Lyrics Decoded: Across the Universe

Words are flowing out like
Endless rain into a paper cup
They slither wildly as they slip away across the universe.
Pools of sorrow waves of joy
Are drifting through my opened 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 life
Are ringing through my opened ears
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.
Jai Guru Deva.
Jai Guru Deva.
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world

These are some of my favourite lyrics ever sung. Although my favourite Beatles song changes by the day, these have remained my favourite Beatles lyrics since I first heard the song on a rainy car journey. The way it is sung is so ethereal it seems to transport you out of yourself, and I would say that this is the song I turn to if I need to soothe my mind and think about something seriously.

The most important line in this song is: 'Pools of sorrow waves of joy/Are drifting through my opened mind/Possessing and caressing me.'  This is especially profound to someone anxious, as it shows a state of mind anyone with worries feels like they need to inhibit. Lennon here allows us to truly understand what he is thinking, and that is - nothing. He keeps his mind open, letting whatever thoughts he must have float through and leave as they see fit. His thoughts are there and he is aware of them, but he pays them no hedence. He locks them away and packages them inside a box to send away. He knows that all negativity is an illusion created by the mind - only real experiences matter.

Now, 'Jai Duru Deva Om' is supposed to roughly translate to 'praise to the victorious one' or  'glory to the guru' or something along those lines. However, this is merely just a mantra. What matters is the sound of the words, not what they actually mean. Purely, its what they mean to you that matters. Your mantra could be something as nonsensical as 'Buddha is a fluffy cushion' and it would be completely appropriate, because saying the very word - letting the syllables roll over your tongue over and over will occupy your mind so only the truest thoughts come through. Well, that is my theory anyway.

I personally listen to this song when I'm feeling hopeless. My mantra is 'nothings gonna change my world' because it gives me such comfort to think that no matter what happens, I will always be the same inherent person. Nothing can change your state of mind, the way you are. I like it because it gives me a sense of destiny. Yes this thing happened, but it was meant to. My world is supposed to go one way, and nothing can divert it from that track. 

So, in essence, this is a song to comfort you. To soothe your worries, and keep you feeling absolutely safe in your destiny.