BY DAN RATHER AND TEAM STEADY
Credit: Getty Images
Paul McCartney has written dozens of classic songs, but none makes me smile more than “Let It Be.” The song is especially meaningful on Mother’s Day. This three-word piece of maternal advice is part catharsis, part inspiration, and a balm when things are going wrong.
“Let It Be” is the title track from the Beatles 12th and final studio album. Many believe the song is an allusion to the Virgin Mary. Though McCartney has said that listeners can interpret the song however they like, he explained that the “Mother Mary” in “Let It Be” is actually his mother, Mary Patricia McCartney, who died when he was 10.
In his autobiography The Lyrics, McCartney, who wrote the song as the Fab Four were deciding to disband, said he was looking for solace during that challenging time. The solace was given by his mother, who came to him in a dream.
“When you dream about seeing someone you’ve lost, even though it’s sometimes for just a few seconds, it really does feel like they’re right there with you, and it’s as if they’ve always been there. I think anyone who’s lost someone close to them understands that, especially in the period of time just after they’ve passed away … but in this dream, seeing my mum’s beautiful, kind face and being with her in a peaceful place was very comforting. I immediately felt at ease, and loved and protected. My mum was very reassuring and, like so many women often are, she was also the one who kept our family going. She kept our spirits up. She seemed to realize I was worried about what was going on in my life and what would happen, and she said to me, ‘Everything will be alright. Let it be.’”
The video for the song was recently remastered from the original 16mm film shot in 1970 just before the band broke up. You may notice someone other than Paul, John, George, or Ringo in the video. That is famed singer-songwriter Billy Preston playing the Hammond organ.
To the mothers, thank you for all the love, inspiration, and advice.
NYA Thanks Dan Rather and Team Steady!