Let It Be by The Beatles

Album: Let It Be (1970)

Charted: 2 1

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Paul McCartney wrote this song. It was inspired by his mother, Mary, who died when he was 14. Many people thought "Mother Mary" was a biblical reference when they heard it.
Since Let It Be was The Beatles' last album, it made an appropriate statement about leaving problems behind and moving on in life. The album was supposed to convey an entirely different message. It was going to be called "Get Back," and they were going to record it in front of an audience on live TV, with another TV special showing them practicing the songs in the studio. It was going to be The Beatles getting back to their roots and playing unadorned live music instead of struggling in the studio like they did for The White Album. When they started putting the album together, it became clear the project wouldn't work, and George Harrison left the sessions. When he returned, they abandoned the live idea and decided to use the TV footage as their last movie. While the film was being edited, The Beatles recorded and released Abbey Road, then broke up. Eventually, Phil Spector was given the tapes and asked to produce the album, which was released months after The Beatles broke up. By then, it was clear "Let It Be" would be a better name than "Get Back."
According to McCartney, this is a very positive song, owing to its inspiration. One night when he was paranoid and anxious, he had a dream where he saw his mother, who had been dead for ten years or so - she came to him in his time of trouble, speaking words of wisdom that brought him much peace when he needed it. It was this sweet dream that got him to begin writing the song.

He told the story to James Corden when he appeared on his Carpool Karaoke segment. "She was reassuring me, saying, 'It's going to be OK, just let it be.' I felt so great. She gave me the positive words. I woke up and thought, 'What was that? She said 'Let It Be.' That's good.' So I wrote the song 'Let It Be' out of positivity."

Many have been moved by the song on a deeply personal level, including Corden, who broke down when they sang it together. "I remember my granddad, who was a musician, sitting me down and telling me, 'I'm going to play you the best song you've ever heard,' and he played me that," he said. "If my granddad was here right now he'd get an absolute kick out of this." McCartney replied, "He is."
John Lennon hated this song because of it's apparent Christian overtones. He made the comment before recording it, "And now we'd like to do Hark The Angels Come." Lennon saw to it that "Maggie Mae," a song about a Liverpool prostitute, followed it on the album. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Mike - Mountlake Terrace, WA. for above 2
It was John Lennon who wanted Phil Spector to produce the album. Spector worked on Lennon's "Instant Karma" and was known for his bombastic "Wall Of Sound" style. McCartney hated Spector's production, and in 2003 he pushed to have the album remixed and released without Spector's influence. The result was Let It Be... Naked, which eliminated most of Spector's work and is much closer to what The Beatles intended for the album. "Maggie Mae" and "Dig It" were removed, and an entirely different guitar solo was used for this song.
You'll hear different guitar parts on different versions on this song, as there were several overdubs of the solo. On April 30, 1969, George Harrison overdubbed a new guitar solo over the best take from the January 31, 1969 session. Harrison overdubbed another one on January 4, 1970, but there's a possibility that it was actually McCartney on that overdub. The first overdub solo was used for the original single release, and the second overdub solo was used for the original album release. The Let It Be... Naked version is the one from the movie.
The Beatles weren't the first to release this song - Aretha Franklin was. The Queen of Soul recorded it in December 1969, and it was released on her album This Girl's In Love With You in January 1970, two months before The Beatles released their version (she also covered The Beatles "Eleanor Rigby" on that album).

Aretha recorded it with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, who were a group of musicians that owned their own studio in Alabama, but would travel to New York to record with Aretha. David Hood, who was their bass player, told us that Paul McCartney sent demos of the song to Atlantic Records (Franklin's label) and to the Muscle Shoals musicians. Said Hood, "I kick myself for not grabbing that demo. Because I think they probably dropped it in the garbage. Our version was different. We changed it a little bit from his demo, where their version is different from that demo and from Aretha's version, as well. Just slightly, but little things."
In April 1987, this was released as a charity single in aid of The Sun newspaper's Zeebrugge ferry disaster fund. Featuring Paul McCartney, Mark Knopfler, Kate Bush, Boy George and many others, it was called "Ferry Aid" and spent three weeks at #1 in the UK. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Vishal - Delhi, India
Billy Preston added organ and electric piano to this track. Preston was such a significant contributor to the Let It Be album that John Lennon floated the idea of making him a full band member. Preston's contributions were more than musical: He came in after George Harrison got frustrated with the sessions and quit the band. After his bandmates agreed to his terms (including abandoning a live performance they had planned), Harrison returned to the sessions after 12 days and arranged for Preston to join them. Having Preston there kept tensions at bay and greased the creative gears, allowing them to complete the album that was looking precarious when he arrived.
This was the first Beatles song released in The Soviet Union. The single made it there in 1972.
In 2001, McCartney helped organize the "Concert For New York," to benefit victims of The World Trade Center disaster. He closed the show with this, inviting the other acts and some New York cops and firefighters on stage to sing with him.
The album had the largest initial sales in US record history up to that time: 3.7 million advance orders. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Bertrand - Paris, France
This song was played at Linda McCartney's funeral.
On July 18, 2008, Paul McCartney joined Billy Joel onstage at Shea Stadium in New York and played this as the final song of the final concert at Shea. As a member of The Beatles, McCartney played the first stadium rock concert when they performed at Shea on August 15, 1965.
According to Ian Macdonald's book Revolution in the Head, McCartney wrote "Let It Be" and "The Long and Winding Road" on the same day. >>>
Suggestion credit:
mick - london, United Kingdom
Until 1994 and the recordings for "Free As A Bird," the session for this song on January 4, 1970 was the last Beatles recording session. Lennon wasn't present that day, as he was on holiday.
A cover by American R&B artist Jennifer Hudson featuring the Roots, who are the house band on NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, debuted at #98 on the Hot 100 in February 2010. She recorded it for the Hope For Haiti Now charity telecast after the earthquake that devastated the country. It was the third time the song had entered the US singles chart as Joan Baez's version peaked at #49 in 1971.
A month after Jennifer Hudson's version reached the Hot 100, Kris Allen took the song to the chart for a fourth time when his cover debuted at #63. Allen's cut charted after he performed the song on American Idol, with proceeds from its digital sales benefiting Haiti earthquake relief efforts through the Idol Gives Back Foundation.
John Legend and Alicia keys performed this song on the tribute special The Beatles: The Night That Changed America, which aired in 2014 exactly 50 years after the group made their famous appearance on Ed Sullivan Show. Legend introduced it as "a song that has comforted generations with its beauty and its message."
Sesame Street used this with the title changed to "Letter B." The lyrics were changed to list words that begin with B.
At the Adopt-A-Minefield Benefit Gala, held at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles on September 18, 2002, Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson - arguably the two greatest living songwriters - performed "Let It Be" together after each did a full set. They also teamed up for Wilson's Beach Boys classic "God Only Knows," a song McCartney finds so moving, he teared up in soundcheck. "It was just too much to stand there singing this song that does my head in and to stand there singing it with Brian," he told BBC Radio 1.
Dolly Parton covered "Let it Be" for her 2023 rock album Rockstar. Her version features Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Mick Fleetwood and Peter Frampton.

Comments: 148

Luna Loud from Royal Woods, MichiganThis song is in C Major. There is only one sharp/flat (black key) in the entire song, used twice (during the descending progression during the interlude before the solo and at the end of the song). This song is absolutely beautiful and sometimes makes me cry. It's the first Beatles song I ever learned on the piano (the first was Imagine by John Lennon, also in C major). I love the solo in both versions. When McCartney plays it live I think the lead guitarist in his band plays his own version though.
Trevor Grimley from Kippa Ring Qld. I'm a little angry that they couldn't put the future of the band ahead of their petty squabbles and egos.the could have gone on for years and there was nothing to say that they couldn't releas albums in the own names.the Lennon and McCartney songwriter partnership agreement could have been terminated after Let It Be released.
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn this day in 1970 {March 8th} "Let It Be" by the Beatles peaked at #2 {for 1 week} on United Kingdom's Official Singles chart, for the week it was at #2, the #1 record for that week was "Wand'rin' Star" by Lee Marvin...
"Let It Be" reached #1 in Australia, Austria, Canada, Hungary, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and the United States...
Between 1962 and 1996 the 'Fab Four' had thirty-one records on the U.K. Singles chart, twenty-seven made the Top 10 with seventeen reaching the #1 position...
From July of 1964 to August of 1965 the Beatles had seven consecutive #1 records, their next charted record, "Penny Lane"/"Strawberry Fields Forever", would peak at #2, and then their next six releases peaked at the #1 positions...
R.I.P to both John Lennon {1940 – 1980} and George Harrison {1943 – 2001}
And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the remainder of the U.K. Singles Top 10 on March 8th, 1970:
At #3. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon And Garfunkel
#4. "I Want You Back" by Jackson Five
#5. "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" by the Edison Lighthouse
#6. "Instant Karma!" by John Ono Lennon
#7. "Let's Work Together" by Canned Heat
#8. "That Same Old Feeling" by Pickettywitch
#9. "Years May Come, Years May Go" by Herman's Hermits
#10. "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" by Sacha Distel
NOTE: The week "Let It Be" peaked at #2, was also its first week on the chart.
Siahara Shyne Carter from United StatesThe only part I can sing with tune
Let it be. Let it be. Let it be....
Barry from Sauquoit, NyExactly fifty years ago today on April 5th, 1970, "Let It Be" by the Beatles peaked at #1 {for 2 weeks} on Billboard's Top 100* chart...
And it also reached #1 in Australia, Austria, Canada, Hungary, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland...
In their native England on March 8th, 1970 "Let It Be" peaked at #2 {for 1 week} on the United Kingdom's Official Top 50 Singles chart, the #1 record for that week was "Wand'rin' Star" by Lee Marvin...
R.I.P. John and George...
* And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the remainder of Billboard's Top 10 on April 5th, 1970:
At #2. "ABC" by the Jackson 5
#3. "Instant Karma (We All Shine On)" by John Ono Lennon
#4. "Spirit In The Sky" by Norman Greenbaum
#5. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel
#6. "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" by Edison Lighthouse
#7. "House of The Rising Sun" by Frijid Pink
#8. "Come And Get It" by Badfinger
#9. "Easy Come, Easy Go" by Bobby Sherman
#10. "The Rapper" by the Jaggerz...
Humberto Veras from Recife - BrazilJohan, if you don't like Beatles, stop attacking us and leave this group. You are very unfriendly. We here discussed on the music of Beatles and then you come with personal jealousies
George from Vancouver, CanadaHere's an excellent rendition: http://www.viralmirror.com/gentri-church-cover-beatles-let-it-be/
Nick from CanadaLove this song! One of my alltime favourites!!
It's quite possible that it was inspired by a song from the movie"Cool Hand Luke"(1967)
There is part of a song called...."a closer walk with thee" ....and in the lyrics, "let it be" is repeated a few times.
Trebor from TexasSorry Johan-Let It Be is the best Beatles song bar none. Stop your sobbing and quit your whining. Lennon was so jealous of Paul towards the end and trashed everything by himself, Paul and the Beatles and was lousy towards George as well (his all things must pass comment after going to the bathroom while George was trying to fine tune this song with his mates).
Henrik from SwedenDefinitely wrong chord at 2:59.
John from NcOn the record "Let It Be," the lead solo was by George. On the DVD of the movie "Let It Be" the lead was Billy Preston. Why two different versions?
Don from Sevierville, TnWhen Paul McCartney says "for though they may be parted", it sounds like there's somebody whispering something. Does anyone know what's being said?
Emily - Asdf, Ia"

I hear that whispering during the 2nd verse too, but only on the single version (on "The Beatles/1967-1970"), but not on the album version. I think it's a studio blooper. No, I don't know what's being said either.
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn May 13th 1970, the Beatles' movie 'Let It Be' had its world premier in New York City...
One week later it would premier in London, England...
At the time the song was at #6 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 and in its 10th week on the chart.
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn March 1st 1970, a video of the Beatles performed "Let It Be" was aired on the CBS-TV program 'The Ed Sullivan Show'...
Two weeks later on March 15th it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart, amazingly at position #6!!!
The following week it jumped to #2, with "Bridge Over Troubled Water" in the top spot, it was in its 5th week at #1...
Simon and Garfunkel held off the Fab Four for another week, and finally in its fourth week on the Top 100 it moved into the #1 spot...
After two weeks at #1 the Jackson 5 with "ABC" bumped them out of #1...
It spent eleven weeks on the Top 10 during its first eleven weeks on the Top 100...
And finally in its 14th and finally week on the Top 100 it was at position #44; then the following week it was completely off the chart.
Johan from Stockholm, SwedenLennon definitively got fed up with McCartney's ego after making the film "Let it Be". After McCartney's coup 1965, the public and the cameramen were told that McCartney was the composer in the Beatles, and Lennon the clown, and that the cameramen must focus only on McCartney. Nobody knew at that time that Lennon had composed the masterpieces "Don't Let Me Down" and "Across the Universe". Nobody knew that up to this time, Lennon had composed some more songs than McCartney. Lennon is supposed to have composed most number one hits ever in Britain. This misconception during 1969, and before, and many decades forwards, that McCartney was the composer and Lennon perhaps the lyricwriter or the clown is one of the biggest scandals in music history. The scholars have much to do here. But nobody cares, because today we know better. But it caused the split of the greatest songwriter team ever.
Emily from St Louis, MoI wish this site had a voting system on the comments like youtube because many of the (opinions stated as facts) in the comments of this song are very annoying to Beatles fans who actually read and learn the history of the Beatles. I like reading the comments where people talk about how the song affects them or makes them feel and real facts that has a source like what - (LucyintheSky, Philadelphia, PA) reply to Krissy, Boston, MA. She stated her knowledge came from PAUL MCCARTNEY'S BIO -Many Years From Now. I don't mind constructive criticism as long as it not just plain silly or hateful.
Johan from Stockholm, SwedenThe singles by the Beatles 1963-1965, most by Lennon, had a new excitement! it wasn´t ordinary popmusic, it wasn´t jazz or folkmusic, it was a new kind of expressionism!
And then - I´m sorry to say - in the year 1968, they let McCartney dominate ther singles. And now the tens, the fire, the innovative wildness are gone. It´s not bad, but boring, sounds like all the popular music from 1930s to 1950s.
What is Let It Be comparing with Please Please Me? What happened with Lennon?
Jim from West Palm Beach, FlThere's a cathedral like sound to this song. Harrisons guitar solo and licks complete it.
Victor from Houston, TxI listened to this song today and for the first time heard the whisper after the word "parted", I'd put money on it that the whispered words are "still a chance." To back this up, I think either one of two things happened, 1. Either Paul was getting cues from the control room for lyrics (because immediately after, he sings the phrase "...still a chance..."), or 2. Because it was a cool idea for the whisper to represent those who have actually "parted" saying the words "still a chance." ...I love the melody line on this song.
Jorge from Oakland, Ca2 things about this song struck me in awe. First, the guitar solo was very lame for such an awesome song (but of course that was taken care of by a brilliant re-recording, courtesy of guitar virtuoso George Harrison). Second, no one seems to acknowledge the amount of soul injected into this song by Billy Preston's organ playing. As a matter of fact, this album should have been called "Let It Be by the Beatles and Billy Preston". Why? Because he played in almost every track: Don't Let Me Down, Get Back, Let It Be,and (although not in the same album) I Want You. Then the Stones borrowed him for the exact same effect.
Megan from Stevenson, AlThe lyrics to this song is amazing! WOW! I love this song soooo much that I'm actually thinking about making the lyrics to this my next tattoo! Well, of couse, if mama and daddy let me...Love The Beatles<3
George from Belleville, NjLet It Be could be a contender for the greatest song of all time.It certainly would get my vote.This is a highly inspirational song that can move the heart of the listener.What a classic.What a great guitar solo,it is so uplifting.When we go through troubled times,often that's when we can rise to the occasion and be inspired to move forward and press onward.That's what the song is about and it's a masterpiece.
Alainna Earl from Chester, PaOur choir sang this song and a bunch of other beatles songs. It was great to sing songs, I secretly knew all the words to and didnt need to study. By the way, because I'm Christian I believe that Mother Mary is Jesus mother. But I think Paul was talking about his mom as well.
Frances from Topeka, KsFor Patty THE END was the last song recorded by the Beales, they said it them selves... so ha
Capthca from New York, NyI would rate it as THE best Beatles song and maybe the best song period. It is possible John Lennon he just wished he had wrote it. The spiritual overtones are there and it is probably a combination of the two in question otherwise Lennon (who was a bit overrated) would not have made such a fuss.
Amanda from Bartlett, Tn>>>John Lennon hated this song because of it's apparent Christian overtones. He made the comment before recording it, "And now we'd like to do Hark The Angels Come." Lennon saw to it that "Maggie Mae," a song about a Liverpool prostitute, followed it on the album.

Exactly why I can't stand John Lennon.
Robert from Bloomfield, Moyou know let it be was the very first song I totally remember being the reason I remembered music.. above all the fact I know that after this musical break through at the age of 8, the beatles became my bible. and as i have named my band and projects Human9 it all stems from this experience. hard to explain the human physic. but I am so glad it came my way I feel as a brother to all of them.
tracy7-human9
Robert from Alhambra, CaBeing that Paul Mcartney is a Roman Catholic(look it up) I find it hard to believe this song is written about his mother. I agree with Blake in the U.K. Nadey let me ask you A question; If you were to write a very personal song about your mother who had died, why would you refer to her in first name? unless Paul quoted the meaning of the song himself, and it was about his mother. But Paul being a Roman Catholic,it only makes sense that he was singing of his faith in The Virgin Mary.
Mosty from Cairo, Egypthe began writing the song when he needed peace th bann was breaking up his mother Mary came to him in a dream and told him let it be let it be let it be
Dnnz from Aqp, PeruWhat?? there's no way this the last beatles sessions as this was recorded before the abbey road album, quite an expert you are patty
Rick from Derry, NhOk...well....from a Catholic point of view I find it really ironic that John Lennon hated this song because of it's apparent Christian overtones specifically because of the name of our Blessed Mother the Virgin Mary yet he died on December 8 which just happens to be the Feast of the Immaculate Conception - a Holy Day of Obligation for all practising Catholics. Hopefully, this song now brings him comfort!
Eric from San Francisco, CaYou either believe what Paul said about his song, or you don't (like Lucy, is it about LSD or Julian's drawing?). Either way, it is a beautiful, haunting, comforting song and it is nice to be able to have different interpretations. As far as the religious possibility, I really get a more spiritual than overtly religious sense. It is simply a masterpiece in its sincerity and beauty.

Eric, San Francisco
John from Grand Island, NyPaul's original lyric was "There will be no sorrow...Let it Be". On every official record release of the song he changes the lyric to the familiar "There will be an answer...Let it Be". BTW, Paul WAS singing about his mother who died of cancer when he was a teenager. With all the problems going on in the group he had a dream that his mother came to him and said "it will all work out Paul, just Let it Be".
Nick from Seattle, Albaniawhen i was in catholic grade school i thought this was about jesus, and his mother marry was singing this to him right before he died on the cross. the lyics kinda work and its a cool image...but now im older and smart and know its not about that, screw organized religion.
Chloe from St. Louis, Mobeautiful song. im very glad that they went with the "let it be" theme rather than "get back" in the end- even though it wasnt then, now its such an overused idea, 'getting back to your roots'. seriously, pretty much every artist has an album about 'getting back'. "let it be" sums it all up so much better; the bittersweet feeling the album gives you is exactly as it should have been. the end of an era. and PLEASE, people, dont ruin it by dragging christianity into this! they themselves have said it has nothing to do with religion. no song john had any part in ever would.
Anthony from Hermosa Beach, Cathis song is great but i love the 420th take
look it up on youtube
Colten from Venice,the whispering in the background is saying paul is dead that was one of thoes clues of paul bieng dead even though he isnt
Annelies from Hopatcong, NjI am doing this song in chorus and i think it sounds wonderful. i love the beatles.
Syd Malone from Liverpool, United Kingdombrilliant song no doubt
but definitly one of the beatles worst albums together as a band
Farris from Halifax, NsThis is my favorite song ever. Hands Down.
Mary from Ewing, Njwe are singing this song in school and i want to cry every time i hear it!
Nady from Adelaide, AustraliaI'm sorry Blake but you are quite WRONG. Mary was the name of Paul's mother,Mary was his mother, "mother Mary" get it yet mate??? It has NOTHING to do with the "virgin" mary. ugh
Blake from London, United KingdomThis song has direct references to the Christian faith: The Blessed Virgin Mary is mentioned numerous times. it's a very sweet track that, I think, promotes trust in, and a more personal relationship with, the Being that has the power to control everything
Tay from San Diego, Caone problem, Paul's mum died when he was younger then 14. Anyway, this song is truly beautiful. You can listen to it forever & never get tired off it. it's liberating.
Cameron from Austin, Txits up to listener to interpt the song. Paul wrote it about his mother and that's what he interpts it as. I interpt this as about the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

I'm Catholic. What do you expect?
Reza from Shiraz, Iranlove this song but really thought it was about virgin mary
Kayla from Nashville, Tni like this song but its sad to me because to me its thier way of saying The Beatles are done "Let It Be"
Catherine from Essex, United Kingdomi think that the beatles are all equally fun clever imaginative and talented. although i am quite disgusted with how john is sometimes. he thinks he is better than evryone else, evryone defends him coz he was murdered, its sick that happened but doesnt change the beatles r all equal and john has no right to put others down. this song is so deep and inspirational. it gets me through and is so enlightened. it would be heartbreaking for john to whisper childishly in this song, when it is about pauls mother. it makes me sad to think of john being that self absorbed and malicious, yet i like to think he truly doesnt mean it. the beatles r all equal and will live forever
Matthew from Columbus, TxThis is like the greatest song ever!
Maggie from Tulsa, OkTo Daniel... there is no biblical refrence!!! Paul is talking about his own mom... MARY.
Katie from Charleston, ScThere is a video on YouTube of them recording this song and I cannot watch it without crying.
Susan from Toronto, CanadaThe Rolling Stones twisted this title for their song "Let It Bleed" ("Let It Be"/"Let It Bleed," get it?)
Susan from Toronto, CanadaI read in a magazine (forget which) Johnny Cash say this was his very favorite song.
Daniel from Novi Sad, YugoslaviaIn my opinion this song is ONE OF THE GREATEST SONGS EVER, :) it's sensitive..., also I think that there is Biblical reference (which makes this song perfect)...
Michaela from Brooklyn, NyI agree with mostly every comment on this pretty song.
Agostinho from Jersey City, NjI like this song very much, watching the video with Paul singing the song and hearing the lyrics you can see the deep sorrow that he is going through in his Life. One thing i cannot understand is that if he is singing about his Mother than why would he say mother, 'Mary' ? I don't think any of us would reference our Mother by name. We would simply say 'My Mother' or 'My Mom' or anything like that but never take name. Strange ...
Bianca Sanchez from Alburquerque, NmI also hear whispering it sunds like George says "Stop it John"
Then towards the end George says "Shut up John" Or I think he does.
Bianca Sanchez from Alburquerque, NmI love this song it's so Beautiful!
Chris from Charleston, Scanyone notice in the 3rd verse where Paul messes up and hits a wrong chord? haha, even the best can screw up every now and then
Dezirae from Endicott, NyAbsolutely amazing. No words can describe this song acurately.....
Wes from Sherwood, Arone of the beatles best songs,period.
Rachel from Lennonville, InHey, I can hear whispering too. I love John Lennon, but he can be a jerk sometimes. Sorry, but he can. I think this is an awesome song, and I guess I can see how this song as Christian aspect to it, but I think it's mostly about Paul's mother. So, I don't get why he had to be a jerk about it.
Grace from Bundaberg, AustraliaI hear the whispering in it as well.
I think it could be probably George saying, "Stop it, John," or "Shut up, John."
Because John didnt like this song much did he?
I think he could of done something while they were recording the song.
What do you's think?
Molly from Niagara Falls, NyThe strings and choir are on the George Martin/Chris Thomas single mix already, but lower in the mix, so I don't think Spector added them.

Of this take we have 4 mixes available, 3 officially: Glyn John's mix; the single mix; the album mix; and the 2003 mix. I prefer the single mix.
Meredith from Wauwatosa, WiI love this song so much! I love that Paul wrote it for his mommy! John had written "Julia" for his mommy and Paul liked the idea so he followed suit. Remember that he also lost his beloved Linda to Breast Cancer in 98. RIP Linda! I think this song is one of the best Beatles songs ever, but asking me to pick my favorite Beatles song is like telling me to not eat chocolate ever again. Can't be done! I was born in the wrong decade! Beatles fan forever!
Paul from Athens, GreeceHow do you feel about Nick Cave's cover ? Is it successful or not?
Craig from Melbourne, AustraliaOverblown piece of crap. Sort of some the Beatles up when you think of it.
Lucyinthesky from Philadelphia, PaI want to add that Let it Be is of course a beautiful great meaningful song!
Lucyinthesky from Philadelphia, PaKrissy,
You are *SO* right about how sad and cruelly ironic it is that Paul lost his wonderful mother Mary McCartney who was a nurse and a midwife from breast cancer when Paul was only 14 years old and his brother Michael only 12,and then Linda McCartney who was a kind, pretty,intelligent talented rock photographer died also from the same terrible disease and left Paul and her children without a mother!

Paul says in his authorized biography by Barry Miles that he had a very realistic dream 12 years after his mother was dead, and he saw her alive and she seemed so real and she told him to just accept things as they are. He said when he woke up he thought about how wonderful it was to see her again and wrote Let it Be soon after. Paul and his brother's last visit with their mother was in the hospital and she was bleeding and nobody told Paul and his brother that she had breast cancer and had an operation and thats why she was bleeding,and nobody told Paul and his brother why she died,and they wouldn't let them go to the funeral or tell them where she was burried! I really wonder when and by who Paul found out the truth about how his mother died and where she was burried. Paul says that his earliest memories of his mother are many people coming to their door to bring her presents as a thank you for being so kind and delivering their babies. And Paul also says he remembers his mother riding her bike in the snow at 2 in the morning to help deliver people's babies!
Elizabeth from Peoria, IlThey played this song at my grandma's funeral. Makes me wanna cry! I heard the whispering too... it gave me chills! very creepy...
Krissy from Boston, MaI love this song. It was so sweet of him to write it for his mother. She died of breast cancer and so did Linda(his wife). It must be really hard for him to have to women he loved died of the same thing. I love Paul McCartney he is such a good man.
Trent from Portland, TnHey emily asdf, I Have this song on my ipod and i here the wispering too coment back
Tim from Sterling Heights, MiHey, Brandon from TN, after "for though they may be parted" I think it says "Stop it John".Wierd
Krista from Elyria, OhPoor mary! This is a beautiful song! On YouTube there was a vid with a penguin on Club Penguin type lyrics as th song is played, and he did it PERFECTLY!!!! Paul, this is a great song!
Andrew from Indianapolis, InMike in AL you've probably heard the let it be...naked version that has a differant guitar solo by George Harrison that does indeed kick a**
Brandon from Morristown, Tnwhen paul mccartney says "for though they may be parted", it sounds like there's somebody whispering something. does anyone know what's being said?
- emily, asdf, IA

Your right,creepy.
Izzy from Perth, AustraliaTC number 1.
Mike from Hueytown , AlNot sure which version it is but in one the guitar playing kicks ass ! The lyrics are lame but to me the guitar playing makes this song a classic.
John from Mountain Lakes, Njsounds like he plays the wrong chord at 2:59
Ann from Baltimore, MdDefinitely brings me to tears on a regular basis. Why does this song strike so many so deeply?
Koolguy from The Ozarks, United StatesAwesome song. It sometimes makes me cry. Awesome song to confort people.
Farrah from Elon, NcI love this song with great passion!!! This is the best song the Beatles ever did.
Xavier from Pune, IndiaThe opening piano part for Westlife's 'Swear it again' has been lifted from this song. Maybe i'm hearing things, but thats what i thought when I compared the two songs..
Emily from Asdf, Iawhen paul mccartney says "for though they may be parted", it sounds like there's somebody whispering something. does anyone know what's being said?
Niall from Dublin, IrelandRIP Billy preston
Robb from London, EnglandGreat song one of my personal favourites.

Hoping someone goes on a Journey South anarchy raid for the god awful cover they did of it. :(
Buzz from HamiltonChris from Cape Town- I absolutely 100% think the same way about the song...and I do think that what John did was mean. I love this song, I absolutely love it. The whole song is so uplifting...and it is so inspiring.
Chris from Cape Town, SwedenMy favorite song of all time, and not without reason. Whether or not it has biblical reference (and I think McCartney intended for people to draw their own conclusions about this) the message is so very clear, brought across in the music in a way that only The Beatles were capable of. Every time I hear the guitar solo I can't stop myself closing my eyes and just taking it in. A song that's gotten me through some troubled times as well.
(P.S. I also hear the whisper, it sounds like a name to me)
Mike from Saint JohnHey Mark from Australia, i hear the whisper too. It's at 1:07 in the song. Anyways, i really love this song. Truly an amazing piece of work.
Meaner from Karachi, PakistanOne of my favourite Guitar Solos of all time - So much feeling!!!!
Nikita from Easton, PaVery inspirational song.
Steve from Fenton, MoCheck out the lyrics to the Paul Simon song "Mother anc Child Reunion". I think it is a response to McCartney's "Let It Be".
Teresa from Mechelen, BelgiumVery right, Steve, the Spector produced CD is much better and I also consider his version of the song "The Long and Winding Road" the best.
Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" makes the difference, it's just great.
Steve from Fenton, MoI think the lead guitar on Let It Be from the Spector produced CD is way better than the lead guitar on the single version (which is on Past Masters vol 2). I always pictured John Lennon playing the lead on the Let It Be CD version, just seemed more his style than George's. That's the main reason I like Spector's version better. I like Spector's version of The Long and Winding Road the best, too. No offense meant to Paul, it's just what I grew up with. I would rate John slightly better than Paul the first half of the Beatles' existence, and Paul slightly better the second half. I would rate them about equal over the lifetime of the Beatles. Either of them by themselves was better than anyone else in Rock history.
Matt from Haddon Hieghts, NjMy frinds say that they say let it be 36 times so they hate it but their all pieces of dog do

Great Song
Don from Newmarket, CanadaActually I don't think George played two different guitars. I think the single & album versions of the song were mixed differently.
Zack from Dublin, Ohthis is truly a beatle classic and a great ending to the greatest band ever
Matthew from East Brunswick, NjLet it be, let it be, let it be, ooo let it be, whisper words of wisdom. Let it be.

Beautiful. Yet, tranquil and genius.
Linus from Hamilton, On, CanadaYour teacher asked you the meaning of the universe?
Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScHosh where did you get your information? The reason I'm asking is because Paul specifically said in an interview about this song, that it is about his mother, and that it was inspired by a dream he had. She died when he was 14 and her name was Mary. Apparently Paul wrote it went he was going through a hard time.
Josh from Erlanger, KyThis song was NOT about his mother, also named mary. It was actually about the breakup of the Beatles, and all the problems they were undergoing throughout.
Floyd from Dallas, TxThis is such a beautiful song. I'm a guy and i think that. It got my girlfriend into the beatles with it. KICK ASS SONG!
Howard from St. Louis Park, MnI remember hearing a shorter cover version years ago by Danny Kirwan, formerly of Fleetwood Mac.
Pat from Brampton, CanadaPaul re-recorded "Let It Be" as an all-star charity record in 1987. It was a fundraiser for victims of Zeebrugge ferry disaster. The re-recording was credited to "Ferry Aid" and includes vocals by Paul, Kate Bush, Holly Johnson of Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Boy George of Culture Club, Suzi Quatro, and several other UK pop stars. Ironically, this remake went to #1 on the UK charts, and is therefore more successful than the Beatles' original which was peaked at #2.
Davis from Montreal, CanadaI did a "remix" of this which is almost identical to the album except that during the solo, I pasted the single's solo in one channel (like stereo-- left and right) and thus, had them going in separate speakers. It sounds really cool. I won't post it here, kuz id be sued, but you all might try it.
Davis from Montreal, CanadaIt's a great song, but it bugs me how cliched it's become. Why do all soft songs (Let it Be, Across the Universe, Hey Jude) that are actually nice and artistic get like this? There should be a ban on covering any such songs as to preven them from fluffing.
Suzi from Charleston , Scany time i am going through a rough time, this song lifts me up. its absolutley beautiful and inspiring. McCartney feels this song is intended to be uplifting, along with "Too Much Rain" from his new album.
Filip from WarszawaWhile preparing the official, Spector-produced "Let It Be" LP sequencing, John Lennon knew he had to include the title song which he disliked, but couldn't help bookending it with his own mocking song-snippets "Dig It" and "Maggie Mae" (a trad Liverpoodlian song) to diminish the Paul's anthem's force.
Boogiespencer from Bethesda, MdIn Case anybody was wondering...McCartney sings the Phrase "let it be" 36 times in the studio version. This is something you do when your bored on the lifecycle. Peace..great tune....good for a broken Heart
Lee from Clearwater, FlI always think of this as the Beatles final bow, their swan song. Its like they are saying, we have said all we had to say, the songs speak for us. I realize that was not written for that purpose, but never the less...........
Harry from Truro, EnglandIf you listen really carefully you can hear what sounds like Ringo picking up his drumsticks
Niki from Chicago, IlI think this song and Here Comes The Sun are very uplifting.
Elson from Los Angeles, CaHis mother Mary or the Virgin Mary? I say: Both! Truly talented songwriters can load phrases or references with more than one meaning. Yes, he probably meant his own mother in the song, but don't forget that the word "Amen" is Hebrew for "Let It Be."
Fazla from Newport, Waleswonderful song!!
Ross from Independence, MoThis is #20 in Rolling Stone's list of 500 greatest songs.
Lee Newham from London, EnglandMy favourite song too (of all time). It's a shame at live aid that Paul McCartney's microphone didn't work for the first 2 minutes of the song (they forgot to turn it on apparently!) I had waited all day to see him especially! Then when the microphone started to work, everyone came on stage and you couldnt hear him!
Robert from Puyallup, WaIn Chris De Burgh's song "Perfect Day", friends picnicing on the beach sing a number of Beatles songs, including "Let It Be". After the title is mentioned, a Harrisonesque guitar plays the solo from the album version of "Let It Be". It's a nice effect.
Jude from Thomasville, GaThis is absolutely my favorite Beatles song, no matter what version it is. If it had to end, I'm glad it ended this way. Thank you, Paul.
Devon from Mclean, VaIn 1974 or '75 I had a pre-Spectorized _Let It Be_ bootleg by "Catso" records, I liked it much better, just as I, uh, exSPECTed. Long gone, I'd love to compare it to the "naked" _Let It Be_ 2003.11.17 release. "Cazo" is Italian for that body part which guys value the most, Italian gals joke that boys are so insecure they have to keep checking it's still there but the truth is when you wear your pants that tight it itches.
Ken from Louisville, KyIn the "Let It Be" movie, Paul sings this song with slighly different lyrics, including the line "there will be no sorrows". That version never appeared on the single or on the "Let It Be" LP.
Stefanie Magura from Rock Hill, ScRich even though 'let it be" may be a biblical reference, Paul wrote the song in the '60's, when he was having a hard time. In a dream, he heard his mother telling him that everything would be all right, and her name was Mary. He explained this on a radio show called beatle Brunch.
Mark from Perth, Australiaduring the line 'And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree', about a minute into the song you can hear a really quiet whisper and it almost sounds like someone saying "shut-up john" can anyone else hear this????? great song anyway
Jack from St. Paul, MnIf you listen really closely to this song you can hear someone pressing a phone key. Its during the guitar solo near the end.
Teresa from Mechelen, BelgiumI think Phil Spector's version is perfect, the more I hear this song, the more I love it.
You give any song to Phil Spector and he'll make a masterpeace of it. I think that Phil Spector had already talent the day he was born.
Henry from Victoria, CanadaThe Anthology 3 version, while rougher sounding, is much more true to the spirit of the Get Back sessions, which were generally loose and raw. The Naked version sounds too polished and clean.
Loretta from Liverpool, EnglandI think that some songs were better with spector's additions? and some weren't. Though Long and Winding road is far from my favorite beatles song, the Spector version over fluffs it. It was meant to be a simple ballad, not a grand glorious string and choir piece. Let it Be, on the other hand, works well with strings and choir. It is a song that has more motion and power to it, and I think that the strings really help there.
Sarah from Santa Rosa, Cait is not a biblical reference, paul's mother's name was mary! it says up there! ^^^
Sarah from Santa Rosa, CaBoo Phil Spector! Let it Be Naked rocks! WooHoo! This is a beautiful song, and I think it will always be a classic among all generations! I <3 Beatles!
Rich from Boise, IdIn response to the first fact about this song, "Let it be" is, in fact, a biblical reference. Mary, the mother of Jesus, says "let it be" after the angel tells her she will bear a son even though she is a virgin. It is possible that Paul might have heard his mother say this and attributed the quote to her, but it originally did come from 'Mother Mary'. Either way, it is truly a beautiful song.
Ellen from Nashville, Tni love this song. when im really sad about something, i listen to it and i know that its gonna be fine. obla-di obla-da does the same thing for me
Jason from Mesa, AzRandy knows his Beatles.
Theresa from Bear, DeGeorge Harrison said in an interview that "My Sweet Lord" was meant to encourage people to meditate and take up a mantra. "Let It Be" has been a meditational mantra for me for years. My brother was a big Beatles fan and when he died, it helped me get through his death and know he was with "Mother Mary".
Rick De Hartog from Springfield, United Statesi like it-- sometimes it strikes me as being corny, but i LOVE the single version's guitar solo
Evan from Orlando, FlI love this song, whenever i feel really depressed i just play this over and over again. It makes me feel like everything will be allright.
Don from Philadelphia, PaPhil Spector didn't ruin this one. George's guitar solo was better on Spector's version.
Scott Baldwin from Edmonton, CanadaOn the "Anthology 3" cd,Paul accedentially sings:
Wake up to the sound of music
Mother Mary somes to me
There will be no sorrow
Let it be
instead of "Speaking words of wisdom".
Spencer from South Kingstown, RiBest Beatle's song ever, and one of the greatest songs ever. It'd be easy to listen to this song on repeat for hours on end, it's one of those songs you never get tired of hearing.
Shirley from Ocean, NjRight on, Bob.
Bob from Las Vegas, NvNot only quite possibly one of the greatest Beatles song... possibly one of the greatest songs of all time. Its truly incredibly, there is really no other way to put it... no one could get a message across like The Beatles
Nige from Southampton, Englandwas re-released after the zeebruger ferry disaster in 1987? by a bunch of popular artists of the time.
Yu from Demarest, PaAfter Paul's wife Linda passed away, he, George, Ringo and Elton John came together to play this song for her memorial.
Evan from Acworh, Gagreat song to listen to when you've had a bad day... its gotten me through some rough times
Joe from Oshawa, Canadagreat song . but when he saids mother mary talks to me is he talking about his mom mary or the saint mary .
Marco from Los Angeles, Cathe lead harrison played on let it be was the same on a Cream's song Badge
Bernie from Liverpool, Englandquite possibly the best beatles song
Elihu from Toronto, CanadaThere was also a Hebrew version made about the 1967 war...Lu Yehee
Carolyn from P'ville, Ca(2001) Nick Cave sang this song for the I Am Sam soundtrack.
Randy from Beaumont, TxInspired by a dream Paul had about his mother advising him to "let it Be" concerning the squabbles about the Beatle's breakup and all the lawsuits