wow. I did know the part about Donovan teaching John that guitar-picking style. Oh, and Donovan took the opportunity to write "Hurdy Gurdy Man:" while there. But I'm sure you knew that. Stay well.
This is truly one of my favorite songs, Beatles or not. Back in the day (of hidden backwards lyrics) it was said that the mantra played backwards said
"god is good hash". Oh, those were the days.
Harri, great reaction again, your right about the audio on this version , the better version is on the later album LET IT BE NAKED this is stripped down Beatles which was driven by Paul years later. How about away from The Beatles and my favourite solo artist NEIL YOUNG, he is a fantastic story teller in his music, start with "The Needle And The Damage Done", you won't be disappointed kid, keep up the good work buddy and cheerio from Glasgow.
This album was produced by Phil Spector. That's why it sounds different. There are several versions of this song for your listening pleasure. Keep up the great reactions Harri!
Thqnx Bill
First time I got high I listened to this song in my dark room and cried. First time I had cried in years
I think it's time for you to react to Because. Another mind blowing experience.
Ralph Cordon I'm sure you noticed how I snuck another John song namely You Can't Do That one of my favorite early Beatle songs. It's very infectious.
Strawberry Fields is a MUST!!
The version off of the 'Let It Be - Naked' remix album strips away Spector's production and produces a really clear and beautiful alternate version of this song.
The mix on the stripped back version of the album, "Let It Be... Naked", has clearer sound on John's voice. Of course, the tinny, dreamy quality was intentional, but it's nice to hear the later version, too.
Harri your Beatles teactions are the highlight of my day also ! Another awesome song. As you are encompassing solo songs the song this reminds me of on the solo album is "Mind Games"Some may disagree with .me. its OK. . There is even more where this comes from Harri
Happy listening
The Beatles' records company has released 5 different versions of this song, that may be a records. The 1st out was on a charity album "No One's Gonna Change Our World" with bird sounds added (it later appeared on "Rarities" and late "Past Masters". Next was he official "Let It Be" with the Phil Spector strings and choir (John liked it). "Anthology 2" in 1996 has an early alternate take (Take 2) with more sitar. The 2003 "Let It Be.. Naked" at the correct speed but stripped of most of the instrumentation and digitally processed to correct tuning issues. I nearly forgot the 2018 version on the 50th anniversary of The White Album which is more sparse. David Bowie covered it in 1975 on "Young Americans" with John's help.
This Wikipedia article tracks the history of it:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Across_the_Universe#Recording_and_version_history
Lyric genius.
John said this song was never recorded well, which is such a shame as it is a real master work, one of his best. If only the other guys and George Martin, not Spector had made it a total group effort, then wow, who knows.
Lyrics
Words are flowing out
Like endless rain into a paper cup
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 Deva, 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
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 Deva, 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
Inciting and inviting me
Limitless undying love
Which shines around me like a million suns
It calls me on and on across the universe
Jai Guru Deva, 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
Jai Guru Deva
Jai Guru Deva
Jai Guru Deva
Some people get sad when they think about how the Beatles broke up near the peak of their stardom. The real miracle is that four people as talented as them all found each other and stayed together as long as they did. Any one of them could’ve carried a band and they all came together to create the most influential music group in the past century. Geniuses.
Tomorrow Never Knows, Within Without You , I am the Walrus...all part of their psychedelic/religious mind expanding phase. All wonderful in their own way. Lucy on the Sky with Diamonds will make you feel floaty for sure.
A great cover of this was done by Justin Hayward and John Lodge of The Moody Blues in a live video honoringJohn LENNON…